Who's Really In Charge?

From all appearances, it looked as if all the bold statements and amazing feats were empty words and actions. Those who were charged with righteousness and justice were apparently going to make certain that everything was as it should be as they protected the citizens and their own skins. By the control they exerted over this supposed leader, they would show the world who was in charge and who wasn’t.

Though it may have looked this way, this section of Scripture continues to show that they were merely tools in fulfilling the prophecy of the Old Testament. Though they thought they were in charge of all that was happening, the King of the Jews, the Messiah, the Son of God was in absolute control. In their efforts to rid themselves of Someone by making Him look guilty, He, was in fact, going to become guilty by taking upon Himself all of humanity’s sin. Though humanity was completely guilty and deserving of death, Jesus would become sin for us so that we might be declared not guilty before God.

This all had to happen in order for Jesus to provide salvation to all who would believe in His Name.

Luke 23:32–43 NASB95

Two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him. When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.” The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine, and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!” Now there was also an inscription above Him, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? “And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

In spite of what others may say about Jesus, He is the Lord of all.

The Destination - 23:32-33

It has been stated by many scholars that crucifixion is the most horrible and painful form of execution that humanity has ever created. The location for this despicable act was known by many as The Skull. Whether the location looks like a skull or whether it’s because there were skulls on the ground because of those who’d been crucified, we don’t really know. The actual location of the spot is unknown. The Aramaic word is Golgotha. The Latin word is Calvaria, which is where we get the word for Calvary.

The Romans typically held crucifixions on an elevated site so that everyone passing would be able to see. This was quite intentional so that everyone could realize what happened if you dared to go against Rome.

Luke is very intentional to point out the fact that Jesus was executed between two criminals. This is also a reminder to us that prophecy is being fulfilled as seen in . There are several scholars who suggest that these two criminals were partners with Barabbas in the revolt against Rome.

The Despisers - 23:34-39

In spite of the horrible things which had been done to Jesus and what was still in store for him, Jesus shows us no malice or anger. Instead, we see the exact opposite.

Mercy offered (34a)

Jesus is heard to pray for all those involved in these horrible events. Now obviously, we know that unless a person seeks forgiveness from God, that individual is not personally forgiven. However, I’m convinced that God withheld His wrath until AD 70, which gave the nation plenty of time to repent and seek God’s forgiveness.

Think of it this way. When someone wrongs you, the best thing to do is for you to forgive them. What that does is free you and lets you know that you harbor no ill will towards them. However, they cannot experience true forgiveness or freedom until they recognize the wrong they committed and seek forgiveness from you. In other words, they are considered guilty of their offense until they have sought reconciliation.

Ignorance which can be corrected is inexcusable. These people did not understand the implications and ramifications of what they were doing. However, the individuals who were quite intentional, had all the information they needed from the Scriptures and the miracles.

Mocking (34b-39)

In these verses, we see horrible mocking. It starts out by those who were responsible for His personal belongings to divide it up between themselves. Again, this all is fulfilling the prophecies from the Old Testament.

We can assume from this that Jesus was naked when He was crucified which was an absolute insult to the dignity of Jesus. Those in charge were doing all they could to attack Jesus from every possible perspective.

Let’s take a brief look at three different scenarios where the individuals were mocking Jesus and using a very similar phrase. They all spoke of the supposed inability of Jesus to save Himself. Implied is the fact that if He cannot save Himself, He certainly is unable to save humanity.

Rulers & salvation (35)

Verse 35 shows two groups mocking Jesus. The general crowd that was what many of us would call “rubber-neckers,” you know, those people who slow down to look at a traffic accident. They are just looking on, not bothering to step in to defend Him. We don’t see them actively mocking Jesus; they’re guilty by their lack of doing anything. Luke does not suggest that the crowds in general were not part of the whole mocking scene.

But then, you are treated to the hollow righteousness of the rulers. Luke says they were sneering at Him. The various definitions for sneering have within them the idea of contempt. The Greek verb literally means to turn up one’s nose in derision. Their comment is dripping with sarcasm and hatred. The religious rulers knew that the Old Testament stated that anyone hanging on a tree or cross was cursed by God. He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One. Pay close attention to this phrase because a form of it is shared two more times in this section.

He saved others; blet Him save Himself if this is the 1Christ of God, His Chosen One.”

1 I.e. Messiah

New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .

Soldiers & salvation (36-38)

The soldiers, those under the government of Rome, joined in this pitiful party. Rather than simply doing their job, they chose to join in the mocking of Jesus. As if they were showing compassion, they were offering Him sour wine. This could have been a very common act of mercy, for this wine vinegar was a type of pain killer. Or it could have been a further mockery as if this was royal wine they were giving to a supposed king. Then they proceed to taunt and mock Him with the phrase where they would dare Him to save Himself.

