We can read in Luke 23:32-49 the account of Jesus’ death upon the cross. We have no doubt heard of the terrible events just prior to this, and of his burial in the borrowed tomb on more than one occasion.
In recent years, there was a major motion picture depicting the beatings, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, which I must say, brought tears to my eyes with the vivid display of torture that was presented.
But today, I want to talk about just a small portion of those events that occurred, specifically what happened regarding all three men on their individual crosses.
What Happened on Calvary?
At the point when James and John request the spots of honor beside Jesus in his Kingdom, he let them know that they had no idea what they were asking (Mark 10:35-39).
Since Jesus was getting ready to introduce his Kingdom through his passing, the spots to his right side and to his left side on this earth were taken by dying men who were lawbreakers.
As Jesus disclosed to his two position-cognizant pupils, James and John, an individual who wants to be near Jesus should be ready to endure suffering and death. The way to the Kingdom is by carrying your own cross.
Jesus requested that God forgive the individuals who were killing him, the Jewish leaders, the Roman lawmakers, their soldiers, and the spectators. God addressed that supplication by opening up salvation to all, even to Jesus' killers.
The centurion and those that were with him who saw the execution said, "Truly this was the Son of God" (Matthew 27:54). Before long, numerous ministers were changed over to the Christian faith (Acts 6:7).
Since all are sinners (Romans 3:23), we as a whole had a hand in killing Jesus. The gospel, the Good News, is that God is generous. He will forgive us our sins and give us new life through his Son Jesus.
During that time, the Roman soldiers would split the apparel of any executed prisoner amongst themselves. At the time of Jesus’ execution, they cast lots for his garments. This act fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 22:18.
The sign placed on the cross was intended to be ironic. A king, stripped and executed in general visibility, had recently lost his “realm.” However, Jesus, who flips around the world's insight, was simply coming into his Kingdom.
His demise and resurrection would strike a blow to Satan's control and would set up Christ's timeless authority over the earth. Not many individuals perusing the sign on that hopeless day comprehended its genuine importance.
However, the sign was totally true. Everything was not lost. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
What Sins Hung on Each Cross?
One man died in sin and one man died from sin.
Jesus had prayed for the people around him and for the soldiers that crucified him. He was hung between two thieves, one on his right and one on his left. One died with a hard heart who did not seek forgiveness. He died in his sin.
The other, at the last minute, realized his sinful nature and sought forgiveness, which Christ did give. He died from his sin. Why did he wait? No one knows. No one can be sure if they will have enough time to repent.
For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).
One showed no sign of remorse, nor did he look for mercy. The other understood who Christ was and asked to be remembered, he asked for forgiveness. The second man reproved the first man for talking to Jesus as he did.
The second man knew that he deserved what was being done to him, and he believed Jesus to have suffered wrongfully. The second man asks the first man “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:40-41).
I believe that the second man was referring to a passage in the Old Testament.
Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them (Psalms 106:4).
These two men may have committed the same crime, may have been arrested for the same crime, tried, convicted, and were dying for it. The only difference between the two was that one turned unto Jesus and believed in him.
As this second man was about to die, he went to Christ for absolution, and Christ acknowledged him. This shows that our works do not spare us, our confidence and faith in Christ does.
It is never past the point where it is impossible to go to God. Indeed, even in his misery, Jesus showed leniency toward the criminal who chose to put believe in Him.
Our lives are considerably more valuable and satisfying when we go to God early, however, even the individuals who atone at the absolute last minute will be with God forever in heaven.
Why Does This Matter?
During the middle of the day, darkness had covered the whole land for around three hours. All of nature appeared to grieve over the unmistakable misfortune of the demise of God's Son.
This critical occasion represented Christ's work on the cross. The Temple had three sections. One section was the courts that every individual was allowed into.
There was the Holy Place where just the priests could enter, and then the Holy of Holies, where just the high priest could enter once every year to make amends for the wrongdoings of all the people.
It was in the Holy of Holies that the Ark of the Covenant, and the essence of God with it, remained. The curtain that split was the one that deterred the view from the Holy of Holies.
At the death of Christ, the obstruction that divided God and man was destroyed. Presently all individuals can move toward God straightforwardly through Christ (Hebrews 9:1-14; 10:19-22).
Jesus was suffering agonizing torture, would not be delivered by God the Father, and eventually, he died upon the cross. If Jesus had not died upon the cross, he would not have fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 53.
Although Jesus was in agony and struggled, he still looked upon the men with love, grace, and mercy. And because of this, we understand and accept that Jesus opened the door to heaven for all believers. Only in losing ourselves to Christ can we be saved.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned (Romans 5:12).
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).
For further reading:
Where Was Jesus During the Three Days Before His Resurrection?
What Is the Medical Account of the Crucifixion?
Why Did Jesus Become Sin When He Knew No Sin?
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