Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭39‬-‭43‬
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

When Jesus was arrested, ten of his disciples abandoned him, one denied his relationship with him, and another betrayed him. He was falsely accused, had false witnesses testify against him, was turned on by the crowd (which likely included some who had hailed him as king a week earlier), whipped with a “cat of nine tails” 39 times, punched, stripped bare, insulted and spat upon, his clothes were stolen, he was separated from his family and friends, and they crucified him next to known criminals. Even one of the criminals mocked him.

Yet he stayed true to his mission. His attitude was true to God’s heart — he loved his enemies and prayed for those who persecuted him. And his words were words of forgiveness and redemption.

We find Luke’s account, that one of the criminals who was crucified with him, rebuked the other criminal. He recognized Jesus as an innocent man. He also recognized him as Lord of all. And he asked him to remember him when he went into his kingdom.

Jesus, in true fashion, forgave this man of his insults and slander. He gave him grace instead. This is what Jesus wants to do for every one of us.

The only difference between thieves on the cross is that one repented and the other did not. It is the same difference today with many. Many people will not repent of their sins and truly ask Jesus to take over Lordship of their lives and be their Savior.

Many act and model Christian-type attitudes and actions, but in their hearts, they are selfish, placing themselves on the throne of their life. They will not repent. This is so heartbreaking for me.

If this describes you, today is the day of repentance. Today is the day of salvation. All you have to do is submit to Jesus’s Lordship and let him guide your life. It may sound like a hard step, and it is. But it will also be the most rewarding step in your life. So much of life comes into clear focus when we let Jesus lead us and guide us.

Lord, thank you for this example of your amazing grace and love for those who persecuted you. Thank you that you rescued and saved the thief on the cross. This gives me confidence you can save me too. May my life be a reflection of your love, grace, and truth.