Death by crucifixion was considered a demeaning way to die. That was surly the Roman leader's intent. The fact that Jesus was hung between two criminals was meant to belittle and dismiss Jesus and His mission.
This fashion of death is also a testimony to how He lived. Jesus could have changed anything about this day; He could have changed everything about this day, but He didn't. Instead, He died as He lived, in the company of sinners. And we can be confident that He would have it no other way.
One of the two criminals was transformed by Christ, right there on that hill. Sometimes transformation takes time, years even. We grow and change over time, and we learn to love Jesus and others as part of our transformation. But, as we witness on the day Jesus died, some are transformed in an instant. We too, can be changed on the spot.
This scene reminds me of a similar scene detailed in Mark 10. James and John were vying for a place of honor - one on His right and the other on His left. Jesus told them they didn't know what they were asking. Now, in Luke 23 there are two men hanging alongside Jesus. They both have opportunity to spend eternity with Jesus...only one chooses life over death, transformation over pride.
Every day we have occasion to make choices too. We can chose to follow Jesus, read the Bible and allow His word to transform us. Or can choose otherwise. Remember, in an instant it can all change.
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