It’s odd to think that men hanging on crosses could have a conversation. Crucifixion was a brutal, horrific process that took anywhere from several hours to several days to bring about death. Borrowing the practice from earlier civilizations, the Romans rarely applied crucifixion to their own citizens, reserving it for slaves, disgraced soldiers, foreigners and Christians.

In the midst of their suffering, the criminals on either side of Jesus spoke up. One hurled insults, but the other rebuked him. Don’t you fear God, 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.

The repentant thief then gasped, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. To which Jesus answered, Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.

Months earlier, after a meal in the house of Zacchaeus the tax collector, Jesus shared one of the reasons he came to this earth: for the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

With his last few breaths, Jesus saved a lost thief. One more stranded soul guided into paradise. Jesus still seeks and saves anyone who turns to him with humility, who regardless of background seeks the Savior.

He’s working all the way to the end.

Luke 23 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Dylan McLeod