The Two Thieves of Calvary

Luke 23:32-47

SUBJECT: SALVATION/ FORGIVENESS

THEME: The two Thieves at Calvary on either side of Christ represent all of lost humanity for all times. Both were guilty of serious crimes and had been condemned to die by means of capital punishment for their sins. One man was guilty of sin and died in his sin; the other thief was also guilty but died forgiven by God.

INTRODUCTION:

JESUS CHRIST THE SINLESS was numbered with the transgressors; He was totally innocent of any crime or sin, yet He died the cruelest death of the vilest criminals. What appeared to be a major defeat for Christ was in essence the forgiveness of humanity’s sins victoriously accomplished. Jesus’ death ensured the answer to His own prayer, “Father, forgive them.” Forgiveness involves God releasing us guilty people from the eternal responsibilities for our moral failures against His law. Jesus Christ created the perfect conditions for our forgiveness through his cross and resurrection.

Someone said, “A Christian is not perfect; he is FORGIVEN!” This is extremely true, and it is not an excuse for godless lifestyles but simply the truth about us. We admit our serious imperfections, own our deep seated depravity, and offer no excuses for how we have lived. According to the Scriptures, we are not only capable of shocking and disturbing forms of evil, some of us have plundered the darkest labyrinths of transgressions. No, we have never been perfect, and we still are in a processes of growth. While perfection is a wonderful part of our eternal future, it is not our present situation. Since we have a perfect Savior, we are forgiven by the God who secured our salvation through the death and resurrection of His precious Son, Jesus Christ. God came all the way down to our level that He might lift us out of our sin, shame, guilt, and destruction and lift us up to an extraordinary relationship with himself. Beloved, God promises to forgive us when we come to him seeking his forgiveness.

Isaiah 55:6-7, says, Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7, Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Yes, God is forgiving...extremely forgiving. There is genuine hope of God-given forgiveness and real pardon when we turn to the Lord in repentance and faith. God makes us an unbelievable offer...an outrageous proposition...he affords us hope when we deserve Hell. How extravagantly gracious is he! Why not return to him today? He will abundantly pardon you as He did me. Now, what can we learn from these two thieves on either side of our Lord’s cross?

LESSON:

Consider the Two Thieves—They Represent the Truth that All Sinners Have Violated God’s Holy Law

Luke 23:32-33, And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. [33] And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

On that incredible day two other men were crucified on either side of the Lord Jesus Christ. Luke describes them as "malefactors" and Matthew refers to them as thieves. They are being subjected to capitol punishment by Roman authority. Their actions and crimes must be of the most serious nature to warrant this form of punishment. The term “malefactors” means evil doers, criminals; one who customarily engages in wrong doing and evil activities. The term even suggests violent murderous criminals. These two men habitually engaged in severely wrongful villainous acts against society.

THE TWO THIEVES WERE GUILTY OF GREAT CRIMES BEFORE THE LAW

Matt 27:38, Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

Again, Matthew and Mark describe them as “two thieves”.

       1. “Thieves” mean that they used violence to rob openly, in contrast to the thief who secretly enters a house and steals. These two men may have been guilty of armed robbery involving murder” --W.W. Wiersbe.

Beloved, they are hardened criminals of the worst sort (Mark 15:27). These men may have been involved with the rebellion and insurrections of Barabbas (John 18:40). The amazing thing is the Jerusalem crowd demanded that a dangerous criminal like Barabbas be released and the innocent Lord Jesus be crucified (Luke 23:13-25). What insanity transpired that day! It is likely that these two thieves where cohorts of Barabbas who was incarcerated for “sedition and murder.” Again, this further justifies this form of capital punishment.   

       2.  These Two Thieves are Not Sunday School Boys and their Crimes are Serious; after all, Their Sentence is a form of Capital Punishment.  They stand as guilty before the Roman Government. Great crimes require serious executions of justice as a deterrence against such activities in the future. When a government fails to enforce just laws it literally encourages the most destructive behaviors since there are little or no consequences. Society suffers at the hands of thugs and rebels.  

              a. It Is Not Murder for a Government to Put Criminals to Death for Heinous Crimes.  Genesis 9:6, Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

Romans 13:3-4, For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: [4] For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

The Bible plainly teaches that the person who takes a life is to forfeit their life (Gen. 9:6). Law enforcers are "ministers of God" and they do not carry "the sword in vain." I know there are too many instances where police officers committed gross crimes against innocent people. They should be held accountable for their crimes...justice should be served. We must be careful to not use these incredible violations to justify our hatred, revenge, or blanket condemnation of all law enforcement personnel. 

