Always loved this story in Luke and wondered at the difference in Matthew and Mark. Thank you for explaining it. The story makes me think of the prodigal son. Often I wonder if we would view the thief as the elder son views the returning younger son. Would we be jealous that the thief received the same reward as us even if we, in our minds at least, had been more righteous for longer? Both stories remind us we are all unworthy in our way, and blessed all the same.
The notification came up as I was reading those very words in Luke. Although I have reveled in the incomprehensible love Jesus displayed through that entire excruciating narrative of His ordeal, your insights wrapped it up in a bow. Earning obscures our view of Him as much as sinning. Thank you for sharing!!
There seems to be some scientific evidence that brain cells don’t die at the exact moment the heart stops beating. I have wondered if in those twilight moments between the last heartbeat and eternity, whether Jesus doesn’t meet us and give us one last chance. If 1000 years are like a day to him, maybe a few seconds is all he needs to woo an unrepentant sinner once more.
I had never noticed this and I’m going to go back and take a read. This reminds me of when I noticed how the Dew of Heaven fell every day on Nebuchadnezzar when he was a wild beast! It struck me, even if we are a wild beast that stubbornly and intentionally rejects God He still sends His blessing every day! What unbelievable grace! I just changed one of my publications to ‘carved into the lining of our hearts’ - recently reading Hebrews, a deepening revelation of being in God’s New Covenant which is written in our hearts has blown my mind!! We have access within us to this grace that you speak of. All of us at any moment! This thief, the words in his heart were written and his words of repentance sprang right from God’s promise!
Huge blessings as you continue to share such freedom spreading GOOD NEWS!!!
The interesting thing about Luke, is that it is clear in how his gospel captures certain events, that Mary was a direct source, and since she was at the foot of the cross, would have remembered this significant detail…
Always loved this story in Luke and wondered at the difference in Matthew and Mark. Thank you for explaining it. The story makes me think of the prodigal son. Often I wonder if we would view the thief as the elder son views the returning younger son. Would we be jealous that the thief received the same reward as us even if we, in our minds at least, had been more righteous for longer? Both stories remind us we are all unworthy in our way, and blessed all the same.
A great reason to keep praying for those who don't know Jesus.
This is beautiful, Jonathan! I've never heard anyone talk about this either. Really incredible to see the grace of God that way. 😭🙌
The notification came up as I was reading those very words in Luke. Although I have reveled in the incomprehensible love Jesus displayed through that entire excruciating narrative of His ordeal, your insights wrapped it up in a bow. Earning obscures our view of Him as much as sinning. Thank you for sharing!!
There seems to be some scientific evidence that brain cells don’t die at the exact moment the heart stops beating. I have wondered if in those twilight moments between the last heartbeat and eternity, whether Jesus doesn’t meet us and give us one last chance. If 1000 years are like a day to him, maybe a few seconds is all he needs to woo an unrepentant sinner once more.
Great write up, Jonathon!
Of the synoptic Gospels, Luke is my favorite. I've always loved this scene and the grace Jesus shows in response to the humility of the thief.
Thank you for sharing this “beautiful detail.”
So good!
I had never noticed this and I’m going to go back and take a read. This reminds me of when I noticed how the Dew of Heaven fell every day on Nebuchadnezzar when he was a wild beast! It struck me, even if we are a wild beast that stubbornly and intentionally rejects God He still sends His blessing every day! What unbelievable grace! I just changed one of my publications to ‘carved into the lining of our hearts’ - recently reading Hebrews, a deepening revelation of being in God’s New Covenant which is written in our hearts has blown my mind!! We have access within us to this grace that you speak of. All of us at any moment! This thief, the words in his heart were written and his words of repentance sprang right from God’s promise!
Huge blessings as you continue to share such freedom spreading GOOD NEWS!!!
Powerful
The interesting thing about Luke, is that it is clear in how his gospel captures certain events, that Mary was a direct source, and since she was at the foot of the cross, would have remembered this significant detail…
Yup!
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