*Luke 23:32-49
Jesus is crucified between two criminals, forgives his executioners, and promises paradise to a repentant thief.
- The Crucifixion of Jesus:
- Jesus is led to the place called Calvary, along with two criminals, to be crucified.
- As He is crucified, Jesus asks God to forgive the executioners, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
- Mockery from Various Groups:
- The crowd, including leaders and soldiers, mock Jesus. They challenge Him to save Himself, referring to Him as the King of the Jews.
- One of the criminals crucified beside Him also ridicules Him, questioning His claim to be the Messiah.
- Promise to the Penitent Criminal:
- The other criminal rebukes the mocking criminal, acknowledging their deserved punishment and Jesus’ innocence.
- He asks Jesus to remember him when Jesus comes into His kingdom. Jesus responds, promising, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
- Darkness and Jesus’ Death:
- From noon until 3 p.m., darkness covers the land.
- Jesus cries out, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,” and dies, after declaring, “It is finished.”
- Reactions to His Death:
- The centurion overseeing the execution praises God, proclaiming Jesus’ innocence, struck by the manner of His death.
- The assembled crowds, after witnessing the events, return home beating their breasts in mourning and grief.
- Jesus’ acquaintances and the women who followed Him from Galilee stand at a distance, observing these events.
- The Temple Veil Torn:
- Concurrent with Jesus’ death, the veil of the temple is torn in two, symbolizing the end of the separation between God and humanity.
Luke 23:32-49 teaches us about forgiveness, faith, and God’s love. Even while suffering on the cross, Jesus forgave those who hurt Him and welcomed a repentant criminal into paradise. This reminds us that no one is beyond God’s mercy and that we should also forgive others, even when it’s hard. We can apply this by choosing kindness over resentment and trusting God in difficult times. Just like the centurion recognized Jesus as the Son of God, we, too, should look to Jesus, believe in Him, and live in a way that reflects His love and grace.
Luke 23:32-49 (WEB)
23:32 There were also others, two criminals, led with him to be put to death. 33 When they came to the place that is called “The Skull”, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots. 35 The people stood watching. The rulers with them also scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen one!”36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming to him and offering him vinegar, 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”38 An inscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”39 One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!”40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Don’t you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”43 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 45 The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last.47 When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous man.” 48 All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their chests. 49 All his acquaintances and the women who followed with him from Galilee stood at a distance, watching these things.