"One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: 'aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!' But the other criminal rebuked him. '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 23:39-40)
This is no ordinary man. He is a daring thinker. Though a highway robber, history has given a thumbnail account of him.
There is a holiday in Jerusalem with multitudes from out-of-town. Rome will execute three prisoners today. She wants a large audience. No problem, the crowd is eager for a bloody show. It's our common trait. We enjoy seeing men flirt with death...gladiators...bull fights, race cars, etc.
The three victims are well known. Two are popular because they have irritated the common enemy--Rome. The other is prominent for a different reason. He has preached in their synagogues, Temple and streets. He has healed the lame, given sight to the blind, raised the dead and shown marvelous power. For this reason some love him and, for same reason, some hate him. The robbers appeal to the vulgar crowd. They are hard and strong. Jesus, because of a horrible night and loss of blood falls under the cross.
Arriving at the skull-shaped hill, the victims are stripped and offered medicated wine. The robbers drink, Jesus refuses. Spikes are driven, there is a spray of blood from tearing flesh. Three trees are planted laden with fruit of infinite pain. Crucifixion is a slow-footed monster so the soldiers make themselves comfortable and begin throwing dice. The crowd participates in the scene with words of insult and scorn. One makes no reply. The other two victims look upon the same scene and react differently. Having attended the same service one softens and the other hardens.
With no throne but a cross, no crown but thorns, no scepter but nails, no retinue but a howling mob, no royal wardrobe but in the hands of Roman crap shooters, the thief penetrated the disguise of nakedness, shame and death and saw who had been missed by the High Priest, Pilate, the mob and one thief. He saw Jesus, the Son of God.
Charles Jackson
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