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