Two other men, both criminals, were also led out
with Him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there
they crucified Him, along with the criminals-one on His right, the other
on His left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they
are doing.” And they divided up His clothes by casting lots. The people stood
watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let
Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” The soldiers came
up and mocked Him. They offered Him wine vinegar and said, “If You are the king
of the Jews, save yourself.”There was a written notice above Him, which reads:
This is the king of the Jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled
insults at Him: “Aren’t You the Christ?
Save Yourself and us!” But the other
criminal rebuked Him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “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.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me
when You come into Your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise.”
This year at Easter I was struck by the simple significance
of the three crosses of Calvary. I have
glossed over this part of the Easter story many times without really thinking
about it, but this year I had to pause and reflect on its significance.
First it’s significant because of what Jesus did while on
the cross, second it’s significant because of what the other 2 crosses
symbolize, and lastly it’s significant because of what it represents for me, and
the world, today.