diff --git a/content/bible_journal/luke_23:32-43.md b/content/bible_journal/luke_23:32-43.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ff3a955 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/bible_journal/luke_23:32-43.md @@ -0,0 +1,40 @@ ++++ +title = "Luke 23:32–43" +date = "2023-02-18" ++++ + +### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk23.32-43) + +Because Jesus had taken the place of Barabbas, the two criminals who were +crucified alongside Him were likely collaborators with Barabbas in his +insurrection. Some translations call them "robbers" or "thieves" because that +is the most common meaning of the Greek word, but it can also mean any kind of +criminal or specifically an insurrectionist. Nowadays the word used might be +"terrorist". These two men are important because they help fulfill the prophecy +of [Isaiah 53:12](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/isaiah/53/12). + +Another prophecy ([_Psalm 22:18_](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/psalms/22/18)) +is fulfilled by the soldiers casting lots for Jesus's clothing. This was +standard practice at the time for the Roman executioners to receive the +clothing of the condemned. The rulers and the soldiers mock and abuse Him still +while he hangs from the nails, and yet Jesus asks His Father to forgive them. +The reason He gives, that they don't know what they are doing, sounds absurd at +first. How could they not know they are killing Him? What He means is that they +don't know who He really is and how significant it is that He, the Son of God, +is dying. + +One of the criminals beside Jesus gets a dig in as well. He thinks the Messiah +should have some way of fixing the whole situation and is angry when He +doesn't. The other man, though, recognizes his guilt and the justice of his +punishment, but asks for something far greater than a mere reprieve. Just as +Abraham believed that God could keep His promises even if he sacrificed Isaac +on an altar, this man expected Jesus to have a kingdom even if He died on a +cross. Don't forget the curse that is handed down when a body is hung on a +tree. ([_Deut. 22:23_](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/deuteronomy/22/23)) Despite +knowing that, he believed that Jesus would rule and reign in a heavenly kingdom +and be able to remember him favorably there. That faith is what Jesus rewards +with those beautiful words, "today you will be with me in Paradise." + +* * * + +We long to see Your kingdom, to be remembered by You there.