Luke 23:32-43

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.