who died with jesus on the cross

Who Died with Jesus on the Cross

Today we will talk about who died with Jesus on the cross. Many Christians do not know what this means. Sometimes, it can be easy to overlook the significance of the individuals who shared that tragic moment with Jesus. As we reflect on this, let’s open our hearts and minds to understand the story behind these two men and what their experiences tell us about the grace and mercy of God. It is essential to realize that their lives were intertwined with that of Christ in a way that holds deeper meaning for us today.

The Two Criminals: Lawbreakers in the Shadow of Grace

The two men who died alongside Jesus were criminals according to the Roman law. They were labeled as thieves or robbers, and their lives had veered onto a path that ultimately led them to the cross. In Luke 23:32, we read, “Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him.” Their story is a reminder that, regardless of our circumstances or past actions, we are all given the choice for redemption. In the Greek language, the word used here for “criminal” is “kakourgos,” signifying someone who acts wickedly or wrongfully. It paints a picture of two men whose lives had been far from the paths of righteousness.

Further, let’s take a look at historical views. During the time of Jesus, crucifixion was a common penalty for severe offenses. It was brutal and intended to serve as a deterrent to others. The fact that Jesus was crucified alongside these criminals reveals the kind of company He was willing to keep—those who were seen as the lowest of society. This can be both humbling and hopeful for us. Even in the shadow of sin and despair, there is a potential for grace and forgiveness. In Isaiah 53:12, we find a profound prophecy that states, “He was numbered with the transgressors.” This truthful statement underscores the essence of who Christ is: a savior to all, even those society deems unworthy.

Some may ask about their names; while the Bible does not officially name the criminals, traditions and later texts often refer to them as Dismas and Gestas. Dismas is recognized as the penitent thief who asks Jesus for mercy, while Gestas is viewed as the unrepentant one. Even without their names in Scripture, their encounters with Jesus still speak volumes about faith and grace.

In the Gospel of Luke, we find the moment where Dismas expresses faith in Jesus, pleading, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). At that moment, with the clarity of faith, he found assurance in Jesus’s response: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Their different reactions to Jesus paint a stark contrast: one chosen for heaven, the other revealing the pain of rejection. In John 3:19, it states, “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” Here, we recognize that accepting or rejecting Jesus’s light is an individual decision that carries eternal weight.

The Theme of Forgiveness and Redemption

As we reflect on the crucifixion, we cannot overlook the overwhelming theme of forgiveness that resonates throughout the story of the criminals. In their last moments, they each had a choice: to embrace faith or to remain in their sin. The act of one criminal turning to Jesus in faith serves as a vivid representation of how forgiveness flows through grace. The Greek word for “forgiveness” is “aphiēmi,” which means to send away or let go, embodying the heart of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. This profound concept reminds us that no one is too far gone for the embrace of God’s grace, even in the final moments of life.

The act of crucifixion itself was not just a method of punishment; it served as a canvas for demonstrating true love and compassion. In Matthew 5:7, we learn, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Jesus, hanging on the cross, embodied this verse fully—even in His suffering, He forgave those who persecuted Him, as stated in Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” This reflects the idea that us sinners are often unaware of the full consequences of our actions, and yet God’s grace remains available.

For the repentant thief, the expression of faith was not merely lip service. It was genuine acknowledgment of his wrongdoing, as noted in Luke 23:41, where he states, “We are receiving the due reward of our deeds.” In that moment of confession and recognition, he found hope for his future. It is in these moments that we see God’s heart—to remove the weight of guilt and provide a new beginning.

Jesus, in responding to Dismas, illustrates the reality that faith does not require a lifetime of good deeds for salvation. Instead, a simple plea for mercy was sufficient. This is echoed in Ephesians 2:8-9, where we are reminded, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” In a sense, the thief’s last-minute confession reveals the essence of our faith—a trusting heart can lead to salvation regardless of how we may have lived before.