Two great laws would solve many of humanity’s problems. In His hour of greatest trial, Jesus exemplified giving and forgiving. Let’s look at these two great legacies in Luke 23:33-43.
Forgiveness
Luke 23:33-34 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. And they divided His garments and cast lots.”
While giving His life for all, Jesus says something remarkable, “Father forgive them.” Do we forgive others only after an apology or repentance? Jesus teaches us a new level of forgiveness, before repentance, because of a deed done in ignorance.
Sneered, Mocked, Blasphemed
Luke 23:35-39 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” 38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
Human leaders, in and out of the church will disappoint us. We do not know what we are doing. We say of the suffering Jesus, “Let him save himself.” Human governments are devouring beasts.
The Manner of a King
World leaders are usually oriented towards taking instead of giving. Jesus is the opposite, a giver. What will a king, symbolic of all worldly leadership, do?
“He will take your sons … take your daughters … take the best… take a tenth… take your male servants, your female servants, your finest young men, and your donkeys… take a tenth of your sheep. And you will be his servants [or slaves].” (1 Samuel 8:10-17)
Only the worst tax systems take assets as well as profit. And that’s just highlighting the word “take.” Read the same passage highlighting the word “his.” Obviously, world leaders tend to be selfish, not giving. Luke’s Gospel describes Christ’s government, giving and forgiving. He gave his life and forgave our sins.
Remember Me
At the cross, many failed: Romans, Jews, and even the Disciples. One criminal did better than they all. He spoke out in faith.
Luke 23:40-43 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
That day, the thief on the cross would be received into Paradise, the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). He was received there without baptism, communion, church rites, or good works, only the work of faith exhibited in his prayer.
Paradise literally means a garden, symbolic of the garden of Eden and heavenly joy. He was probably surprised that he would be in Paradise that very day. That is the sense that all ancient manuscripts give and contradicts the theory of our souls being asleep until the resurrection.
We are the Romans, Jews, and even the Disciples who sneered, mocked, blasphemed and failed Jesus. We are the thief on the cross. He knew his guilt, but in faith prayed, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom”? Unlike the thief, we have lives yet to live. Let’s live to give and forgive? You decide!
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
