Scripture Readings: Luke 23: 26-43
The cross revealed the glory of Christ in his obedience to God, his care
for other people, and his innocence and life-giving love. We gather at a
crossroad thinking of Jesus who died for us. We do not know what lies
ahead in our lives, but we know that we will sometimes encounter
betrayal, pain, and loneliness.
Yet, Jesus showed how to stand on our own and with all the suffering.
The powers of death and isolation are unexpected and big, but in God,
we discover a way of peace and companionship.
Some of the people joined in demanding Jesus’ crucifixion but others
sadly joined the procession from Pilate’s court to Calvary’s cross. The
women who had so faithfully supported Jesus expressed grief and
anguish over the coming suffering and death of their Lord. When Jesus
had to walk toward the hill of execution, he had become too weak to
carry a heavy Roman crossbeam, so the Roman soldiers forced a man
from the crowd to carry Christ’s cross. The man was Simon. He was at
the work of God.
Two thieves took up crosses and followed Jesus to Golgotha, while his
chosen disciples hid in fear. One of the criminals who hung there insults
at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other
criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God? We are punished justly, for
we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing
wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your
kingdom.”
In Chapter 5, Jesus had proven his ability to forgive sins in his healing
ministry. In 6 and 11, He had taught that forgiveness comes only to those
who forgive others, and that forgiveness has no limits. On the cross he
showed what he had taught. He watched those who mocked him, played
games with him, and crucified him. Then he asked the Father to forgive
them. He called for forgiveness because he loved even his enemies
mentioning their ignorance.
Even as Jesus prayed for forgiveness, the Roman soldiers continued
their mocking, taking his clothes and casting lots for them. God knew that
his Son would die, suffering for the sins of the world. He knew the
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Romans would gamble for his few earthly possessions. In this act they
fulfilled Psalm 22:18 and Isaiah 53.
Jesus needed to say goodbye to everyone. There are three last words of
Jesus in Luke’s Gospel: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what
they are doing” (Luke 23: 34) “I tell you the truth, today you will be with
me in paradise” (v.43) “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (v.46)
At Calvary, Jesus is broken and beaten but still loving, still forgiving, still
showing that the kingdom of God is at hand, still befriending the
friendless. He demonstrates his love in all its generosity, ignoring all
those insulting him and setting aside his pain to attend to the thief.
“Today you will be with me in Paradise’ are words of exceptional
generosity and gladness for the recipient, as are “Father, forgive them;
for they do not know what they are doing.”
In Luke 22 the people gathered with Pilate and called for Jesus’
crucifixion. In 23, they became onlookers and a part of the audience in
the place of death. However, the religious leaders continued their
arrogant behaviour, mocking Jesus. They did not believe and were not
saved even though Jesus prayed for their forgiveness (8:12). First in the
eyes of the people, but they had become last in the eyes of God. While
the religious leaders worked to destroy life, Jesus worked to save it.
On the cross God was answering the prayer of his people. He was
bringing them salvation, assurance of eternal life. They were receiving
the gift of grace. But that gift involved Jesus’ death for the sins of the
people. Jesus saved others by dying for them, sacrificing himself. This
was the suffering Servant-Messiah, not the all-triumphant political
messiah the rulers and crowds wanted.
Eternal life is God’s gift, given by the one who died on the cross. Jesus
refused to save himself and provided salvation for the world. Jesus is
truly the promised Messiah and the only hope for the world. Those who
would be part of an eternal kingdom must believe in him as their King
and Saviour.
One thief confessed his sins and invited the other thief to join his
confession. They deserved to die, but Jesus did not deserve to die. He
was the sinless dying with sinners and the pure Lamb of God taking on
himself the sin of the world. The thief’s confession and Jesus’ response
invites us to confess the great work of Jesus and his mission.
The repentant thief had rebuked for his fellow thief but made a request
for Jesus. He wanted to be remembered when Jesus entered his
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kingdom. He did not know all he asked, but he had enough faith to ask to
be part of whatever Jesus was up to. He had no more life ahead of him,
but he sought eternal blessings beyond the cruel death he was facing.
Jesus’ response as to the thief’s request was clear. The thief did not
have to wait even one day. His faith, whatever its source, secured him an
immediate place with Jesus. He would be part of Jesus’ kingdom today
in paradise. Jesus promised this believing thief that he would share life
with Jesus in paradise today. We do not know the exact time and form of
resurrection, but we believe in Jesus and resurrection and expect for
reunion after death. Christ’s promise to the thief extends to all who
believe in him. When we call on him for salvation, acknowledging our sin
and seeking his salvation, he responds with a word for today. May we
experience life in Christ’s kingdom today by believing in him and living
out the gospel.
Wait in faith now, people of God.
Wait and if our faith runs low, lean on God more and remind those
around us who also sit and wait beside the tomb.
We will wait in faith, Jesus Christ.
May we hold near to us the people of the past –those who had nothing
but faith to sustain them.
Let us wrap the people of need with clothes of loving-kindness while we
wait as though we, too, hold the Body of Christ.
We will wait in love, Jesus Christ.
May we roll the stones of courage into the paths of those who would
destroy hope and sit before the places of good to guard the truth.
Let’s be the brave defenders against all who would take away the trust
on a child’s face with its expectation that love will survive and bring us
home to the victory of abundant life.
We will wait in faithfulness, Jesus Christ.
Wait in faith over these next three days.
Wait in hope for the risen life of God to visit the people in grace.
Wait in openness for gifts beyond imagining.
For this is Christ, the Human One whose love will never be defeated.
At the crossroads, before the cross, in the life-giving love, may we wait in
hope and love.
May God’s grace, mercy, and strength be with you.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)
