There were two criminals crucified with Jesus – one on each side.
All were suffering physically and in great pain.
All were exposed by nakedness – this added to their shame.

One criminal “hurled abuse” at the Lord Jesus Christ.  “Are You the Christ (Messiah)?  Save Yourself and us!”  Luke 23:39

Followers of Christ
The other unknown criminal could have been any of us!  “Listen”, really listen…

NASB Luke 23:40-41 “But the other answered and said, ‘Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence (death by crucifixion) of condemnation?’
41 ‘And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’” 

Did you hear, can you relate to what this condemned criminal said about himself and the Messiah Jesus?
You and I also fear God.  We too, were under the same sentence as those criminals and the Lord Jesus.  We too should suffer, and justly, to receive what we deserve for our deeds.

Jesus Christ – the sinless Son of God, did nothing, absolutely nothing wrong.  Yet, there He hung between two criminals.

“Listen” to what that criminal said to Jesus Luke 23:42 NASB “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

“Listen” to what Jesus said and He is saying it today for anyone who turns to Him as Savior:
NASB Luke 23:43 “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in paradise.”

Don’t be as the other criminal “hurling abuse” at the only One who can save – anyone!

Followers of Christ – we have asked Jesus to live within us, to forgive us, when we asked Him to be our Savior.

~ Take it to heart ~

“Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.”
NASB Psalm 103:1-5