By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

(Read: Luke 23:33-49)

The Rev. Ron Purkey

“And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. ” (Luke 23:39-42).

Crucifixion is perhaps the most humiliating and painful form of execution ever devised, yet Jesus offered no resistance and manifested no resentment. He even prayed for those responsible for his death (verse 34). His prayer did not automatically secure personal forgiveness for his enemies, but it did hold back the wrath of God for nearly 40 years, therefore giving the nation of Israel time to repent.

In fulfillment of Isaiah 53:12, Jesus was crucified with two criminals as he interceded for the transgressors. The mockery fulfilled in Psalm 22:6-8, and the offer of the drink in Psalm 69:21. The light and darkness remind us of Psalm 22:1-2, and the cry in verse 46 fulfills Psalm 31:5.

Luke is the only Gospel writer who records the conversation on the cross between Christ and a thief. How did the thief know Jesus had a kingdom?

Probably from the official plaque hanging over his head (verse 38). How did he know that Jesus could save him? He heard the mockers cry, “He saved others!” (verse 35) Even the wrath of man can praise God.

Our Lord in his compassion brought a thief out of sin and into salvation, and he did it in the nick of time. But we must never use this thief as an excuse for delay in deciding for Christ, for it is likely he was saved at his first opportunity. We have no evidence that he had ever met Jesus before.

The fact that Jesus dismissed his spirit is evidence that he was in full control of the situation (John 10:15, 17-18). The word translated “commend” in verse 46 means “to deposit, to commit for safekeeping.” Paul used it in 1 Timothy 1:18 and 2 Timothy 2:2, and Peter in 1 Peter 4:19. This statement, quoted from Psalm 31:5, was used as a Jewish child’s bedtime prayer

The thief was a sinner just like every person born on this earth except for the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus was God’s Son, and he was dying for the sins of the whole world. But only those who believe (i.e., trust) in Christ for salvation and have their sins forgiven, and they will live eternally in paradise with him.

We will close with the words of Jesus spoken to the believing thief in Luke 23:43: “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Have you trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, too?

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.