Judgment, condemnation, punishment, and pain. That’s what we expect. It’s justice. Especially for a criminal. Death is justice for the truly sick ones. Those that have murdered or committed other acts of brutality. It’s what they deserve. That is not true, however, in God’s economy. His way is different. Today, in Luke 23:26-43, we see it first hand. Jesus befriends a criminal. More than that, he promises him a place in heaven. How is this justice? How is this fair? Was Jesus not thinking clearly? This amazing story gives us great insight into our just and loving God. The answers to the questions lie between the criminal’s heart and God’s love.
“Out of the heart, the mouth speaks,” says Jesus in Luke 6:45. This simple wisdom is powerful. In today’s story, we have two criminals. One is mocking Jesus. In his heart, the first criminal believes that Jesus is an imposter. His hardened heart prevents him from seeing the possibility that Jesus is who he says he is. He can’t even pretend. The second criminal, however, reveals his hopeful heart. He acknowledges his fear of God and defends Jesus. Somewhere, in his heart is a belief that God is who he says he is. Hanging on the cross, death was near. He thought had nothing to gain. Out of each man’s heart, they spoke.
If we question Jesus’ wisdom in this matter, we should remember who he is. I like his reminder to Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7. “The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Do you know what the best part about that is? God defaults to love. I’m betting that he didn’t see perfection in the second criminal’s heart. He forgave him anyway. Why? Because he will stop at nothing to be with us. It is the very same reason that he will leave the 99 sheep to look for 1 (Matthew 18:12-24). Simply put, his love for us cannot be contained.
There is one secret to unlocking the power of God’s love. Of course, we have to believe, that’s a given. The Bible says that we also must confess (Romans 10:9-10). Isn’t this exactly what the criminal did? Do you know what Jesus would have said to him if he’d kept his mouth shut? Nothing. That’s right. His silence would have been a ticket to Hell. What is your mouth saying about God today?