Luke 23:32 – 49 The Crucifixion.

Luke 23:32 – 49 The Crucifixion.

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”]* They divided his garments by casting lots. The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.” Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last. The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said, “This man was innocent* beyond doubt.” When all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts; but all his acquaintances stood at a distance, including the women who had followed him from Galilee and saw these events.

Luke’s version of the crucifixion alone has the crucifixion of the “good” and “bad” thieves. These are the two criminals who are crucified one on each side of Jesus. One, the “bad” thief, mocks Jesus, thinking him a poor messiah that cannot rescue himself, never-mind the Jewish people. The second, the “good” thief , rebukes the first. Like everyone on the city of Jerusalem he knew of Jesus and his sham of a trial. Somehow, he recognizes Jesus innate goodness and holiness and asks to be remembered when Jesus “enters into his reign”. This is the last man outside of Jesus friends and disciples to recognize Jesus for who he really is. The rest lack faith, going along with the crowd, unable to think independently, to recognize Jesus with the eyes of faith. Following Jesus always has and will call for faith and fidelity. Faith in being able to recognize God’s work, God’s workers here on earth, and choosing to be one of them. Fidelity in choosing to stand by that work in the face of adversity, in the face of unpopularity. Jesus went his own way, bringing the word of God not to the powerful but to the poor. He embodied humility, non-violence, love of God and others. That path, if we choose it, is open to us as well - but we must choose it – that counter cultural path. We must choose it.