- Feb 22, 2017
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Unusually this morning after I read, I decided my thoughts about it weren't enough. As much as it's needed, what I wanted was the truth. While some of what I thought was incorrect, such as thinking Jesus was asking for those crucified with him to be forgiven (Luke 23:33-34). But the end of verse 34; "And parting his garments among them, they cast lots." If you reference it to where the phrase originated you get Psalm 22:18; which prophesied Jesus's crucifixion by the Romans.
What else I had thought that seems correct is the significance of the thieves; as they sit at his right and left hand on that day of is crucifixion. (Luke 23:33, Mark 10:37, Matthew 19:28, Revelations 3:20-21) One of the thieves was unrepentant and judgmental, the other was repentant and merciful. The latter accepted he had done wrong and deserved the consequences, that he was a sinner needing mercy; while the former wouldn't admit as much and only wanted to be saved. This was shown by how they expressed themselves to Jesus, and of him to others. (Luke 23:39-43)
Honestly this only scratches the surface of God's word and Christ's fulfillment of it. But to summarized what I think, first reading it I agree with everything he said:
What else is there to know and understand? Your thoughts about this chapter and Jesus's crucifixion? How it all fits together with him as Christ and us as followers? Any references to other parts of the Bible or the Gospel for further study to further educate ourselves by his word?
What else I had thought that seems correct is the significance of the thieves; as they sit at his right and left hand on that day of is crucifixion. (Luke 23:33, Mark 10:37, Matthew 19:28, Revelations 3:20-21) One of the thieves was unrepentant and judgmental, the other was repentant and merciful. The latter accepted he had done wrong and deserved the consequences, that he was a sinner needing mercy; while the former wouldn't admit as much and only wanted to be saved. This was shown by how they expressed themselves to Jesus, and of him to others. (Luke 23:39-43)
Honestly this only scratches the surface of God's word and Christ's fulfillment of it. But to summarized what I think, first reading it I agree with everything he said:
Matthew Henry Commentary
23:32-43 As soon as Christ was fastened to the cross, he prayed for those who crucified him. The great thing he died to purchase and procure for us, is the forgiveness of sin. This he prays for. Jesus was crucified between two thieves; in them were shown the different effects the cross of Christ would have upon the children of men in the preaching the gospel. One malefactor was hardened to the last. No troubles of themselves will change a wicked heart. The other was softened at the last: he was snatched as a brand out of the burning, and made a monument of Divine mercy. This gives no encouragement to any to put off repentance to their death-beds, or to hope that they shall then find mercy. It is certain that true repentance is never too late; but it is as certain that late repentance is seldom true. None can be sure they shall have time to repent at death, but every man may be sure he cannot have the advantages this penitent thief had. We shall see the case to be singular, if we observe the uncommon effects of God's grace upon this man. He reproved the other for railing on Christ. He owned that he deserved what was done to him. He believed Jesus to have suffered wrongfully. Observe his faith in this prayer. Christ was in the depth of disgrace, suffering as a deceiver, and not delivered by his Father. He made this profession before the wonders were displayed which put honour on Christ's sufferings, and startled the centurion. He believed in a life to come, and desired to be happy in that life; not like the other thief, to be only saved from the cross. Observe his humility in this prayer. All his request is, Lord, remember me; quite referring it to Jesus in what way to remember him. Thus he was humbled in true repentance, and he brought forth all the fruits for repentance his circumstances would admit. Christ upon the cross, is gracious like Christ upon the throne. Though he was in the greatest struggle and agony, yet he had pity for a poor penitent. By this act of grace we are to understand that Jesus Christ died to open the kingdom of heaven to all penitent, obedient believers. It is a single instance in Scripture; it should teach us to despair of none, and that none should despair of themselves; but lest it should be abused, it is contrasted with the awful state of the other thief, who died hardened in unbelief, though a crucified Saviour was so near him. Be sure that in general men die as they live.
What else is there to know and understand? Your thoughts about this chapter and Jesus's crucifixion? How it all fits together with him as Christ and us as followers? Any references to other parts of the Bible or the Gospel for further study to further educate ourselves by his word?