“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise,” Luke 23:43.

IN THE MIDST OF HUMILIATION AND REJECTION CHRIST SHOWED HIS POWER TO SAVE.

We go a little further and consider the Saviour’s response to the request of the thief, “Lord remember me”. This is something godly Nehemiah constantly requested during his difficulties. “Think upon me, my God, for good,” 5:19. “Remember me, O my God,” 13:14. “Remember me, O my God,” 13:22. “Remember me, O my God, for good,” 13:31.

1. Please note that Christ pardoned the thief in the face of mockery. All around the cross mocked, verses 35-37. Both thieves mocked at the first! “The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth,” Matthew 27:44.

One thief continued that mocking. “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us,” Luke 23:39. To be mocked by those suffering the same fate as Himself was very severe.

2. The unrepentant thief questioned Christ’s deity. This sneering must have been a particularly hurtful. The Lord Jesus showed so gloriously His deity on many, many occasions.

To His disciples: walking on water, Matt 14:25. Transfigured, Matt 17:2. Before the public: His Father’s voice, Matt 3:17. Feeding of the multitudes, Matt 14:21.

There were many demonstrations of His deity, John 20:30-31.

3. The mocking thief thought only of escape from the cross. No thought of eternity or of his judgment for sin. So it is with men, even on their deathbed.

4. His mocking is heard still today. The deity of Christ is denied openly, repeatedly even in pulpits!