Saving the Robber

Mark 15:27-30 They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!” 
 
AT the Jews’ demands, Pilate had released Barabbas, a known terrorist. Tradition says  these two robbers named, Gestas and Dismas were Barabbas’ co-conspirators. “Robbers” means “revolutionaries”. Barabbas was likely scheduled to be crucified with these two men.
   Luke records a conversation between Jesus and the two. One mocked Jesus and condemned Jesus for not saving him. The other defended Jesus, and he repented of his guilt. Luke 23:41 “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
   Jesus responded to the repentant robber: Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
   Now think about this. God had acted to save this man on this day, didn’t he? If Pilate had released Jesus instead of Barabbas, this robber would not have met Jesus. He would have had no desire to repent of his sins. He certainly would have entered into Hell, crucified as a sinner. Instead, this robber became the first human saved into heaven through Jesus’ atoning death.
   When we read that Pilate released Barabbas, the killer, and crucified Jesus, the Savior, we are likely grieved for Jesus’ suffering under this man’s weakness. “You released the wrong man, Pilate!”
   But we know God was working this day that the Son of Man would be pierced. And the robber would be saved. God’s love is exceedingly gracious to welcome even sinners into his kingdom when they repent and confess Jesus is Lord, King of the Kingdom of Heaven.
   Jesus loved the man; the world hated Jesus. Those who passed by hurled insults at him. “Come down from the cross and save yourself!”  This is the world, isn’t it? On one corner of a street is a church that faithfully rejoices in Jesus, the Savior. On another corner is an organization devoted to canceling Jesus from the culture. It’s difficult to understand why people hated Jesus so deeply that day and why they do now. What is his crime?
     Our sin nature is a need to justify ourselves. Temptation will sometimes stir our hearts to reject God’s Word because we want to be right. A casual faith may mock the Bible, dismissing God’s Word as irrelevant for our needs. We must be careful of such thoughts. Surrender them to the Lord. Honor the One who went to the cross to forgive all who repent and in faith call him “Lord Jesus”.