And he (the thief) was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

                                                                                                         Luke 23:42-43 

Today: Read Luke 23

When we examine the crucifixion of Jesus, four distinct perspectives of this event surface. We should consider each of these viewpoints in light of how we have responded to the cross of Christ. This type of spiritual evaluation can ensure that we are on the road that leads to life!

Perspective #1: The Angry Mob

Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again, but they kept on calling out, saying, “Crucify, crucify Him!”

                                                                                                            Luke 23:20-21 

It is quite unimaginable that a crowd would prefer to have a convicted criminal released when they could have seen the blameless Jesus freed. Of course this was all according to the sovereign plan of God however, humanly speaking, the release of a guilty man over that of an innocent One speaks volumes as to the mindset of the crowd. As Pilate addressed these people, they were all the more adamant that justice would not rule the day. Today, this attitude is still alive and well. The angry mob is set against anything resembling godliness and order. If it is by God’s design, these people will oppose it. The hatred, bitterness, and anger that reside in their hearts can be observed in their actions, words, and opinions. They represent the crowd, with gnashing of teeth, yelling, “Crucify, crucify Him!” Within the angry mob, the name of Jesus is rejected and all manner of ungodliness is embraced and revered.

Perspective #2: The Skeptics

And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.” The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine, and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!” 

                                                                                                                 Luke 23:35-37 

Then there are the skeptics. They are more reserved in their mocking yet they hold the same opinion as that of the mob. They sneer and mock the name of Jesus. They do not believe because they see no “evidence” for believing. If Jesus was all-powerful, why not call on the angels from heaven to come to His defense? Why not prove once and for all that He was and is who He says He is. Of course, as believers, we know the answer to that question. Our very salvation was dependent on Jesus’ obedience to be sacrificed on our behalf. But for the skeptics, this is not enough. In scripture, unbelievers are described as those from whom the good news has been veiled. They are unable to see it. They view the cross as foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18). Satan blinds the minds of the unbelieving so that they will not be saved (2 Corinthians 4:3-4, Luke 8:12). This spiritual blindness leaves the skeptics without hope while often believing they are secure. These people may seem less angry than the mob, but they will mock the name of Jesus and those who follow Him just the same.

Perspective #3: The Selfish

One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” 

                                                                                                                        Luke 23:39 

What can Jesus do for me? This is the perspective of the third group. We see this attitude demonstrated in the response of one thief being crucified alongside Christ. As the onlookers we mocking Jesus so was this convicted criminal. Without even the slightest hint of repentance in his tone, this man also hurled abuse at Jesus. “If you are who you say you are, why not save yourself and us?” These people are looking for a god who will benefit them and their endeavors. “If Jesus can’t assist in making me wealthy, prosperous, and powerful then I’m not interested.” For these selfish individuals, attention to Christ is reduced to a focus on what He can do for them. The concept of living a life honoring to God and in service to others completely escapes their notice. For them, life is a series of steps advancing their own agendas and desires. Like the mob and the skeptics, these people view submission to the authority of God as the most foolish of ideas.

Perspective #4: The Saved

And he (the thief) was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

                                                                                                         Luke 23:42-43 

But in the midst of all of this negativity and hatred toward Jesus, there is a most beautiful and wonderful reality unfolding. While on the cross as a convicted criminal, this second of the thieves on the cross rebukes the other and acknowledges Jesus’ true identity. He confesses his belief in Christ by simply uttering the following, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” This was not a request for Jesus to take him along rather just an acknowledgment of the reality that he believed in Jesus as the Christ. His life was certainly not lived for God rather this man was a convicted criminal. Yet Jesus was prepared to reward him for his faith. “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” Simple faith met by the loving response of a Savior. This man was to enter into the kingdom of God that very day. And it was all because he believed in his heart as he confessed the name of Jesus.

Oh what a Savior we have! Do you know Him?