There were two robbers crucified
with him, one on his right hand and one on the left. Those who passed by mocked
him, wagging their heads, and saying, “You who would destroy the temple, and
build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down
from the cross!”
Likewise the chief priests
mocking with the scribes, Pharisees and elders, said, “He saved others, but he
can’t save himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him come down from the
cross now and we’ll believe in him. He trusts in God and says he is the Son of
God: let God deliver him!”
One of the criminals on the
cross insulted him, saying, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!”
But the other rebuked him,
saying, “Don’t you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? For
us it is justice, punishment for what we’ve done, but this man has done nothing
wrong.” He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus said to him, “I tell you,
today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Reflection
Crucifixion was a gruesome
form of punishment used to keep in line slaves and rebels like those crucified
with Jesus. One of the criminals spoke with anger and bitterness as expected;
the other showed a humble heart, tender toward God. Have you known people who
were like these two criminals? Can you look without prejudice to see the good in others?
Prayer: Help me remember that
no two people are alike, Lord, and outward appearances can often be deceiving.
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