The Thief on That Cross

There were two thieves caught up in the historic drama we now call Good Friday. Both were justly condemned and subjected to the Roman means of capital punishment which featured being beaten and nailed to a cross in a public place.

Early in the crucifixion process both men, experiencing a level of physical torture and blood loss we will never know, reviled their fellow prisoner, the man in the middle, the man Christ Jesus.

Somewhere in the process one of the thieves had a change of heart and began to challenge the other’s words,”…for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.” That thief acknowledged and confessed his sin.

The repentant, dying thief then looked to Jesus and acknowledged him as King, seeking to be with Him in His Kingdom.

The gracious Lord received the man and said, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

The thief on that cross was crucified with Christ, was buried as was Christ and was granted a place in Christ’s Kingdom.

I too have been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ”).

I too have been buried with Christ (Romans 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death”)

I too have been granted a place in His Kingdom (1 Thessalonians 2:12 “God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.”)

I am the thief on that cross!

Luke 23: 32-43