Execution by crucifixion was a slow and tortuous way to die. Sadistic executioners worked hard at making the convicted die a long and painful death. The Romans used execution by crucifixion as a reminder of the Caesars absolute power, by making it a public spectacle. People traveling the road couldnt help but see the men and women who were nailed to crosses, stripped of their clothing and their dignity. It is interesting then to think of the three men executed on the day of Jesus conviction and crucifixion. There was Jesus, wrongly convicted of insurrection; there were two thieves who apparently had a long criminal record; all executed at the public place of execution called Golgotha. While Jesus remains calm and quite peaceful throughout the process of execution--even forgiving his executioners--the other two were apparently cursing and railing throughout their painful and tortuous death. At some point in the process, one of the thieves notices something different about Jesus. What do you think it was? While one thief is yelling threats and mockery to Jesus, the other has a moment when he realizes that this man is indeed different. Remember me when you come into your kingdom, he says to Jesus in the short and gasping breaths of a dying man. Do you think he fully understood who Jesus was? Did he have any comprehension of the kingdom Jesus had talked about? Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise. What? Why? Is that fair? The dude has stolen stuff from somebody who worked hard for it, and lived a life of debauchery and crime. Now, in his dying moments-- his moments when the state was executing him for his crimes--he ask Jesus to remember him and Jesus says, today you will be with me in Paradise. Whats right about that? Suppose hed broken into your house and stolen something that belonged to you? How would you have felt if youd been standing there and heard the exchange? Theres that interesting word that Jesus used--Paradise. Why did he use that word? Why didnt he use the word heaven, or the word kingdom? Sunday at Greenfield, Blessed Are the Dead, from Revelation 14:13...join us. Thank you to those who join the conversation here on Facebook, your views and comments are always welcome. (The story of Jesus and the two thieves is found in Luke 23:32-43)
Posted on: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 12:03:25 +0000
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