Which Thief are you?
"Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be
executed."
(Luke 23:32)
In fulfillment of the prophet Isaiah's prophecy, Jesus was crucified between
two thieves: "He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich
in his death" (Isa 53:9). Both were criminals. Both were being
punished for crimes they had INDEED committed. But they were also VERY
different. Could it be that perhaps God had a lesson for us to learn by
choosing these particular two men to flank His Son's death? Let's take a
closer look at each of these thieves:
"One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: 'Aren't you
the Christ? Save yourself and us!'" (Luke 23:39).
The first thief, even while himself hanging on a cross, continues in his
chosen way of life by hurling insults at the Son of Man. Is it pride that
spurs his words? Or perhaps fear of the crowd? We aren't told, but one
thing is sure: This man is not repentant for what he has done!
"But the other criminal rebuked him. 'Don't you fear God,' he said,
'since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are
getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong. Then
he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.'" (Luke
23:40-42)
What a contrast to the first thief! The second humbly tells the first to be
quiet! He admits to his crimes, even recognizes that he deserves the
punishment he receives. What a difference!
I would like to suggest that these two thieves that flanked Jesus at Calvary
represent all of mankind. Both thieves had sinned, and so has all of
mankind! ". . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
(Rom. 3:22-24). Both were deserving of their punishment, just as each of us
is worthy of death for our sins. But just as the two thieves were very
different, I would like to suggest that there are also two very different
groups of people within the category of "mankind".
The first group, represented by the first thief who continued in his life of
sin by hurling insults at Jesus as He hung on the cross, are those who
proudly continue in their walk of death. When given the choice of freedom
from their lives of sin, they mock Jesus' gift of grace by refusing to
accept it, even mocking the ones sent to bring the gospel to them.
The second group of people, represented by the second thief, are those who
recognize their need of a Saviour and humbly admit to their sin. Then they
take it a step farther. The second thief, after admitting his guilt, said:
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." (Luke 23:42).
He lay his guilt at Jesus' feet! And how did Jesus respond? The exact same
way He does today, my friends! "Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the
truth, today you will be with me in paradise.'" (Luke 23:43). Jesus'
gift of grace is free for the asking. All we have to do is humbly
admit our guilt and accept Jesus' gift of Salvation!
Which thief represents you, my friends? Are you still filled with pride? Do
you still feel you are being unfairly treated? Do you still call out, "Why
me, Lord?" Do you mock the gift of grace by denying it, by claiming you
have to "do" something to be saved? Why not be like the other thief today?
Why not humbly admit/confess your wrongdoings and allow Jesus in?
Reach out to Him today, friends! This is the day of Your Salvation! Answer
the Savior's call! For if you don't, His death for YOU will be in vain!
Which thief are you?
Love in Christ,
Lyn
Lyn Chaffart,
Moderator, The Nugget, Scriptural Nuggets (
www.sermonillustrator.org/minisermons/ ), Answers2Prayer Ministries,
www.Answers2Prayer.org ,