The Strangers on the RoadSample

The Robbers On The Road

What Do We Know About The Robbers?

While the man was on the road to Jericho, the robbers “stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead” (Luke 10:30b). We don’t know where they came from or where they went after committing this crime. All we know is the terrible abuse they inflicted.

How Do The Robbers Point To Jesus?

Yesterday, we discussed the stripping and beating Jesus endured at the hands of Roman soldiers. Shortly after this, an interesting detail about Jesus’ crucifixion is revealed: “Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left” (Matt. 27:38). When one of these robbers asks Jesus to remember him when He enters His kingdom, Jesus responds: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

How Do These Answers Impact Us?

Just like the robbers in the parable, the robbers crucified next to Jesus were guilty of wrongdoing, as one of them admitted: “We are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:41b). Despite their guilt, Jesus offered forgiveness and eternal life to the robber who repented and believed in Him. On the Sunday following Jesus’ crucifixion, He robbed the grave by defeating death. Are you living a life of sin and deception? Jesus offers forgiveness for you!

Big Idea

Just like the robbers in the parable, the robbers crucified next to Jesus were guilty of wrongdoing. Our sin makes us just as guilty as these criminals, and our only hope for freedom and forgiveness is placing our faith in Jesus Christ, the one who robbed the grave!

Let's Think About This

Question #1: What is one thing that “jumped out” to you while reading Luke 10:30?

Question #2: If someone is intentionally living a life of sin and deception, like the robbers, what steps can they take to walk in freedom?

Question #3: Similar to the robber who asked Jesus to remember him in His kingdom, have you asked Jesus to forgive you and welcome you into His kingdom? If not, what is keeping you from taking that step?