2. There are so many lessons that can be highlighted from Golgotha’s hill and it’s Crosses…. The Thief on the Cross Luke 23:33- 43 While none of them supercede the lessons of love and forgiveness shown by the Savior, there is one “other” lesson that encourages me greatly-

3. What do we know this man prior? Unnamed by text- v.33 Career Criminal- Romans didn’t crucify petty thieves: Mk.15:27 calls him a “robber” Lk.23:33 calls him a “criminal” This crook was a scourge on society to the point that Rome put him to death. If there was ever anyone undeserving of heaven’s grace, it was this guy!

4. But something happened! Perhaps “Curiosity overtook contempt; compassion rose above cruelty” (Wilson Adams; Today You Shall Be With Me In Paradise”; Bible Insights Vol.7; No.10; p.17) Perhaps he truly “saw” Jesus for the first time, v.34. Perhaps he saw through the “why” the Jews wanted Jesus dead. John 11:48 Or maybe it was just the overflowing of abuse coming at Jesus from everyone, vv.35-39

5. I’m not sure what all he came to realize, But I know a few things “clicked” in his mind at that time: >the Sovereignty of God, v.40 >his own culpability and the “justice” of his own death, v.41 > Rom.6:23 & 3:23 >the True Source of salvation, vv.38-39 > 42; see also Luke 5:21-24 > 23:34. 24:47 Whatever he may not have understood or done, these things he understood and expressed!

6. “But what about baptism?” The thief lived under a different Law than you and I. Christ, as we’ve already seen from 5:21-24, had the power to forgive the sins of whomever He thought worthy, or on whomever He decided to bestow His grace. His Law requiring baptism came “valid” after Christ’s death, Heb.9:16-17 > Mk.16:16. Those today who desire the “thief’s salvation” need to understand that it was his own crucifixion that brought him to Jesus, cf. Gal.2:20.

7. Have you ever realized that: Peter & the 11 denied Jesus & fled. Pilate washed his hands of the whole matter. Even among the disciples who watched from a distance, No one stepped forward to say a single word in defense of God’s Son! Until this “thief” did. He was the only one who defended Jesus, v.41b! And did anyone then notice this fact? I’d like to think others did. We know for sure one God/Man did! v.43

8. Why we should love this “thief”: He shows that no matter what mess we’ve made of life, Jesus can fix it, 1John 1:9 - 2:2. He shows us the importance of understanding who Jesus really is! cf. vv.38 & 42 He shows us the depth of Jesus’ love, grace, and forgiveness. This man did not deserve to be saved- neither do you or I! But he was, and so can you and I!