The Four Thieves of the Crucifixion The Four Thieves of the Crucifixion

We are familiar with the two thieves crucified alongside Christ However, actually four thieves involved in the total crucifixion scene The Lord Himself was treated as if He were a common criminal

In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. Matthew 26:55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. Matthew 26:55

And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Luke 23:32, 33 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Luke 23:32, 33

We are familiar with the two thieves crucified alongside Christ However, actually four thieves involved in the total crucifixion scene The Lord Himself was treated as if He were a common criminal He had earlier spoken about this

All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:8-10 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:8-10

Although the Lord was not a thief, there were four connected with His crucifixion who were Who were these men, and how are they remembered?

The Thief Who Regretted The Thief Who Regretted

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. John 12:4-6 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. John 12:4-6

Judas was originally chosen by Jesus- taught and sent forth He held a position of trust- treasurer He observed and had the ability to perform miracles He had preached “the kingdom of God is at hand”

But, he betrayed the Lord and fell

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him. Matthew 26: Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him. Matthew 26:14- 16

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. Acts 1:24, 25 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. Acts 1:24, 25

But, he betrayed the Lord and fell His betrayal turned to regret…

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. Matthew 27:3-5 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. Matthew 27:3-5

But, he betrayed the Lord and fell His betrayal turned to regret… …but sadly, not to repentance

The phrase “repented himself” means to be sorry afterward and may lead to repentance, but does not itself include repentance Peter’s sorrow led him back to the Savior; Judas’s sorrow led him to suicide He was the thief who regretted

The Thief Who Was Replaced The Thief Who Was Replaced

Matthew introduces him to us

Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Matthew 27:15, 16 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Matthew 27:15, 16

Matthew introduces him to us John tells us he was a thief; and tells us of the custom to release a prisoner at the Jewish Passover

But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. John 18:39, 40 But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. John 18:39, 40

Matthew introduces him to us John tells us he was a thief; and tells us of the custom to release a prisoner at the Jewish Passover The gathered crowd had a choice to make Peter later spoke of that choice

The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. Acts 3: The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. Acts 3:13- 15

Just as He did with Barabbas, Jesus has taken each of our places

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. I Peter 2: For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. I Peter 2:21- 24

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Hebrews 2:9

Just as He did with Barabbas, Jesus has taken each of our places As a symbol of each of us, Barabbas stands as the thief who was replaced

The Thief Who Rebelled The Thief Who Rebelled

Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. Matthew 27:38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. Matthew 27:38

His crucifixion between two thieves fulfilled Old Testament prophecy

Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:12

And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. Mark 15:27, 28 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. Mark 15:27, 28

His crucifixion between two thieves fulfilled Old Testament prophecy Both thieves mocked Jesus and challenged His claim to be the Son of God

Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. Matthew 27: Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. Matthew 27:41- 44

His crucifixion between two thieves fulfilled Old Testament prophecy Both thieves mocked Jesus and challenged His claim to be the Son of God One of them kept on (Gr. imperfect) “railing on Him”

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. Luke 23:39

What he forgot about Fearing God What kept this thief impenitent? What kept this thief impenitent? Death was at hand

But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? Luke 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? Luke 23:40

What he forgot about Fearing God What kept this thief impenitent? What kept this thief impenitent? Death was at hand Justice was being done

And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. Luke 23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. Luke 23:41

What he forgot about What he failed at What kept this thief impenitent? What kept this thief impenitent? Seeing what was most important Seeking deliverance

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:27, 28 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:27, 28

Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. John 8:51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. John 8:51

His crucifixion between two thieves fulfilled Old Testament prophecy Both thieves mocked Jesus and challenged His claim to be the Son of God One of them kept on (Gr. imperfect) “railing on Him” He is the thief who rebelled

The Thief Who Repented The Thief Who Repented

But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23: But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:40- 43

This thief had a change of heart In his pain and suffering he turned to the center cross

Feared God Why Was this thief penitent? Why Was this thief penitent?

But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? Luke 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? Luke 23:40

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. Proverbs 16:6

Feared God Knew death was at hand Why Was this thief penitent? Why Was this thief penitent? Knew sinfulness of his own conduct

And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds… Luke 23:41a And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds… Luke 23:41a

Feared God Knew death was at hand Why Was this thief penitent? Why Was this thief penitent? Knew sinfulness of his own conduct Was impressed with Christ’s innocence

…but this man hath done nothing amiss. Luke 23:41b …but this man hath done nothing amiss. Luke 23:41b

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

This thief had a change of heart In his pain and suffering he turned to the center cross His regret led him to renewal He is the thief who repented

There were four thieves associated with the crucifixion of Christ There were four thieves associated with the crucifixion of Christ

The Thief Who Regretted The Thief Who Regretted Admitted his wrong, but ended it all without repentance Admitted his wrong, but ended it all without repentance

The Thief Who Was Replaced The Thief Who Was Replaced Have no idea what he did with his new lease on life Have no idea what he did with his new lease on life

The Thief Who Rebelled The Thief Who Rebelled Ignored his guilt and cursed his way into a devil’s hell Ignored his guilt and cursed his way into a devil’s hell

The Thief Who Repented The Thief Who Repented Admitted his guilt and turned to his only Source of hope Admitted his guilt and turned to his only Source of hope

-from an outline by Kenneth Chambers- 1995