Reacting to Jesus

By Danny Saavedra

“Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!’ In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, “I am the Son of God.”’ In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.”—Matthew 27:38–44 (NIV)

The crucifixion of Christ was a public event, which means there were a lot of people at the cross—and Matthew focuses on three groups in particular. The first group consisted of two criminals who were crucified alongside Jesus. The second group consisted of the general population who were easily swayed by the religious leaders’ false narrative. The third group was the chief priests. In contrast to the crowd, this group had thoroughly examined what Jesus had taught. They knew Jesus was proclaimed to be the Son of God, but they didn’t believe in Him because He didn’t meet their expectations of what Messiah should look, sound, and act like. All of these groups had the same response: They ridiculed Him.

Now, let’s come back to the criminals . . . Unlike Jesus, who was completely innocent, these two men were rightfully convicted and sentenced. The Greek word used here for criminal (kakourgōn) was generally used to denote a thief. How fitting that Jesus—who came to give salvation and eternal life to all who would receive it—was crucified surrounded by men who took from others.

Even though we’re told here that both mocked Jesus like the rest of the crowd, it didn’t stay that way. As the hours went on, after having watched Jesus’ reaction to the crowd, and hearing Jesus ask the Father to forgive the people “for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34 NIV), one of the thieves became remorseful and repentant.

As the first criminal mockingly said, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us,” we’re told the second criminal rebuked him, saying, “Don’t you fear God? . . . We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:39–41 NIV).

As his life began to flash before his eyes and the realization that his death was imminent, he became broken, accepted his fate, and acknowledged his guilt. He finally came to accept responsibility for his sins, humble himself, and beg for the mercy and help of God. At this moment, the second thief no longer saw a beaten, bruised, broken criminal . . . He saw the face of God as he looked into the eyes of our Savior who was hanging there for him—and us!

So, what does he do? He says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42 NIV). There’s something completely arresting about this appeal. Unlike the first criminal who mockingly asked for earthly rescue, this man was content to be remembered by Jesus. And with the tenderness and compassion only found in Jesus, our Lord said, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43 NIV).

In this indescribably beautiful moment, Jesus exchanged this man’s guilt for peace and hopeful expectations that cannot be explained. He declared to this man, even as he hung there dying for his crimes, that this was not the end of his story. The greatest chapter was about to begin as Jesus shared the most glorious and beautiful spoiler alert ever, telling him that soon they would be in paradise together!

Both of these criminals wanted to be saved from death, but the way they sought salvation made all the difference in the world. It’s the same for us, friends. Everyone wants eternal life and glory, some try to take it for themselves through their efforts, but that will lead to death. But for those who realize their brokenness, guilt, and inability to save themselves and ask Jesus for mercy and salvation (to be remembered by Him), He will respond with love, grace, mercy, and salvation!

Pause: What do these different reactions to Jesus teach us about humanity?

Practice: Today, search the Gospels for the different descriptions of the various reactions to Jesus on the cross and His interactions with people while He was on the cross.

Pray: Father, I pray for everyone today in my life and around the world who react to Your Son like the general population did while He was on the cross. They didn’t know much about Him, only having a cursory understanding, being swayed by the culture around them. I also pray for those who have “studied,” who consider themselves “enlightened,” who reject Jesus and have up until now refused to acknowledge Him as Lord. And I pray for evildoers who mock Jesus’ sacrifice through their wickedness. I pray Your Spirit would reveal the truth to them. I pray You would use those of us who have seen the truth, repented, and asked to be remembered by the Lord Jesus. May we have the boldness, courage, and wisdom to proclaim that salvation is available to them through Jesus. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.