Recognized

Two weeks ago we focused on Judas and his betrayal of Jesus, last week we looked at Peter and his denial of Jesus. In this post, the last of the three part series, we're going to look at someone whose name is never actually mentioned in scripture.

Before I jump into the main passage let me summarize what's happened so far. Jesus prayed, Jesus was betrayed, Jesus was condemned to die, He was whipped and mocked. Along with two criminals, He was led to a place called The Skull and they crucified Him between the two other criminals.

I love what He says in Luke 23:34, "Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.""

Moving down a few verses.... Jesus is hanging on a cross between two criminals. People are still mocking Him, saying that if He's the Son of God He should save Himself. Even one of the criminals beside Him jeered at Him.

But then comes one of my favorite parts of the passages about Jesus' crucifixion.

Luke 23:40-42, "But the other answered, rebuking him: "Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.""

This man beside Jesus, a criminal whose crimes deserved one of the most painful deaths according to Roman law, he got it. The religious leaders, the other Jews... they didn't understand. But he understood. He'd probably heard all about Jesus and he recognized that Jesus was innocent, while he was guilty. He believe that Jesus was the Son of God.

He saw his own sin and instead of looking past Jesus, he recognized Who He was and what gift He holds.

I love Jesus' response in verse 43, "And he said to him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.""

Judas betrayed Jesus, Peter denied Jesus, but this criminal, who had probably never actually met Jesus, he recognized Jesus. He recognized that Jesus was the Son of God, who didn't deserve death.

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Judas betrayed Jesus and while he felt remorse over it, he didn't repent.

Peter denied Jesus and he wept bitterly because of it. He went on to truly love Jesus more than his own life.

The criminal had committed terrible crimes, but he recognized who Jesus was.

The question is: what will our response be? We've looked these past three weeks at the passages of scripture surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection. What will your response be? Will you see your sin and feel remorse, but not repent? Have you denied Jesus in the past, but are now striving to love Jesus more than yourself? Have you sinned against God and repented, recognizing Who He is?

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Let's talk....

Which has been your favorite post from this series... Judas, Peter, or the criminal? Which gospel has your favorite account of scripture about the events occurring around Jesus' crucifixion? Would you like to see more post series like this? Any other thoughts?