Friday 11th April
Read Mark 15:27-32
“They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!’ 31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but he can’t save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.’ Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.” (NIVUK)
The rebels both began mocking Jesus, despite sharing the same fate, according to the other gospel sources. Mark mentions them in passing, so that we know that Jesus was numbered amongst sinners. Luke records a change of heart in one of the rebels who acknowledges his guilt, confesses Jesus innocent, and asks to be remembered (Luke 23:39-43). Don Carson captures this moment in one of beautiful sonnets.
“One man on Golgotha, anonymous,
Whose eyes still glowed with hate, devoid of fear,
Of love, of conscious guilt, with malice leered:
“Aren’t you the Christ? Then save yourself-and us!”
Another bore a gaze less venomous,
That stared past death and groaned, “Do you not fear
The God of truth? This Christ, in torment here,
Is innocent. Our punishment is just!”
Quite crushed by guilt, his eyes now see a Friend,
His sight improved by fledgling faith and prayer.
“Remember me,” his eyes and voice cry, “when
You come into your kingdom.” Soldiers stare.
This man outlived his guilt. He heard the Christ:
“Today you’ll be with me in Paradise.” (Don Carson, Holy Sonnets #20)