This is the order God established for the good of law abiding citizens and the welfare of human society. While we do not cherish putting anyone to death, we understand that such provisions are a necessary part of law and order—justice. Our world is broken...the presence of real evil is the proof, we must still seek justice. Such laws should not be manipulated or abused, and law enforcers must not abuse their authority. Accordingly, it is correct to cultivate in our young people a healthy respect and appreciation for the rule of law. While no justice system is perfect, it is far better than anarchy; our needs are best served with just laws that honor God. In a country like ours, bad laws should be challenged in the legislature/Congress, by corruption free (moral and ethical) lobbying, the ballot box, peaceful lawful protesting, and not through insurrectionists or judges who unilaterally legislate from the bench.

  

              b. The Law of Moses called for Capital Punishment in a Number of Instances. It was enforced in the case of murder (Lev. 24:17; Deut. 19:11-13), idolatry (Lev. 20:2; Deut. 17:2-7), witchcraft (Lev. 20:27), adultery (Lev. 20:10; Deut. 22:21,22), homosexuality (Lev. 20:13), bestiality (Lev. 20:15,16), rape (Deut. 22:25-27), incest (Lev. 20:17), blasphemy (Lev. 24:11-16, 23), presumption (Deut. 17:12-13), kidnapping (Deut. 24:7), and rebellion against parents (Lev. 20:9). This is what God prescribed for the nation of Israel; it was the law of the land. God warned and clearly discouraged such violations for his people. He appears to be in favor of tough laws and strict enforcement; this is likely shocking to our modern hyper-tolerant and misguided conscious. We would certainly need far fewer prisons and penitentiaries which means sustained tax relief. I think our streets would be safer because of this viable and potent deterrence against crime.  

              c.  No, Law and Order Does Not Encourage ‘Hate Crimes’ by Individuals; God Supports Responsible Execution of Bible Based Laws by proper Civil Authorities. Government and the legislature should not be used to further godless prejudices, sustain oppressive control, to unharness manipulative greed, expedite cruelty, reinforce abuses and empower the wicked cravings of fallen humanity. Our laws should protect the innocent, encourage and sustain a just society where fairness, freedom, and life can flourish for all citizens. Yes, God supports the death penalty administered by responsible civil authorities! This is one of the primary functions of government as a God-given institution—law and order.

The point here is that these men are guilty of serious offenses again society. They are also guilty before a thrice holy and just God-Judge! 

THE TWO THIEVES HAD ALSO BROKEN GOD’S HOLY LAWS

Isaiah 53:12, says, Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Isaiah predicted the fascinating details of Calvary some 700 years before the events occurred. This is astounding evidence of the inspiration and preservation of the Holy Scriptures. The holy prophet details the very nature of the violations committed by these thieves crucified with our Lord. They had not only broken Roman Law, but they are also TRANSGRESSORS of God’s Holy Law! Violating societies laws is a gravely serious matter, but offenses against a righteous and holy God jeopardizes the soul. The seriousness of this cannot be overstated. 

        1. “Transgression” is a Violation of an Established Standard. It means to go beyond or to exceed the limits; to step beyond or across. To enlarge further it refers to behaving as a criminal—to break with or away. transgression reveals how they violated God’s righteous, holy and just laws by going too far. It implies they understood what correct behavior was, but consciously chose to go beyond the divinely prescribe limitations. Blatant disregard for God’s legitimate requirements and expectations is how we should view their behavior; a failure to conform to the express will of God as stated in His Laws. These thieves are Law-breakers, violators, and criminals—transgressors.

Though the Lord Jesus was regarded as a “transgressor,” He was actually making intercession for us all who are guilty of violating God’s holy law and perfect standard of righteousness. God knew Jesus was the spotless and perfect Lamb of God.

