Knowing The Word in Luke 23:32-38

Two Criminals

23:32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

Comments

All the gospel writers record Jesus was killed between the two others as a criminal. This fulfilled Isaiah 53:12, that the suffering servant died in the midst of transgressors of the law. While Luke called them “criminals,” Matthew and Mark called them “thieves,” and John referred to them as “two others.” Luke called the place of the crucifixion “The Skull,” which comes from the Latin “calvaria” from where we get Calvary. In Aramaic it is Golgotha.

Jesus’ petition to the Father to forgive his executioners was extraordinary. They were ignorant of his identity. It was presumed that the clothes of the crucified became the property of the executioners. In contrast to the executioners, the rulers scoffed at Jesus. Luke was clear who is evil. The irony was that while they did not believe what they said about Jesus, he was saving all who believed that he was the Christ!

Only Luke told us that the wine offered to Jesus was part of the mockery as the soldiers picked up on the themes of the accusing Jewish rulers. All four writers included the inscription on the cross. The placard above the head of the crucified announced the crime requiring his execution. It was Pilate who required its placement and wording. John recorded it as revenge on the Jewish leaders.

Application

The crucifixion was the saddest day in human history, as the creatures of God created in his image kill him. Even after Jesus proclaims words of forgiveness, the forgiven turn on him. Take some time to ponder the depths of the depravity of the human condition and the ease into which we fall into sin. And then consider the grace of God that cuts through human depravity, pushing it aside for a greater future for each of us, and then go to God in prayer.

Prayer

Thou whose eternal love for our weak and struggling race was most perfectly shown forth in the blessed life and death of Jesus Christ our Lord, enable me now so to meditate upon my Lord’s passion that, having fellowship with him in his sorrow, I may also learn the secret of his strength and peace.

John Baillie, 1886-1960