Matthew 27:44
When we get to heaven, I suppose the gaps
in Scripture will be filled in for us. So much happens that we are not told in
and around the Scriptures. Three men hanging on crosses, and the spotlight is on
the Man in the middle. The record describes the crowd mocking Him in glee. It
describes the religious leaders as among the leaders of His humiliation. And,
yes, even His companions in suffering were on a roll of ridicule with the
other. According to Matthew 27:44: “The robbers who had been crucified with Him
were also insulting Him with the same words.” Both of them were barking insults
at Him.
There is a conversion story here. Matthew
tells us that two voices were suspended above the Earth along with Christ that
day, while Luke records an argument in the afternoon sun. One robber hammered
home his verbal abuse, as did the other. But something happened on that dark
day. Luke reports a change. The second robber suddenly is heard defending the
Man in the middle. To the latter, Jesus pronounced: “Today you shall be with Me
in Paradise” (Lk.23:43). The first, but not the last, deathbed conversion is
recorded.
The dying Savior is an Evangelist. One
robber has his life taken from him, while the other is having his sin
removed. To one, life is taken; to the
other, it is given. All that transpired between the three is not recorded;
however, what is recorded is enough to let us know that there was rejoicing in
heaven shortly before Jesus died. In Luke 15:7, Jesus teaches us: “There will
be joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.”
What do criminals talk about in their
prison cells? What do victims about to be crucified talk about in the closing
moments of their lives? I’m not an
expert on this, but it would seem appropriate to talk about: “Why are you in
prison?” or “Why are you being crucified?” Can you imagine the following
conversation?
Thief:
“What did you do?”
Jesus:
“Nothing.”
Thief:
“What are you accused of doing?”
Jesus:
“Nothing.”
Thief:
“Then, why are you here?”
Jesus:
“To take away the sin of the world.”
Thief:
“What does that mean?”
Jesus:
“My Father in heaven sent Me here so that His anger for man’s sin could fall on
Me. Whoever believes in Me and puts his trust in Me shall be free from sin’s
punishment. I am taking it for them.”
I’m not sure exactly how the conversation
went, but this one thing I do know: between the record of the two mocking
thieves and the promise of Paradise to one, eternal life was given.
Matthew 27:44
INTRODUCTION
Explanation #1
Explanation #2
INSTRUCTION
1. Matthew 27:38,44 - The sinner condemned
A.
The
B.
The
C.
The
2. Luke 23:39-43
- The sinner redeemed
A.
The
B.
The
C.
The
3. John 1:29,36 - The Lamb Slain
A. The
B.
The
C.
The