Further exploration of this concept of transgressing is warranted here. Recall how Joshua’s Israel suffered a great defeat at battle of Ai because Achan knowingly transgressed God’s Commandment and Law. Joshua 7:11 states, “Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff.” God had announced a band and curse upon everything in Jericho except the gold and silver which were to be added to the Lord’s treasury. This was explained to Israel in no uncertain terms before the attack on Jericho, thus Achan’s covetousness, theft, lying and outright disobedience are “transgressions” of God’s holy directive. He took the rob, gold, and silver and hid them in his tent for himself. In doing this Achan went beyond God’s established limits violating God’s band on Jericho. As such he is a transgressor and his actions cost 36 soldiers their lives. Achan was severely punished by means of the death penalty for his sin. His family was stoned to death and burned with him. 

Beloved, understand when God prohibits something, deny us a perceived opportunity, or forbids our involvement in an activity He is protecting us from that which will bring us hurt or destruction. We would destroy others and ourselves without clearly defined absolute standards of righteous behavior. We really do need God’s boundaries and guidance; all peoples need Him as the Law-Giver and ultimate standard of truth and righteousness. Our judgement of right and wrong must be rooted in His statements in the Scriptures; societies and nations will never agree upon an absolute standard of morality and righteousness. God must provide such principles as the highest authority and creator of the universe. Beloved, God has spoken in the Word of God. There is no higher authority to appeal to above Him and He is entirely just, righteous, holy, pure, good, and gracious.

With regards to our propensity to self-destruction, I can recall our return trip from Florida to South Carolina after I married my sweet wife Patrice. We had a great time in Orlando and Daytona, Florida, but now the honeymoon was over. Pressed with the need to prepare for an oversees assignment in Germany, I was driving a bit faster than usual. My little Firebird was no stranger to the highways, so I was ‘getting’ on down the road with real zest. That is until a South Carolina State Trooper clocked me and pulled me over for speeding. The officer served a speeding ticket for driving 83 MPH in a 55 MPH speed zone. You might say I exceeded the speed limitations of the law! I was a transgressor! The speed laws were design to help me navigate the highways and arrive safely at my destination; by violating them I needlessly jeopardized my life and that of my precious new bride. I knew and understood the standard, but deliberately chose to ignore the speed laws. This is my guilt, sin, and shame. 

Just like these two thieves we are all guilty of transgressing God’s Law. Our specific offenses may differ, but there we all stand before God as guilty and without excuse. All of us have lied repeatedly...no one will deny that we all have held anger and hatred in our hearts. We all stand guilty of theft, and wanting more and yet more for ourselves just because we see someone else has it. We have lusted and longed after a person of the opposite gender or perhaps even the same gender. We have habitually tolerated and even enjoyed a graphic and uncontrolled imagination.... So many have unlawfully violated their purity and virginity.... Though we have some successes we could point to to show that we are 'good people,' we still have all that stuff that we are ashamed of...the stuff we hope no one ever knows. Yet...God knows...He knows it all in the most intricate details....We ALL have gone beyond the limitations established by God in the Bible and as a result we must now receive the proper punishment for our awful crimes of sin. We are all facing the death penalty, just like these two thieves. Eternal destruction in the Lake of Fire is the lot of those who refuse Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. This is the sentence of every sinner...without any exceptions--eternal death. Do not expect God to be very understanding of your rejection of Christ when He has gone to every possible extreme in the universe to provide salvation for you. The only hope is God’s forgiveness made available to each of us through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Do you personally understand this? This is what God offers you...even though you and I have violently assaulted Him with our thoughts and lives of sin.

Beloved, it was Jesus who died for our sins, was buried because he actually did die and satisfied the death penalty for our sin. He also rose again the third day exactly as he repeatedly stated he would. Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ conquered death, hell, sin, and Satan through his cross and resurrection. He is the one and only Savior! No one else has done so much to demonstrate themselves to be the real Redeemer of mankind. Jesus is alive to save you if you turn to him confessing your sins and receiving his sacrifice for you. Trust the living Lord Jesus as Savior to be forgiven as God promised. Yes, the two thieves at Calvary aptly represent you and me as guilty of breaking God’s holy Law. Thank God there is forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior. Do not put your trust in a church, a membership, a denominational affiliation, a ritual or ceremony, a work of service, or a religious creed. These methods will only fail…. You need Jesus, the Savior. Go to him right now to receive his forgiveness.