June 21 - A Tale of Two Criminals
June 21
A Tale of Two Criminals
Bible Reading: Luke 23:32-43
32There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” 36The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” 38And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
HAVE YOU READ today's Bible reading? If not, you will probably want to read it at least once before you try to tackle the following quiz:
1. Where was Jesus crucified?
(a) A place called Gomorrah, meaning "The Plain"
(b) A place called Golgotha, meaning "The Skull"
(c) A place called Goliath, meaning "The Giant"
2. How did the crowd and the leaders treat Jesus?
(a) They felt sorry for him.
(b) They ignored him.
(c) They made fun of him.
3. How did the thieves treat Jesus?
(a) One mocked him; the other was respectful.
(b) Both mocked him.
(c) Neither one paid any attention to him.
Done? Now check the answers below to see how well you did: 1(b); 2(c); 3(a).
Of the two thieves crucified with Jesus, one treated Jesus with honor and respect. That thief went to paradise that day because he repented and received the forgiveness of his sins through Jesus' sacrifice. His action has been admired for two thousand years as an example of righteous conduct.
Treating others with respect is right. It's also the better way to behave because it produces good results more often than not. Treating other people with respect also protects you from offense and makes you more attractive in many people's eyes. In other words, who would you rather be like: the thief who cursed Jesus or the one who treated him with respect?
REFLECT: The two thieves who were crucified with Jesus illustrate how ugly and offensive disrespectful behavior is, and how attractive and admirable respectful people appear. How does the crowd's behavior compare to the thieves' behavior? Why is respect right? Why is it also better? Whom do you most often act like: the thief who cursed Jesus, or the one who treated him with respect? Do you think acting respectfully can make you more attractive and admirable to other people? In what ways?
PRAY: "God, remind me that obeying You has benefits. Help me to be respectful because it is right and because it is the best way to treat others."