Study inJohn’s Gospel

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The CriminalsChap 19v16-22

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IntroductionI think it fitting that we have been dealing in greater detail than normal with the biblical account of Jesus’ death while also thinking about the involvement of other characters. Of course each gospel writer has a particular focus and emphasis. So much so, that in reading John’s gospel, it is almost possible to lose sight of the involvement of two characters described fleetingly in v18 as ‘two others’. John reminds us of their presence but his great concern is to focus on the cross as the place where Jesus is exalted and glorified; the fulfilment of Jesus petition - “Father glorify your Son” Jn.17v1.

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The CrucifixionJohn does not dwell in great detail upon the crucifixion; neither do the other Gospel writers. That said there was no more terrible death than crucifixion.William Barclay writes. “Even the Romans themselves regarded it with a shudder of horror. Cicero declared that it was 'the most cruel and horrifying death.' Tacitus said that it was a 'despicable death.' Crucifixion was originally a Persian method of execution. It may have been used because, to the Persians, the earth was sacred, and they wished to avoid defiling it with the body of a criminal and an evildoer; so they nailed him to a cross and left him to die there, and then left the vultures and the carrion crows to complete the work…

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The Crucifixion… The Carthaginians took over crucifixion from the Persians; and the Romans learned it from the Carthaginians... It was that death, the most dreaded death in the ancient world, the death of slaves and criminals, that Jesus died.’”

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After sentence was passed, the victim was first subjected to scourging, a punishment so severe that some died under it. In Jesus' case the scourging took place before the final passing of sentence so as to evoke pity from the mob. Next the horizontal bar of the cross was bound to the condemned man's back.

He was then led to the place of crucifixion accompanied by a centurion and four soldiers who made up the execution party. A placard describing the prisoners’ crime was carried before him and intended to act as a deterrent to others.

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The Crucifixion

Arriving at the place of crucifixion, the victim was stripped of his clothes, which became the property of the soldiers. The crossbar was then hoisted upward to rest upon the upright bar that had already been prepared to receive it. The victim's hands and feet were nailed in place. As a result of this he could raise himself up from time to time, thereby alleviating the strain upon his arms and diaphragm.

After hours or, even days of such torture, the victim would die of shock, exposure, loss of blood, or suffocation. This is the death Jesus died.

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The Crucifixion

John tells the story with great restraint, for he has more important things to emphasize. There is the fulfilment of prophecy, for example. There are the words from the cross. One striking point, significantly mentioned in all four Gospels, is the mention of the two thieves, who hung on either side of Jesus. The word used to describe them in the gospels is ‘lestes’ also used of Barabbas in John 18v40, and it carries the meaning of an “an insurrectionist - a terrorist - a freedom fighter.”

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A Different Kingdom

Whatever their crime, they were caught and sentenced to die with Jesus. As he was nailed to the cross, so too were they. As he was lifted up, they were also lifted up. These two men filled with anguish and despair, must have cried out against God, the Romans, etc. Little attention was paid them by the dignitaries who came to view Jesus and heap insults upon him.“You, who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” Matt. 27v40.“He saved others, but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.” v 42.

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A Different Kingdom

Now as the two criminals listened to these taunts they joined in. Matthew tells us that, ‘In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him’ Matt. 27v44. Luke records the direct speech of one who said, “Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” Lk. 23v39.

Then suddenly something wonderful happened, a miracle! God began to work in the heart of one of these men, his cursing died down. It was not simply that death was concentrating his mind but his darkened mind was being illuminated

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A Different Kingdom

At last he began to understand the truth about himself and about Jesus. So much so that he rebuked his companion;“Don't you fear God, since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

He then turned to Jesus and voiced his new-found faith; “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”.

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A Different Kingdom

This freedom fighter has a different world view. Formerly, freedom from the yoke of Rome and the restoration of an earthly kingdom had been his failed life goal. Now another kingdom, a different freedom, lay within his grasp. In Jesus’ kingdom he could experience freedom from the law’s condemnation and he grasps that truth with his dying breath. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”.

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A Different Kingdom

Now Jesus’ answer is extremely important. Did Jesus say, “It's too late for that now; you should have thought of that when you joined that guerrilla movement”? Did he say, “I appreciate your confidence, but I don't know; if we will get through this, I'll see what I can do for you”? Did he say, “We will need time to weigh your good deeds against your bad ones”? Did he say, “We're both in the same boat, we just have to grit our teeth and bear it”? Not a bit of it. Instead with an assured confidence, he said, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” In speaking to this thief, Jesus speaks to us too. For he not only shows the way of salvation; he also gives a settled assurance of salvation.

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A Different Kingdom

Note that this believing thief did three things. First, he recognised his own need, and by that I mean his spiritual need and not merely his physical one. On the physical side there were many things he needed. He needed deliverance, medical attention, drugs. Failing these things, he at least needed sympathy knowing that he was about to die. But this is not what he recognised and confessed so openly. What he recognised was that he was a sinner and that he needed a Saviour.

At other times in his life he may have tried to explain this need away. But now he recognised it. He said to his companion, “Don't you fear God, since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve”.

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Freedom for The Freedom Fighter

Secondly, he also recognised that Jesus was that Saviour. He may not have been able to explain the theology of justification - the means through which God can declare sinful men to be righteous as a result of having imputed their sin to Jesus and his righteousness to them. But he knew that Jesus was the innocent Son of God and the Saviour.

He showed this by saying, “But this man has done nothing wrong,” and by referring to the coming of Christ in his “kingdom.”

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Freedom for The Freedom Fighter

Finally, having recognized his need of a Saviour and that Jesus was that Saviour, he committed himself to him personally. He said, “Lord Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”.

And the Lord did remember him. He remembered him on the spot, for he accepted him right there and then and promised that on that very day, after each had died, they would be together in paradise.

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Freedom for The Freedom Fighter

If you are saying, “I don’t have any confidence of a place in Christ’s kingdom” then you can be like that thief - if you would have your sin on Christ rather than on yourself and therefore be able to receive the promise of being with Christ and with God the Father eternally - you need to do what he did.

First, admit and forsake your sin.

Secondly, see Jesus as your Saviour.

Thirdly, commit yourself to him personally. You need to say, “Lord, I know that I cannot get to heaven on my own record, for I am a sinner, and my record condemns me. I need you as my Saviour, and I ask you to accept me as one for whom you died. Receive me. Remember me in the day of your judgment.” There is no reason why Jesus will not accept you just as he received the repentant thief.

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Freedom for The Freedom Fighter

We also need to consider who the thief was. Especially if you are thinking, “It’s too late for me; I am too far gone for Christ to help.” Who was this man?

First, he was a thief, a terrorist, perhaps even one of the country’s most wanted criminals.

Secondly, he was a condemned man.

Thirdly, he had only hours to live. From a human point of view everything was against him. Yet he called upon Jesus, and Jesus, in what was his last interview upon earth, heard him, received him, and promised him an entrance into paradise.

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Freedom for The Freedom Fighter

Will you call upon Him? You can never be too sinful or call too late so that Jesus will not hear. He is listening for that call right now. Whether you are a hardened criminal or a gentle little old lady can you humble yourself and say, "Lord, remember me a sinner"?

Two thieves died at Jesus side but only one placed his confidence in Jesus. Don’t wait to see how others will react. Instead, respond today to the promptings of God’s Spirit in your heart.

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Conclusion