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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Some thoughts on this scripture

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.

Reflection
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.

Reflection
This is a remarkable scene. The King of the Jews crucified between two criminals.

Reflection
What happens?

Reflection
How do I respond to it?

Reflection
We have named the good thief Dismas, and bless him for that extraordinary prayer: /Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom./ In the throes of your final agony, Lord, you answered by welcoming him into paradise. You will be with me.