As Jesus hung on the cross between two criminals and people were gaping at the naked, dying bodies of these three men”¦both criminals “˜heaped insults”™ on Jesus (See Matthew 27:44).

As Jesus hung there on the cross, forgiving those who crucified Him, one of the criminals heard and considered His grace toward those who were executing Him. The other criminal”¦well, “˜listen”™ as he spoke:

(NASB) Luke 23:39 “One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “˜Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!”™”

Derision, scorn and abusive language revealed a heart that was hard and unyielding toward God. This cynical criminal condemned Jesus for not proving that He was Messiah, the Christ.

Why does anyone deny God and His power even in the last moments of life? Hard hearts have chosen unbelief by refusing to come to Jesus to have life, which He alone can offer.

Jesus said during His ministry of the testimonies about Him:

(NIV) John 5:36-40 “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. 37And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”

You are responsible to making a choice about Jesus. Believing Scriptures, believing the Father, believing Jesus Himself ““ will cause you to believe, to put your faith in His words.

Everyone has a choice:

  • to refuse to believe Jesus, as that criminal on the cross did OR
  • believe Jesus and have life with Him.