Three crosses, two criminals, one Saviour. Three crosses, two destinies, one way.
Crosses, instruments of torture, rough timbers stained with the blood of criminals, pierced with nail holes, stood in the place of public execution, Calvary, Golgotha, the Place of the Skull strewn with the bones of the unidentified condemned. A place of disgrace and shame resounding with cries of agony and rage breathed out with shallow breaths from the crosses above, mingled with the cries of condemnation from the crowds below. A place reeking of death, perfected by the Romans for maximum pain and suffering, located in an area of maximum traffic for maximum humiliation.
Such was the scenario on that fateful day over two thousand years ago.
Two crucified criminals hung on either side of Christ, two criminals, sinners, convicted thieves. Two criminals joined with the passers by, the chief priests, the scribes and elders, and the soldiers to hurl abuse at Jesus, the Sinless One, the Innocent One hanging between them.
Matthew 27:39-44 “And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, “ You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God come down from the cross”. In the same way, the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him saying, “He saved others, He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we shall believe Him.” “He trusts in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He takes pleasure in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ “And the robbers also who had been crucified with Him were casting the same insults at Him.”
In the midst of this cacophony of abuse, there came from the cross in the center, the voice of God the Son, the gentle voice of grace and mercy victorious over malice. “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
Was that the moment of transformation for one of the thieves? Was that the moment where he saw the agony of the Holy One beside Him respond with unimaginable compassion. Was that the moment his heart was pierced with truth? Was that the moment where that one thief with his dying breaths received life?
Luke 23:39-43 “and one of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other criminal answered and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus , remember me when You come in Your Kingdom!” And Jesus said to him, “ Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
In that one moment, for that one man, the ugliness of the death he would die, became the beauty of the life he would live…with Christ eternally!
Two criminals in the presence of God. One challenging, rebellious, unbelieving. The other rebuking him, recognizing the King, finding reverence, repentance,redemption, and restoration. Two criminals died on the cross that day but one received life from The Life Giver Who with His last dying breaths, offered Paradise to the new believer.
Three crosses, two criminals, One Saviour. Three crosses, two choices, one way to Heaven. Life can change in one moment!
