Three Crosses​

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by David G. Rose

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     In these weeks leading up to the Resurrection of Jesus, the articles on this page will focus on the redeeming works of Christ on the Cross. Our thoughts begin with the powerful scriptures that present Jesus on the Cross between two thieves. 

     This poignant story is beautifully detailed for us in all four Gospel: Matthew 27:35-44; Mark 15:24-32; Luke 23:33-43; and John 19:18-27. The timeframe detailed is between 9:00 AM until noon on what we now call Good Friday. 

     Interestingly, the Bible records the sayings of Jesus, the words of the soldiers as they gambled for Christ’s garment, and quotes the inscription placed on the Cross. Further, we read the words of the multitude as they scoff at Jesus and the statements of members of the Sanhedrin, the Roman soldiers, and even the two robbers that hung on either side of Jesus. 

     Today, let us consider Luke 23:33 NKJV, “And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.” Calvary was not some romantic place in Jerusalem. Sometimes referred to as “the skull,” Calvary was outside of Jerusalem and was a place of execution of criminals.

     It is noteworthy that Jesus was crucified between two thieves. Why? Was it a coincidence, or was it in fact all in the great Plan of God? Many theologians say that the Bible prophesied this exact situation in Isaiah 53:12 NKJV, “He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Amazing!

     However, the evil rulers were not trying to fulfill scriptures. Their motive in having Jesus executed between two thieves was to make His death as embarrassing and abhorrent as possible. This was their feeble effort to brand Jesus as a criminal. They hoped that the people would see Jesus as one more criminal on a cross. 

     But things backfired on them because God was guiding the events. In a sense, the scene on Mount Calvary became a place of God’s judgment. On the center Cross, hung the Savior and Judge of the world. On one side hung a thief that repented. On the other side hung a thief who refused to believe. Each received their reward. The one went to Paradise. The other to eternal doom. These choices remain for everyone.

     Even today, the Cross of Jesus brings division. Some see the Christ of redeeming love. Others see Him and despise His message. How sad. But the thief that repented reminds us that even the most hopeless person can cry out for mercy and receive it from our loving Savior. 

     One last sobering thought. The unrepentant thief was close to Jesus but still died lost. Let us beware of those who attend church and move in religious circles but have never made Christ as their Lord. This Easter, make Christ your Savior.

Next week: Submission
 

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