How do we understand Luke 23:39-43

[Ben Abraham]

WO CRIMINALS, TWO DECISIONS, ONE SOLUTION: (Luke 23:39-43)


It happened more than 2000 years ago; we all know the story. It was on one of the sadder Passover celebrations, yet the thousands of Passover lambs sacrificed years prior all led to this one sacrifice, the Lamb of God, who would take upon himself the sins of the world. He would accept the curse of sin and death, being "accursed," hanging from the cross, suspended between Heaven and Earth.

Between "God as man" were two criminals, two malefactors, who both received death sentences by Roman authority. Three men hanging on three crosses. Two were guilty as charged, and the other carried the guilt of the other two. Two were evil doers, and the other bore the evil of the other two. All three were suspended between Heaven and Earth. Those in Heaven looked down with heavy hearts, and those on Earth looked up with jeers and prideful hearts.

The Son of Man paying the ultimate price, the price of His own life, His life for ours. Our sin debt paid in full. Yet the scene was not over, not over yet. The criminals spoke, and the Son of Man listened.

"If you are the Messiah, save yourself and us too." Words of doubt, words of self-preservation, "IF" the word of doubt, words of "prove yourself to us." He decided on "IF"

The other spoke: "Are you not afraid of God? Because even you are in that judgment, and we are deserving justly, for as we have done. We are being repaid. But that which is hateful has not been done by this man. Remember me, my Master, when you come into your Kingdom. (Aramaic-English New Testament).

This criminal expressed words of rebuke: "Are you not afraid of God?" words of recognition of sin; "We are deserving justly for what we have done." Words that recognized the Messiah as "innocent and just" (this man has not done that which is hateful (sinful)). Words asking for mercy; Remember me, my Master, when you come into your Kingdom." He recognized Yeshua as the Messiah, whose Kingdom was in Heaven. He decided on "faith," "confession," and "mercy. The Son of Man heard, forgave, and spoke the words of comfort and assurance;

"This very day, you will be with me in paradise."

These two criminals represent the whole world. There is a part of this world that holds on to rebellion and sin. There is another part of this world that cries for mercy, repents, turns back to God, and receives mercy and forgiveness. What a message for this time of year, for the time of "Elul", turning back to God, or turning to God for the first time.

Two criminals, two decisions (one made a wise choice, the other, very unwise). One recognized the only solution, the other ignored the solution. One would feel the love of God; the other would feel the fire from God's wrath. Messiah paid it all, but will you accept his payment in full?

How do YOU choose?

 

[MatthewG]

Here’s a breakdown of the key points the speaker made, organized for clarity:

Passover and the Lamb of God
• The crucifixion happened during Passover, a time of sacrifice and remembrance.
• Jesus is portrayed as the final Passover Lamb, fulfilling centuries of sacrificial tradition.
• His death was the ultimate sacrifice to take away the sins of the world.

Three Crosses, Three Men
• Jesus was crucified between two criminals—symbolizing humanity’s two possible responses to Him.
• All three were “suspended between Heaven and Earth,” emphasizing the spiritual weight of the moment.
• Heaven mourned while Earth mocked—highlighting the divide between divine sorrow and human pride.

Two Criminals, Two Choices
• First criminal: mocked Jesus, demanded proof, chose doubt and self-preservation.
• His words: “If you are the Messiah, save yourself and us too.”
• The speaker calls this the path of rebellion and pride.
• Second criminal: rebuked the first, confessed guilt, recognized Jesus as innocent and divine.
• His plea: “Remember me, my Master, when you come into your Kingdom.”
• He chose faith, repentance, and mercy.

Jesus’ Response
• Jesus forgave the repentant thief and promised:

• This moment is framed as a personal invitation to salvation—not earned, but received.

Symbolism of the Two Criminals
• They represent all of humanity:
• One side clings to sin and rebellion.
• The other side turns to God, repents, and receives mercy.
• The speaker emphasizes that everyone must choose—faith or rejection.

️ Season of Elul and Spiritual Reflection
• The message is tied to Elul, a Jewish month of repentance and preparation before the High Holy Days.
• It’s a time to turn back to God, either again or for the first time.
• The speaker urges listeners to reflect and respond to the gospel message.

Final Challenge
• The speaker ends with a direct question:

• It’s a call to personal decision, framed in eternal terms—mercy or wrath, paradise or judgment.

 

[Ben Abraham]

Thank you for the comment. Great breakdown, thank you. I believe that with that outline, a great sermon can be given.
Thank you again

 

[TrevorHL]

Greetings Ben Avraham,

Words asking for mercy; Remember me, my Master, when you come into your Kingdom." He recognized Yeshua as the Messiah, whose Kingdom was in Heaven.

No. Jesus' Kingdom will be realised when Jesus returns to sit upon the Throne of David in Jerusalem.

"This very day, you will be with me in paradise."

No. Both Jesus and the thief were dead on that very day. Jesus was placed in the tomb.

Messiah paid it all, but will you accept his payment in full?

Jesus died as our representative, not as our substitute. Our sins are forgiven when we believe what was accomplished in Jesus' death and resurrection and in his coming Kingdom. and when we identify with his death and resurrection by water baptism Acts 8:5-6,12, Romans 6.

Kind regards
Trevor