The Acceptance of Jesus: The Thief on the Cross
Last week, we saw how Jesus strongly disciplined or corrected His followers for wanting to harm the Samaritan people. Today, let’s contrast Jesus’ discipline with His acceptance of the Thief on the Cross.
In Luke 23:39 you find Jesus suffering horribly on the cross after being tortured by the Roman guards. In the middle of this, one thief is mocking Jesus’ ability to save Himself or save them. A second thief speaks up and basically tells the man to shut up! The second thief then turns to Jesus and asks the Lord to save him. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” It is amazing how Jesus continues to give, even during torture! Jesus instantly accepts the man telling him, “… today you will be with Me in paradise.”
This passage is wonderful for many reasons. Jesus’ ability to care for people in the middle of His greatest suffering is amazing! In addition to this, the man cannot “do” anything to get saved or merit going to Heaven. He is a thief and is nailed to a cross. No opportunity exists to “earn” his salvation by any good works. This event clearly reveals how accepting Jesus is. The man merely repents and turns to Jesus. He is honest about the evil he has done and reaches out for the Lord! And Jesus says, “Yes! You will be with Me!” The acceptance of the Master is great!
We have been studying that the visible character of Jesus reveals the invisible character of God. Jesus reveals that God is truly this accepting to all who turn to Him in truth. This doesn’t mean they are perfect; far from it! But it does mean they are “responding” to Jesus. This passage epitomizes the phrase “You don’t have to get cleaned up before you come to Jesus. Come as you are!” Knowing that God will accept you strengthens us to be honest about our failings and sin. Micah 7:18 says, “You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.” That tells us even more.
God actually “delights” to show mercy to us! He “wants” to forgive us. He desires to accept all. Those who turn to Him, He accepts… just like the thief on the cross.