"What Kind of Criminal Are You?"

Scripture Passage

Mark 15:21-24; Matthew 27:32-34; Luke 23:26-31; John 19:17; Mark 15:25-32; Matthew 27:35-44; Luke 23:32-43; John 19:18-27; Mark 15:33-41; Matthew 27:45-56; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-37

Scripture Focus

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.’ Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” (Luke 23:39-42 NLT)

Observation

Two criminals were crucified alongside Jesus at Calvary. We don’t always give them a lot of thought—indeed, we don’t know much about them, and their deaths were not especially unusual. Capital punishment was commonplace in ancient Rome.

We do know, however, that they each held different attitudes toward their own deaths and the death of Jesus. One of the criminals was caustic and sarcastic, demanding that if Jesus really were the Messiah, He should prove it by saving himself and—while he was at it—the caustic criminal, as well! The second criminal took a different bent, acknowledging the greatness and justice of God, the sinfulness of his own life, and the innocence of Christ.

Today, I’m asking myself this question: “What kind of criminal am I?” That is, with which of these two men do I most readily and consistently identify? For however others might see me, I am—in the sight of an altogether perfect, holy God—a rebel…an insurgent…and absolutely guilty of multiplied crimes against Him. The question is not my guilt or innocence—or God’s authority to judge my crimes. The question is my response to my condition. Am I arrogant and critical, casting blame on others for my status before God? Or do I readily acknowledge my sinfulness, own it as my own, and welcome as His gift of grace any deliverance He might offer?

Of course, the second course is the only effective course. As Jim Cymbala wrote in Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, “God is attracted to weakness. He can't resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need him.” Like the second criminal to address our Lord, my heart cries out, “Jesus, remember me!” (Luke 23:42 NLT) I’m grateful for our Savior’s reply—“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43 NLT)

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