In Matthew 27:44 and Mark 15:32, we are told that both criminals who were crucified with Jesus mocked Him. However, in Luke 23:39, it states that only one criminal mocked Him, which seems to present a contradiction. Why is this so? Let’s carefully examine these passages:
The Bible Passages:
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Matthew 27:44 (NIV): “In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.”
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Mark 15:32 (NIV): “Let this Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
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Luke 23:39-43 (NIV):
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“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!'”
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“But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.'”
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Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.'”
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Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'”
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Understanding the Difference:
At first glance, these passages seem contradictory. However, they can be harmonized when we understand the different perspectives each Gospel presents. Matthew and Mark both state that both criminals mocked Jesus during the crucifixion. This is likely a reflection of the initial reactions of both criminals before any change took place in their hearts.
In contrast, Luke’s account tells us that one criminal mocked Jesus while the other rebuked him and asked for forgiveness. The one who mocked Jesus said, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” (Luke 23:39). But the other criminal, who had a change of heart, rebuked his fellow criminal, acknowledging their guilt and defending Jesus’ innocence. He then asked Jesus, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).
Key Points of Resolution:
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Initial Mockery from Both Criminals:
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In the beginning, both criminals may have mocked Jesus. This can be inferred from Matthew and Mark’s accounts. Both criminals were in the same desperate situation, and it’s not uncommon for people in severe pain to lash out, even at innocent individuals, in an attempt to cope with their suffering.
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The Change of Heart:
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Theological Insight: It’s crucial to note that even in this moment of great suffering, one of the criminals underwent a significant change of heart. The other criminal recognized his own guilt, acknowledged Jesus’ innocence, and called out for mercy. This is a powerful reminder of God’s grace and patience, even in the most dire circumstances.
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Luke’s portrayal shows the moment of transformation in one of the criminals. This criminal, after mocking Jesus at first, experienced a change after observing Jesus’ calm demeanor and His acts of compassion—such as praying for forgiveness for His executioners (Luke 23:34). He realized that Jesus was not just another criminal, but the Messiah, and he repented.
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The Role of Grace and Repentance:
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Jesus’ response to the repentant criminal in Luke 23:43 is significant: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” This statement emphasizes the power of repentance and faith, even in the final moments of life. The criminal’s recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and his request for mercy resulted in immediate forgiveness, demonstrating the boundless grace of God.
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The Importance of the Time of Repentance:
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The story of these two criminals highlights the fact that salvation is available to all, but there is a limited window of opportunity to respond to God’s call. One criminal rejected Jesus, and his fate was sealed, but the other, though a sinner like the rest of us, experienced God’s mercy. This serves as a stark warning about the fleeting nature of time and the urgent need to repent and seek salvation while we still have the chance.
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Theological Lessons:
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God’s Patience and Grace: The story of the two criminals demonstrates that God’s grace is available even in the most hopeless circumstances. One criminal rejected it, while the other embraced it, showing that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy as long as there is breath in them. As stated in 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV): “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
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The Importance of Repentance: This story also emphasizes the importance of repentance. The criminal who repented was promised eternal life in paradise, showing that repentance, no matter how late, can bring salvation. Luke 15:7 (NIV) says, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
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Living with a Sense of Urgency: The contrast between the two criminals challenges us to evaluate our response to Christ. We don’t know how much time we have left. Psalm 39:4-5 (NIV) says, “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you.”
Conclusion:
While the Gospels of Matthew and Mark mention both criminals mocking Jesus, Luke’s account focuses on the repentance of one of them, showing that both criminals’ initial mocking behaviors eventually gave way to a profound spiritual transformation in one of them. The message here is clear: God’s grace is available to all, and no one is too far gone to be forgiven if they turn to Him in repentance.
As we reflect on this, we should remember that time is short. Jesus calls us to repentance today, for tomorrow may be too late. Just as one of the criminals received salvation in his final moments, so too can we receive eternal life if we repent and place our faith in Christ, regardless of our past mistakes.