THEMES FROM THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS AND THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. (a) Highlight the activities of each of these characters during the crucifixion of Jesus Chri...

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(a) Activities of the characters during the crucifixion

(i) The Two Robbers (Luke 23:32-43; Matthew 27:38, 44): Two criminals were crucified with Jesus, one on His right and one on His left. At first both reviled Him. In Luke's account, however, one of the robbers changed. The first robber railed at Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us." But the other robber rebuked him, saying they were justly condemned for their deeds while this man had done nothing wrong. Turning to Jesus, this penitent robber said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus replied, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Thus one robber mocked while the other repented and received the promise of salvation.

(ii) Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:42-46; Luke 23:50-53; John 19:38): Joseph was a rich man of Arimathea, a respected member of the council (Sanhedrin), a good and righteous man who had not consented to their decision, and a secret disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews. After Jesus died, and as evening approached before the Sabbath, Joseph went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate granted it. Joseph took the body down, wrapped it in a clean linen shroud, and laid it in his own new tomb hewn out of the rock, in which no one had yet been laid. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb.

(b) Three ways the behaviour of the robbers is significant to Christians

1. Salvation is available even at the last moment through repentance and faith: The penitent robber teaches that sincere repentance and faith in Christ bring forgiveness and eternal life, even at the point of death.
2. People respond differently to Christ: One robber mocked and rejected Him while the other believed, showing that each person must make a personal choice for or against Christ.
3. Confession of sin and defence of the innocent are commendable: The good robber acknowledged his own guilt and defended the sinless Jesus, teaching Christians to admit their sins and stand for the truth.