Remember last time Jesus has been stripped of His clothing and these soldiers begin to gamble for His clothing at the foot of the Cross. Oh how cruel and heartless they were back in those days. But now we have better education and peace rallies we don’t do those barbaric things anymore. Did you watch the news last night or maybe listened to it this morning? We left off with Jesus placed in the middle of two known thieves. For one of these thieves it will be a great day, not so much so for the other. What made the difference? Let's see.
Mark 15:27 (KJV) And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. This is bad enough but just below and around the cross look what’s going on.
Mark 15:29 (KJV) And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, Mark 15:30 (KJV) Save thyself, and come down from the cross. Mark 15:31 (KJV) Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.
Mark 15:32 (KJV) Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him. Below the cross the people were saying come off the cross and we will believe who you say you are. The soldiers are still making fun of Jesus Christ and the chief priest and the scribes were saying “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. But Jesus didn’t say a word to them. But what went on above the ground with the two thieves is impressive. Luke 23:39 (KJV) And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
One of the thieves said so you are really the Savior the Messiah; well if that be so save yourself and us too. This thief was only concerned about himself. Now it’s time for the other thief to speak, what will he have to say?? Luke 23:40 (KJV) But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? This man realized the importances of the hour, he and the other thief are about to die. So what does this man do?? Luke 23:42 (KJV) And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. What do you think Jesus will say to this man? Maybe Jesus might say “are you kidding after what you have done, the language you have used, the people you have destroyed, not on your life, just like you yourself said we're getting what we deserve. That may be what you and I would have said but not Jesus, read what He says.
Luke 23:43 (KJV) And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Do what! You mean that this man lived an awful sinful life; I mean we have the proof he’s a convicted thief he is being punished for his crime and you tell me that in the last moments of his life Jesus saves him from eternal punishment. Yes! Why? Simple, he realized he had done wrong or in other words he realized he was a sinner and that Jesus was his savior and asked “Lord remember him.” At the foot of those crosses there we read of those who were making fun. On one side of Jesus there was one who was trying to make a deal for himself. But on Jesus’s other side there was one who saw the real importance of the moment. He was truthfully sorry and asked for forgiveness. Picture the day we live in. There are those who go about their day and if they think about death they just say there’s plenty of time. Then there’s others who are making deals with God. Just the other day a man asked me to baptize him. I asked him why did he think he needed to be baptized? He said I never have and I want to cover all the bases and be sure. You don’t do or make deals with God. This thief didn’t he just simply asked “Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” Well let me see,🤔 were you a member of the synagogue? 🧐 Did you give of your time and money?⏳💰 Were you baptized? 💦 No,No,and No! But I have done wrong, I have sinned! Good enough see you later today in Paradise. We are either below the cross, making a deal or putting our trust in Jesus Christ like the smart thief.
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