Second Word: ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’
“39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!’ 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’ 42Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ 43Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.'”
Luke 23:39-43
Personal Meditation:
Why is the thief’s faith so astounding in this situation? What did the thief receive that day? What do you think this meant to Jesus?
Questions for Group Discussion:
- Why do you think one of the criminals on the cross insulted and mocked Jesus? What human trait prompted him to do this? (Luke 23:39)
- Why does the other criminal rebuke him for his insults? On what grounds does he try to stop him? (Luke 23:40-41)
- What did the thief have to believe about Jesus to cause him to ask him, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). What are the elements of his faith?
- What are we disciples supposed to learn from this strange exchange on the crosses above our heads? What does Jesus intend us to get out of this?
Prayer:
Father, you never leave yourself without a witness. Even Jesus’ close disciples faltered in their faith. But then you raised up a thief who had great faith and received a great promise. Please strengthen my faith. Let me see beyond them to Jesus. By your grace, may my faith bring some joy into your breaking heart as did the thief’s faith in Jesus. In Jesus’ holy and precious name, I pray. Amen.