This is the tale of two thieves. Most are familiar with the Bible story about the two men crucified on either side of Jesus.
MAT27.38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
We see in this verse that three men were crucified that day, two of whom deserved their fate, and One who was guiltless. The two thieves were there to teach us a valuable lesson, each contributing to our understanding.
For background information, we need to go back before the crucifixion.
JOH12.32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. JOH12.33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
During the week prior to His crucifixion, Jesus was preparing his disciples for what was to take place. In John 12:32, He confirmed that He would be lifted up from the earth (Verse 33 confirms that He would die this way. The result of this manner of death would enable Jesus to “draw all men” unto Himself. This word “draw” is a picture of pulling to one’s side as in a tug-of-war. He was telling them that He would, through His crucifixion, pull mankind away from Satan over to Himself. It was extremely important that Jesus be crucified, in order to save mankind.
LUK23.39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
In Luke 23:39, we see the thief on one side who openly mocked Jesus, but did make a request of Him. I believe this was Satan’s last ditch effort to halt the crucifixion. This thief appealed to Jesus, not to forgive his sins, but to meet his carnal need to get down from that cross. He issued a challenge in saying “If thou be Christ”, hoping to dare Jesus into halting the crucifixion and getting him off of the cross, thereby stopping God’s plan to save the world. There was no “Plan B”. Jesus had fervently prayed in the garden for God to allow this cup to pass, but God did not do that, so there was no other means of Salvation. Stopping the crucifixion would have doomed all of mankind, and delivered all of us to Satan.
The plea of this thief reminds me of prosperity pastors who promise health and wealth to those who follow Jesus, contrary to what Jesus promises. It was to escape circumstances, not to purge sin. God is more concerned with our sin than our health or finances. I believe that Satan inspired this plea, certainly not the Holy Spirit.
This is in sharp contrast to the response of the other thief.
LUK23.40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? LUK23.41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
The second thief recognized that he deserved to be put to death, but that Jesus did not deserve being crucified. It is almost a perfect picture of someone under the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He saw the perfection of Jesus, in sharp contrast to his own sin.
LUK23.42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
This second thief is the perfect picture of a sinner who knows his condition, and just wants Salvation. Notice he had no request for physical relief, but only wanted Jesus to remember him. It is also noteworthy that this man understood that Jesus was, indeed, a King.
This man had no means of performing any of the rituals required by so many denominations. He could not attend church, be baptized, take communion, etc. All he could do is BELIEVE, and that was all he needed to do. Our Salvation is not because of what we have done to deserve it, but only because of what Jesus did on the cross.
