Criminals on the Cross: A Good Friday Reflection
Written by Joe Keller | Executive Pastor
Good Friday gives us the opportunity to reflect upon the effectual work of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. It is always a sobering evening as we consider the weight of sin and the suffering that provided the only pathway for reconciliation with a holy God. It is a humbling and blessed night. Good Friday also draws our attention to the overall narrative of the crucifixion, which includes soldiers, mockers, religious leaders, and followers of Jesus.
“The one scene that always seems to be in our collective minds as we consider this day is not just the one silhouette of a cross—but of three.”
It is interesting to note that only Luke 23:32-43 mentions the two criminals on either side of Jesus. The reason this has made such an indelible mark in our memory is not in the fact that Jesus hung on a cross between two criminals but in the shocking contrast in their stories. The criminals were both there for the punishment for their crimes against society, both heard the crowds and cries, both read the same sign above the head of Jesus. In the end, those two criminals took two different paths in response to the person of Jesus, and it is a cautionary tale for all who look upon the cross this Good Friday.
Denying:
There was no denying the accusations against Jesus since a sign over his head read, “This is the King of the Jews.” The first criminal could hear the rulers mocking Jesus saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” This criminal joins in on the mockery. He railed at Jesus saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” He did not expect Jesus to do anything. He found himself caught up in the mockery and decided to join in. Take that in for a moment. This response was from someone in the middle of his own crucifixion. It is like kicking someone when they are down too! If there was ever a time to be looking for a pathway for compassion and relief this would be it. Rather, out of the hardness of his heart, he denies to those around him any truth to the claims of Jesus being the promised Messiah.
Believing:
The other criminal being crucified, while hearing the same mockery and seeing the same sights, responded completely differently. He rebuked the other saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” There was no distinguishing effort or actions between the two that would result in a different experience. This man, instead of mocking Jesus, confessed the responsibility for his wrongdoings and a heart that believed in whom Jesus claimed to be. He acted out of his belief and asked for mercy and forgiveness. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” In response, Jesus forgave him and at that moment welcomed him into his kingdom saying, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” The eyes of the heart of this criminal were opened to see Jesus as the promised Messiah.
The contrast is stunning. Here are two men equally condemned and both face to face with Jesus. One denies the person and work of Jesus. One believes. It was not because one man was better than the other or that one man had better insight than the other. In fact, the narrative suggests that at one point both men mocked Jesus at the beginning. The criminal who believed did not understand the principles of hermeneutics or the five points of Calvinism. He was given the grace and faith to believe that Jesus is who he says he is. The gospel, like the scene of Good Friday, is clear to observe and understand.
“Jesus is the Son of God who paid the penalty for sin through his sacrificial death on the cross.”
Through repentance and faith you will receive forgiveness of sin and be welcomed into fellowship with God today and one day for all eternity (Ephesians 2:1-10; Romans 10:9-10).
This is the story in contrast of the criminals on the cross. This contrast is on display every day, as we see people coming face to face with the truth of the person and work of Jesus Christ and either denying or believing who he is and claims to be. As we reflect and remember the events of Good Friday, we have the opportunity to reflect upon the moment when our eyes were opened to see Jesus as he truly is. This also should compel us to proclaim that the power of the cross is revealed to everyone who believes. Even a criminal on his last day.