The Roman government authorities had placed a very factual sign above Jesus, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. The other Gospels have the full inscription which stated, This is Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. It’s basically Pilate’s way of having the last work against the Jewish leaders who had forced his hand to crucify an innocent man. Normally, the actual charges would be written above.

The facts were right, but they didn’t go far enough nor deep enough. Not only was Jesus their king, but He was the Savior. However, if He would have saved Himself in the midst of this crucifixion, salvation could not have ever happened. Jesus would have been able to save nobody had He saved Himself.

Criminal & Salvation (39)

The arrogance of one who is obviously guilty, yet will refuse to look at the possibility of forgiveness, offers his mockery. Yet, the one thief who was involved in the mockery added an element to his taunting. He said that Jesus should save Himself and the thieves. This would have been his only hope for rescue, yet it was done in a condescending way with no genuine belief or faith.

The Delivered - 23:40-43

In all of this, it looks incredibly bleak. Yet, on another cross, we find an individual who has had his eyes opened. Initially, we know that he was part of the mocking, along with the others. I am so glad that Luke shared this small, but ever so powerful conversation. None of the other Gospels mentions this deathbed conversation.

Recognition of condemnation (40-41)

It is not normal that we should hear of someone who has been declared guilty and is about to die actually admit to being guilty. It is even more rare that the criminal should say that he is guilty and actually deserves his punishment.

Yet that is exactly what happened. In fact, it’s interesting to note that he starts out by showing an understanding that this is all of God. He then goes on to show that he understands that all three of them are condemned to crucifixion. But then he notes the injustice Jesus is suffering. More importantly, he admits that he actually deserved the punishment because of his actual guilt.

Request for forgiveness (42)

We are not given any information as to how this one thief knew that Jesus had a kingdom or even the ability to remember when He got there. There was a sign hanging over Jesus’ head which gave pretty basic information. But to consider that Jesus would be alive to remember, with the knowledge He would die at the crucifixion is amazing.

What actually was happening is more than amazing. He knew he was being crucified as a criminal who deserved death. He knew that Christ was being crucified also, but was unjustly being punished. So, as he is engaging Jesus, the Holy Spirit was helping him to see that Jesus was his Redeemer and Savior. Thus, in his request, he is confessing that Jesus is his King and Lord.

Reward promised (43)

I love how Warren Wiersbe describes this verse; Our Lord in His compassion brought a thief out of sin and into salvation, and He did it in the nick of time.

John MacArthur states it this way: But then God opened his heart to the truth and miraculously, powerfully, sovereignly, instantly granted him faith and eternal life.

Our Lord in His compassion brought a thief out of sin and into salvation, and He did it in the nick of time.

There are various ideas as to what Jesus meant when He stated this promise. But let’s try to look at this in the most literal, interpretative sense, as possible. We recall that whenever Jesus says I tell you the truth, that one needs to pay close attention to what is said next. So, what’s the next word? Today. What is going to happen today? After the suffering and death, immediately his soul would immediately be in the presence of the Lord.

Warren W. Wiersbe, Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1992), 203.

How do we know this criminal was genuinely saved? There are several things which happened. First, he expressed fear of God and the upcoming judgment. Just earlier, he had been part of the vocal mocking. It seems that the Holy Spirit suddenly enlightened him.

He also recognized clearly that the crucifixion did not compare to judgment of his soul. You see, for those who don’t know Jesus as Savior, it is not normal to fear God. This thief admitted that he was a sinner. He threw himself on the mercy of Jesus.

He also understood that Jesus was the Messiah. Otherwise, there would be no kingdom for Jesus.

Wrap-Up

Isn’t it wonderful to think that the opportunity to be forgiven was available to those who crucified Jesus? What is so wonderful about that, you ask? The fact that I can’t think of anything that one can do today that would cause Jesus to not be willing to forgive and provide eternal life. I also have to wonder how many of those in the crowd were among the 3,000 Jews saved at Pentecost; or the 5,000 additional people saved shortly thereafter in Jerusalem.

The fact that I can’t think of anything that one can do today that would cause Jesus to not be willing to forgive and provide eternal life. I also have to wonder how many of those in the crowd were among the 3,000 Jews saved at Pentecost; or the 5,000 additional people saved shortly thereafter in Jerusalem.

The irony in the religious rulers should not be lost on us. In their mockery of Jesus being cursed by God because of hanging on a tree was the exact result which was wanted. You see, it’s made very clear by Paul in .

Galatians 3:13 NASB95

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”—

Galatians 3:13

This is also a great encouragement to all who place their faith and trust in Jesus. We will be immediately in His presence.

Even though others may mock all that there is about Jesus; even though you and I may be considered foolish; even though you may be someone who thinks they have done too much wrong to be forgiven and saved; Jesus is unchanging and always ready to save. He is Who He said He is. Appearances are not always what they may seem.