Interestingly, Jesus was accused of many things so that they could crucify him, but not as a thief, yet he was numbered with the transgressors (Isaiah 53:12) and was crucified in between two thieves, according to the Scripture (Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:27). For those who are familiar with the crucifixion account, one of the thieves was repentant and believed in Jesus as Lord and King (Luke 23:42) while the other was rebellious and refused the Redeemer on the Cross.
While reading this account, let us be careful to not just write off these thieves as two individuals, recorded in history, in the event of the Crucifixion. Accordingly to Malachi 3:8, the Bible establishes the fact that, many a times, we act as thieves as well. We rob God in our tithes (by withholding what is already his) and in our offering (by not offering our bodies as a living sacrifice).
Points to ponder:
Jesus finds himself, even today, amongst thieves, but the question that remains is what kind? Symbolically the two thieves that hung along side Jesus, reflects the dichotomy that exists in our society as to how one perceives the Redeeming Jesus Christ on the Cross; some have a change of heart, while others harden it. The one who believed and repented was assured of Salvation. Which kind of thief are you and I – a rebel or a repentant one? Jesus is amongst thieves, amongst you and me and we can’t rob him.
Malachi 3:8 (KJV)
8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
