by Renae Richardson

Created on: September 05, 2009   Last Updated: September 08, 2009

Three splintering crosses were dug into a stony hill so aptly named Golgotha (Skull Mountain) that day. On the right and left hung two men suspended by cast iron nails embedded deeply in the palms of frail human hands.

This day was long coming. The two men who hung had been convicted for sometime, convicted of crimes committed against the persons of others. There was no denying that they were receiving just compensation of their acts however, it still did not diminish the sting of death. They had a price to pay and this day was pay day.

There were more than two crosses on that stony hill, there were three. Above the head of the man that hung in the middle had been etched the words "Jesus King of the Jews". In obscure writing those words hung above his head in three different languages. It was an awkward sign to be hung above the head of a criminal.

We can assume that the thieves had heard of Jesus for there were not many who had not heard of him in those days. His fame across the countryside had ignited a fire of envy in the hearts of the scribes, Pharisees, and Herodians for them this was more than enough to put Him to death.

Although the thieves were familiar with His name I am sure that they were unfamiliar with what had gotten him a place between them both. Most could not pinpoint a single crime that Jesus committed. The testimony of the witnesses were so skewed that no official verdict was offered. Jesus had done nothing worthy of crucifixion according to Roman law. After all Barabas a well known criminal was the one who was due to be executed. It was baffling, somehow one of the most notorious criminals had been pardoned and this man "Jesus" hung in his place. .

Just as all crowd followers do, the thieves joined in the mockery. It is recorded that "The robbers who were crucified with Him also abused and reproached and made sport of Him in the same way," as the others (Amplified Version, Matthew 27:44, p. 1547).

Yet, there were no quick comebacks or curses to pour from the lips of this man named Jesus. There were no pleas for release. He just hung there, in pain, uttering but few words and phrases.

Soon it began to dawn on the one thief that there was something peculiar about this man. Although, he suffered the same painful plight as they his response was different.

Despite a bitter cotton mouth parched for want of thirst, lack of air, and blood mingled sweat coursing down his face into burning eyes he never denied who He was or sought to prove or disprove the mockeries. Despite the excruciating pain that tore through his feet and hands when He lifted up his weakened body to gasp for air; He never gave in or retaliated. Despite the tongue lashings, cursing, laughter, whispers, and spittle. He never failed to look up, protested His innocence, or gave in to the demands of the people.

It was in those moments that the thief realized who Jesus was. With all the power that was left in him the thief accepted that fact in his heart. Then he confessed it aloud asking to be remembered when Jesus entered paradise ( his plea for salvation). That thief was saved at that very moment.

Jesus for that one second stopped dying to look at that man and welcome him into the family. Despite that thief's criminal record or background he had been pardoned. These are the words that were recorded "Today you shall be with me in Paradise."

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