Easter - Two Thieves

1. Who were the two thieves? Nothing is known about these two men. We don’t know their names. We don’t know their crimes. Their manner of execution, however, tells us that their crimes were of a serious nature. They were being crucified along with Jesus. Crucifixion was the most painful and most humiliating form of capital punishment more so than decapitation, being thrown to wild animals, or being burned alive. It was reserved for slaves, non-Roman citizens, violent offenders, and those who rebelled against Rome. Ex. Spartacus and the 6000. Describe crucifixion. Intended for public view.

2. Why were they being executed along with Jesus? They were not common thieves. The two did not holdup a food stand in the market place or were purse snatchers. The other Gospel writers used a more general term/a more encompassing term, “thieves,” to make the reader aware that these two men were not nice guys. However, Luke, being the consummate historian of the four gospel writers, uses a specific term that lets the reader know that these two men did something serious to deserve their punishment. More than likely, these two men were Zealots – Jewish terrorists who opposed Roman rule. They committed acts of violence against Romans and anyone who friendly to Romans. The two may have been working with Barabbas. Read Luke 23:18. Also, why were the two being executed with Jesus? Jesus was also being executed for rebelling against Rome. Jesus claimed to be a king.

Describe their journey to Golgotha. What they heard and saw. Customary for accused to be verbally assaulted on their journey to their place of execution. Spat upon. Cursed. Garbage thrown at them. Focus of people’s hatred/anger was on the third man (Jesus.) After their crosses were raised, the people’s anger and hatred continued to be directed at the man on the middle cross. According to the other gospels, both criminals joined with the crowd in insulting Jesus. Not once did the two criminals see Jesus respond in like manner. As time passed, one of the two criminals had a revelation about the man on the middle cross.

Read Luke 23:39-43

3. What did the first criminal say to Jesus and how did he say it? Aren’t you the all-powerful Messiah that you claim to be? Then save yourself and us. Given the reaction of the second criminal, it was probably said in a disrespectful/sarcastic tone.

4. What kind of salvation was the first criminal seeking? Physical salvation. Temporary salvation.

5. How did Luke describe the second criminal’s response to the first criminal’s words directed at Jesus? He rebuked him. The second criminal responded sharply against the first criminal’s words.

6. What did the second criminal say to the first? Point out that the only person defending Jesus against the insults and accusations of the mob – not one of the disciples, not one of the people Jesus ministered to. It is a criminal. Think about it. You can paraphrase the second criminal’s words in the following manner. He essentially said - A) Fear God. B) We deserve punishment/condemnation for our sins. C) Jesus is sinless.

7. What caused the second criminal to gain this understanding after earlier having been one of the many to insult Jesus? Somehow he came to the conclusion that Jesus was the true Messiah. Not a political ruler but the Son of God whose kingdom is not of this world. Look closely at his words – This man knows he is about to die and after he dies he knows he is going to stand before God, the Supreme Judge. He decides your fate for eternity. That knowledge has a way of causing people to assess their life and what awaits them after death. What conclusion did the second criminal reach about his life? It was unrighteous. It was sinful. He deserved condemnation. After being in the presence of Jesus … seeing how Jesus did not react with anger and hatred toward His accusers in the crowd or the ones on the crosses with Him … instead Jesus’ response are words of forgiveness for his accusers which included the second criminal. What conclusion did the second criminal reach about Jesus? He did nothing to deserve this punishment. Which leads the second criminal to take a step of faith.

8. What did the second criminal say to Jesus? D) I believe you are the Christ/Messiah, the Son of God. He came to the conclusion that Jesus was the true Messiah. Not a political ruler but the Son of God whose kingdom is not of this world. The second criminal screwed up his life in this worldly kingdom. He made a lot of bad decisions. He made poor choices. He did not live a life pleasing to anyone but himself. Those decisions/choices led him to be crucified… the worse death imaginable at that time. At death’s door, he had one final choice to make. Eternity, the spiritual kingdom, awaited him. Knowing that God, the Supreme Judge would be the one to decide his eternal fate, the second criminal wanted/needed someone to be his Advocate … his Redeemer. Who better than God’s Anointed One? The second criminal believed the man on the middle cross to be Him.

9. What was Jesus’ reply to the second criminal? Today, when we die, you and I will be in a place of peace, happiness, joy, love … no pain, no death … a place where God and man are together – paradise.

Wait a minute. The man Jesus saying this to is a convicted criminal. He has done a lot of bad things – stealing, murder, etc. He probably broke all ten commandments on a regular basis. And Jesus is telling him you are going to be with me (Jesus – who did a lot of good things (healing the sick, casting out demons, feeding the hungry) and led a sinless life) in heaven. How is that possible? Read Ephesians 2:1-9. Something to make you think – Just as the second criminal was the advocate for Jesus on earth, Jesus was the second criminal’s advocate in paradise/heaven.

10. What kind of salvation was the second criminal seeking? Spiritual salvation. Eternal salvation.
Still only three crosses today. On one cross – a world that is selfish … that is only concerned with the now … survival in the present. On another cross – a world that is seeking something more … something better than who they are … something eternal. On the middle cross is the one who died for both. How do the other two crosses react? One scoffs, insults, castigates the middle cross. The other embraces/places their faith in the middle cross. Which cross do you indentify with?