Faith & Reason Nexus

In the crucifixion of Jesus, three crosses were erected: one for Jesus and one for each of the two thieves. These three crosses symbolize different responses to Jesus’ sacrifice.

The Cross of Redemption (Center Cross: Jesus)

• Purpose: Jesus’ cross is the Cross of Redemption, where He bore the sins of the world.
• Significance: On this cross, Jesus offered salvation to all mankind through His death, taking upon Himself the penalty of sin to redeem humanity.

The Cross of Rejection (Left Cross: The First Thief)

• Characteristics:
  • Did not humble himself – The first thief mocked Jesus.
  • Scoffed at Jesus – He ridiculed Jesus, not recognizing Him as Lord.
  • Thought selfishly – He was focused on his own suffering, not seeing the opportunity for repentance.
• Contrast with the Second Thief:
  • The first thief represents rejection of Christ, choosing to ignore the possibility of redemption, even while Jesus was offering it.

The Cross of Repentance and Reception (Right Cross: The Second Thief)

• Characteristics:
  • Rebuked the other thief – He defended Jesus when the first thief mocked.
  • Defended the innocence of Jesus – He recognized that Jesus was unjustly crucified.
  • Asked for Jesus to remember him – He humbly acknowledged his sin and asked for mercy.
• The Evidence of Genuine Repentance:
  1. Reverence in the presence of Deity: “Do you not fear God?” (Luke 23:40)
  2. Admission of guilt: “We are due the rewards of our deeds.” (Luke 23:41)
  3. Recognition of Jesus’ innocence: “This man has done nothing wrong.” (Luke 23:41)
  4. Confession of faith: Called Jesus “Lord” (Luke 23:42).
  5. Humility in his request: “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42)
• Contrast with the First Thief:
  • The second thief represents repentance and reception of grace. He recognized Jesus for who He truly was—Lord—and acknowledged His need for salvation.

The Two Thieves Contrasted:

• The First Thief:
  • Saw Jesus as a man.
  • Saw Jesus as a mock king.
  • Saw Jesus as a sinner.
• The Second Thief:
  • Saw Jesus as Lord.
  • Saw Jesus as the King of Kings with a coming kingdom.
  • Saw Jesus as the true Savior.

Which Cross is Yours?

• The Cross of Repentance: Recognizes Jesus as Lord, humbles oneself, and asks for forgiveness.
• The Cross of Rejection: Mockingly rejects Jesus and refuses to acknowledge Him as Lord.

The question is: Which cross do you identify with? Will you humble yourself and repent like the second thief, or will you reject Jesus as the first thief did? Your response to Jesus’ sacrifice determines your eternity.