Two Thieves

There are two types of people in this world. They are represented by the two thieves who hung on the cross with Jesus. Although we are all like one of the two thieves, we all like both of them in that we are all thieves, sinners, unworthy of forgiveness, and under a sentence of death.

Some of us see Jesus and, in our bitterness, we seek to drag Him down to our level in an attempt to elevate our miserable lives: “Hey, if you’re so great why don’t you fix this mess I’m in.” (Luke 23:39)

Others see Him and recognize that it us and not Him who is deserving of punishment. And that’s good.

But then some of us try to do something to become worthy of His forgiveness. But all that is necessary is to believe and accept that He is our King (verse 42). We can’t do anything to save ourselves anyway: our hands are tied – or even nailed – to a cross of our own making. There’s nothing we can do but ask.

And Jesus responds, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”