Luke 23:26-43

Redemption All Around

This short passage starts with Simon of Cyrene being forced to carry Jesus’ cross. Mark tells us that Simon of Cyrene was the father of Alexander and Rufus. Why does Mark tell us this? The Bible doesn’t say but I have a theory. Since Mark was writing the Gospel which he undoubtedly expected to be read in the church I can only surmise that he mentioned these two otherwise unheralded men because those reading might know them. The church was still relatively small in the middle of the first century so I suspect these guys were known to the church because they belonged to the church. As sons of the man who carried Jesus’ cross they would likely have been well known in the church. People were being brought into the kingdom on the way to Golgotha.

As they crucified Him Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” This wasn’t window dressing. These words weren’t just for show. Jesus didn’t roll that way. Jesus never prayed a prayer that wasn’t answered. (“Let this cup pass from me” was superseded by Jesus saying, “Nevertheless, not my will but Your’s be done.”) Those who crucified Jesus may not be with God in eternity, though I have little doubt that some will. One thing is certain, they will not be kept away from God because they crucified Him. Jesus took care of that. Redemption in the middle of the crucifixion.

The scene ends with the famous request by the thief, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” There are many who don’t like this story. “He wasn’t baptized!” “He sinned his whole life!” “It’s too easy!” Yes, it sounds too much like the parable of those who were hired the last hour being paid a full day’s wage. It really doesn’t matter who else doesn’t like it. Jesus liked it. “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” What could have brought Him more joy on the cross than to see yet another soul brought into the kingdom?

The cross starts with redemption, ends with redemption, and has redemption in the middle. It must be God.