The Thief

THE THIEF I find myself on a cross on Calvary Hill. I am here justly, for I am a thief and a robber. I have sinned, and must pay sins’ wages with my life. My partner in crime is here also, for we went in together to steal and to plunder. There is another here also, between my partner and I, they say He is the Son of God! It is said that even Pilate found no fault in Him, yet He hangs here with thieves and criminals. Many rumors reach my ears as people wander by, talking loudly to one another. They seem to be referring to this one called Jesus. Oh, how they mock Him, laughing and jeering at Him. “If thou be the Christ, save thyself and us,” I hear my partner’s voice booming sneeringly. Does he actually believe that this is indeed the Son of the living God? The passers-by go, nodding their heads, saying “He saved others, Himself He cannot save”. They jeer at Him, the Innocent One, when I should be the one they jeer at and scorn. I am the thief, and not Him. So many are laughing, mocking, rebuking Him, that I find myself caught up in their folly. I hear my own mouth speak railing accusations against Him, along with my partner also. Oh how I hate myself for it, why did I do it? My heart is suddenly beating wildly as I realize the rage that has built up within me, at those who rail at Him. I feel the helplessness that He must feel, the pain and rejection. Many of our own laws were broken to put Jesus here, (it seems I am not the only criminal here), but still I hear Him utter “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Who, but God Himself, could have such compassion on those who hate Him? Such love I have never seen! My friend continues to mock Him. How ashamed he makes me, to think that I chose him as a friend. He complains all the while, yet this Jesus is silent, watching with tender, tearful eyes, the hustle and bustle of the crowd that has gathered. My “friend” still mockingly requests to be freed, “If thou be the Son of God...” I can bear it no longer, and almost shout in my anger “Doest thou not fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds. But this man has done nothing amiss.” Jesus has turned His teary eyes upon me now, such tenderness in His stare, I can’t restrain my words, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom”. A faint smile has formed on His lips, breaking the gloom of the moment, an unusual expression for one so condemned, the smile remained as He said “Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise.” Oh, the joy that floods my soul; here in the midst of death, I’ve found peace at last! As the sky darkens, I hear Jesus say rather faintly, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” I would love to comfort Him, but am helpless to do so. I am growing weaker and weaker. The last words I hear from Him are “It is finished”. What could He be referring to? Had He accomplished some great feat for mankind? Soon I will ask Him in Paradise I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Gal. 2:20