Jesus - Savior and King

Luke 23:35-43

After reading the Scripture selection for today, one might wonder why we are reading about something that occurred while Jesus hung upon the cross when it is less than a month from Christmas.  At Christmastime we usually think of Baby Jesus lying in the manger, not Jesus’ death.  However, traditionally, many denominations designate this past Sunday, which this passage is the Gospel reading for, to commemorate Christ the King.  We read in this Scripture how something that was intended as mockery truly proclaimed what Jesus is, King of all, King of the universe.  We also read how Jesus, in His last earthly hours, was rejected by most but received by one.

As our Scripture begins, it is Good Friday and Jesus has already been crucified, and is hanging upon the cross.  Late the night before, He had been betrayed by one of His disciples, arrested, and given an improper and sham trial before the Sanhedrin.  From there Jesus was sent over to the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, where He was sentenced to death.  Following carrying His cross through Jerusalem to Calvary, He was then crucified.  People gathered around the cross.  At the foot of the cross was the disciple John, along with His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and another woman.  Other people, including many religious leaders, stood and mocked Jesus, saying that He had saved others, let Him save Himself if He really is the Messiah (vs. 35-36).  Some of the Roman soldiers said the same thing.  These comments were a fulfillment of the prophecy in Psalm 22:7-8.  These groups showed the universal rejection of Jesus.  The religious leaders, the political powers, and the common soldiers all united against Jesus.  The world today still continues to mock Jesus Christ and His authority, demanding proof while ignoring the evidence that has already been given.

One procedure that usually took place was putting a placard on the cross above the person crucified, stating their offenses.  Affixed on the top of Jesus’ cross was a placard that read “This is the King of the Jews” (vs. 38).   This sign was placed as a mockery, yet it was providentially true.  Even in the humiliation that was heaped upon Jesus, His kingship was declared.  God overruled the malice of these world and religious leaders to proclaim His truth.  What was meant as scorn became a testimony.

As our Scripture continues, we know that there were two criminals also crucified along with Jesus, one on each side.  One of the criminals joined with the people in mocking Jesus, and he told Jesus to save Himself and them, as well.  However the other criminal rebuked him (vs. 39-40).  The first thief was unrepentant, just like most in this world.  He wanted relief from his suffering but rejected salvation.  How many in the world are like that?  They want God to bring relief from all of their problems, but want nothing to do with His Word and salvation.  The other thief was repentant.  He acknowledged his guilt and recognized Jesus’ innocence (vs 41).  He knew that he was a sinner, acknowledging the justice he had received, and then turned to Jesus for mercy.  Here at the cross humanity is divided.  There is rejection or repentance.  Neutrality is impossible.

The repentant thief then turned to Jesus and asked that He would remember him when He comes into His kingdom (vs. 42).  He called Jesus “Lord”, recognizing His authority even in apparent defeat.  This thief believed in Jesus’ future kingdom, and showed faith in a resurrection and His eternal reign.  This showed true faith.  While others were mocking Jesus being the Messiah and King, he trusted in Jesus’ unseen glory.  True saving faith looks beyond current circumstances to the promises of Jesus.

Jesus responded by promising this man immediate salvation (vs. 43).  He had Jesus’ personal assurance that he would be “with Me”.  In heaven the thief would receive salvation and fellowship with the Savior.  Salvation is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).  The thief had no works, no baptism, no opportunity to reform.  Yet he was saved instantly by faith.

As we look back over our Scripture, we see that even in the verbal mockery the religious leaders, the crowds, and even the soldiers hurled at Jesus, and also with the sign affixed to the cross, the Kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ was proclaimed.  As this past Sunday commemorated, Jesus is the King of all Creation!   We also see spelled out the substitutionary atonement.  As the thief recognized, Jesus was innocent and yet He suffered, while the guilty are offered mercy.  That second thief was also a perfect illustration of being justified apart from any works.  Being also nailed to a cross, shortly to die, it was impossible for him to either be baptized or do any good works, yet because of his faith, Jesus promised him salvation and a place in paradise.

No one is too far gone in sin to be saved.  This man was a criminal and had received the death penalty.  Yet moments before he died, he turned to Jesus and called upon Him to be saved.  Even at death’s door Jesus can save anyone.  There were two thieves - one was saved, the other was lost.  The cross of Christ demands a response from everyone.  Delay is dangerous.  One thief believed, the other perished.  Your eternal destiny hinges on a response to Jesus.  What will you choose?