Isaiah prophesied (Isaiah 53:12, Mark 15:27-28, Luke 23:32-33) that Jesus would be numbered with the transgressors, and He was. Jesus was hung on a cross in between two guilty criminals. Why did God ordain this event for His only begotten Son? Why did God count Jesus among the guilty criminals? Jesus Christ never sinned, He was holy and righteous, and yet He was treated like criminals were treated.
These two criminals had two different responses to Jesus as they hung along side Him that day – one believed in Jesus and one rejected Jesus. The two criminals were crucified together along with God’s only begotten Son. They both saw Christ’s anguish, they both heard His words, and they both experienced their final hours right beside Christ, their Creator. The Lamb of God, who willingly died for the redemption of all mankind.
It is likely that neither criminal fully understood what was happening in the spiritual realm that day when Jesus became our substitute. He took the position that was due us all, and in His mighty act, bridged the great gulf of sin which separated us from our Creator. Did the criminals understand that Jesus was hanging there to take their place? Did they understand that on that cross, Jesus was becoming the Great High Priest, the mediator between God and man? (Hebrews 2:17-18, 4:14-16, 7:25-28, 8:1)
God sovereignly placed Jesus right in the middle of a these two men. One who had faith in Jesus and one who mocked Jesus. The two criminals were crucified together, they were equally near in proximity of Christ. They were both wicked and were rightfully suffering death for their transgressions. They both were in desperate need of redemption and forgiveness. Yet one of them died in his sins, hard and unrepentant. While the other repented and placed his faith in Jesus. (Luke 23:39-43)
God’s redemptive plan was accomplished upon the cross of Christ. Jesus Christ, the only way to God. (John 14:6) Yet, not all men believe Jesus is the only way to Heaven. The unfolding of beliefs that happened on those three crosses, are still unfolding and can still be seen even today. One heart melting in understanding and conviction over their sin, realizing their great need for forgiveness. While another heart is hardening and hardly listening, too proud to admit their need for the Savior.
This response can be seen weekly from pulpits around the globe. God’s Word is proclaimed, and these two different criminal hearts are sitting in the pews right next to each other. Sitting together within the same proximity of the hearing of God’s Word. Two different criminals and two different listeners. The blinded and indifferent heart along side the opened eyes and obedient ears which are readily receiving God’s precious Word. There is no question about the fact that we all have broken God’s Law, we all are criminals (Romans 3:23). The question that should concern us is which criminal are we (Romans 6:23)?
2 Corinthians 5:21 “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”
Our Creator God treated His only begotten Son as if He committed every single sin ever committed. Though in fact, Jesus NEVER SINNED. Jesus Christ became sin for us. Hanging on the cross, Jesus was holy, harmless, an undefiled. He was the perfect holy sacrifice, the spotless Lamb of God. He was never for a split second a sinner.
Jesus was Holy God on the cross, but God treated Him as if He lived the life of every human who ever walked the earth. Every single sin that was ever committed, past, present, and future, was placed upon His perfect sacrifice. God punished Jesus for our sins, then He turned around and treats those of us who have placed our faith in Christ, like we lived His Son’s sinless life. God looks at the cross and sees ALL sin, but when He looks upon those of us who have faith in Christ’s work upon the cross, He sees Christ. (Romans 3:24-26, Philippians 3:8-10)
Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Dear Criminal, Have you placed your faith in God’s redemption plan? On which side of Christ’s cross are you? – Click here to learn more.
In Times Like These 