The Two Thieves on the Cross 

The Romans nailed small white boards on the cross with the name and the nature of the crime written in charcoal. We do not know the names of the two thieves, but their offense read "Brigand," which covers a multitude of wrongdoings. Before Jesus was hung upon the cross, the two cursed and spit on the soldiers as they were placed on their crosses.

Many who passed by complained angrily at Jesus, mocking him for his supposed blasphemous words and inability to save himself. The two thieves also cursed at Jesus and berated him. Jesus made no reply but patiently endured all this suffering and mockery. As the hours passed, one of the thieves took notice of how Jesus behaved while dying.

One thief complained to Jesus that if he is the Son of God, then save yourself and us. The other reprimanded him. "Have you no fear of God? We are suffering justly, but this man suffers unjustly. Would it not be smarter to seek forgiveness for our wrongdoing and salvation for our souls?" When Jesus heard this, he turned his face towards the thief and smiled approvingly. That was it, things became clear. The flicker of faith ignited like a lighter, enough to rally his courage. He spoke the words of desperate hope, requesting Jesus to remember him. And Jesus assured him that he would be with him in Paradise. This resolved the question of the last-minute confessions, receiving complete forgiveness, and Jesus’ assurance that he would be with him in Heaven.

The Master gladly listened to the faith confession of the believing brigand, even when near death and in a great deal of pain. He welcomed him into the kingdom of heaven, right then and there. In the last hours of life, this condemned man turned with a whole heart to Jesus. After watching how Jesus faced this horrible death on the cross, he had no doubt that this man was the Son of God.

This young man got caught up in the political movement of the times, the Zealots wanting freedom from Roman rule at all costs. He chose the wrong hero, Barabbas, who used violence and robbery as tools against political oppression and social injustice. This pervading teaching, along with the lure of an exciting adventure, led many astray. On the cross, he saw a true hero, someone worth emulating. Here were held the highest ideals of facing death bravely and of loving and serving others. This was true manhood built on moral self-respect. Here was something to aspire to, a genuine greatness. Barabbas was no hero.

The Two Thieves is a study of contrasts. They have been referred to as the good thief and the bad thief. There is a Bible reference that Jesus will separate all men, the good on his right and the bad on his left. There is the one who does evil willingly and one who gets swept up unwittingly. There is one whose hero is Barabbas and one who realizes Jesus is the real hero. There is one who has a change of heart and one who is defiant to the end.

Ultimately, there is one who asks for forgiveness, knows he has a soul, and is saved and given eternal life; and one whose life ends at death.