Luke 23:35-43 NRSVue
35And the people stood by watching, but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” 36The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
39One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.” 43He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
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Reflection on Luke 23:35-43
Inspiration from 2025-11-23 Daily Prayer
It may seem somewhat cruel to say of the good criminal that he was in the right place at the right time, but his acknowledgement of Jesus’ innocence and his heartfelt prayer to Jesus for mercy found an immediate answer. In these extraordinary circumstances, it brings out yet again the infinite love and mercy of our God. Let us also ask Jesus to remember us.
The people were silent, but the soldiers and one of the criminals mocked him. As we read in the Book of Wisdom, ‘Let us test him with cruelty and with torture, and thus explore this gentleness of his and put his endurance to the test … But they are misled. Their malice has made them blind.’ Let us pray for the courage to put up with whatever insults and derision come from the living of our faith.
Further reflection
Glamour and splendour mark the presence of earthly royalty. Jesus is not recognisable as King to those expecting power or glory. We need to train ourselves to look for signs of Jesus’ reign. His real identity can be seen only by the humble.
The ‘good thief’ saw things as they were: he knew his own sinfulness; he recognised Jesus’ character; he asked for little yet was rewarded for his honesty. Humility brings a true perspective and is the ground for meeting God. I pray for humility.
This is a remarkable scene. The King of the Jews crucified between two criminals.
What happens?
How do I respond to it?