MPV Commentary

The Two Thieves.

39. The crowd's ridicule was directed at Jesus, but one of the thieves on the cross took a different approach. He mocked Jesus in return, yet another voice from the cross would soon turn this dishonor into an unspeakable glory for the dying Redeemer.

40. "Don't you think," he said to his fellow thief, emphasizing the word "you" - "Let others jeer, but don't you?" The question was a rebuke, highlighting the gravity of their situation. They were about to face God as their righteous Judge, and yet they spent their final hours in reckless disregard for judgment.

41. We are justly condemned, he acknowledged, owning up to his crimes and deserts. He tried to shame his fellow into doing the same. However, Jesus was not charged with ordinary crime; His offense was claiming an office and honors that amounted to blasphemy. In this defense, there seems to be more than meets the eye.

42. The thief turned to Jesus and said, "Remember me when you come into your kingdom." He referred to a kingdom beyond death, as it's inconceivable he would have expected Jesus to establish a temporal kingdom from the cross. This was His own kingdom, and the thief saw in Christ the absolute right to dispose of it as He pleased.

43. Jesus said to him, "Since you speak with kingly authority, I will speak to you accordingly." To-day, He replied, "You are prepared for a long delay before I come into My kingdom, but not a day's delay shall there be for you; you shall not be parted from Me even for a moment, but together we shall go, and with Me, ere this day expire, shalt thou be in Paradise."