There is an absolute fascination with crime and criminals in our modern day culture. Countless documentaries, TV shows, movies, and books have been produced to dive into the world of a criminal mind. We witness some of the most heinous deeds and wonder things like, “How on earth could someone do something like that?”…”What goes on in someone’s mind to go through with such crimes?”…”I just can’t believe someone would do that”
We tend to be drawn to what we can identify with and I believe the fascination lies in this truth… We are all criminals. Every single one of us.
A criminal is a person that has committed a crime. A crime is any offense, serious wrong doing, or sin. Romans 3 says we are ALL under sin. We have all violated the law.
as it is written, “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; -Romans 3:10
We all deserve death for our crime. We are under sin. Our only hope is in Jesus. He took the punishment that we deserve. As He hung on the cross for the sins of the world he was hanging between two criminals. These criminals had their reaction towards God recorded for all of us to consider. They are a representation of us and our response to Jesus, we are all one or the other.
“Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” -Luke 23:39
The first criminal mocked Jesus. Hanging right there beside him, he was yelling insults at him. The Greek word that is translated to describe his yelling of insults is blasphémeó which means to slander, hence to speak lightly or profanely of sacred things. Right beside the Savior of the world, this criminal was blaspheming Jesus.
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 we deserve for the things we did, but his man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:40-43
The second criminal had a much different response. He recognized that he was being justly punished and that Jesus had done nothing wrong. Everyone around Jesus in this moment was mocking Him as King and this criminal demonstrated faith in his response, he acknowledged his sinfulness and requested Jesus to remember him when He comes into His Kingdom. By acknowledging Jesus’ Kingdom, he was acknowledging His Lordship. And his faith was rewarded as Jesus responded, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
AW Tozer says, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
What comes into your mind when you think about God? When you consider Jesus – his life, death, and resurrection? What comes to your mind?
Do you identify with the second criminal, seeing your due punishment and the sinless Christ taking your place? Or do you identify with the first criminal and refuse to acknowledge the goodness of God?
Consider these verses:
For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! – Romans 5:10
The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. – Romans 8:7
You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God. – James 4:4
We are born enemies of God, all falling short. Our verdict is guilty. Yet Jesus the spotless Lamb came and was crucified in our place. He loves us that much and desires for us to be reconciled to the Father. He is the only way we can be justified for our crimes. We owe our all to Him.
I'm Just Irene 