ACC ~ Luke 23 v40 - 42

ONE THIEF DENIES CHRIST, THE OTHER WINS ETERNAL GLORY

PRUDENTIUS:

Water and blood flow out from the pierced sides of the Savior.[1]

Blood indicates the victory, and water stands for baptism.

The two robbers on crosses on each side dispute with each other.

One denies Christ is God, but the other wins heavenly glory.

SCENES FROM SACRED HISTORY 42.[2]

THE SCOFFING THIEF IS SUBMITTED TO THE WEAKNESS OF THE CROSS

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: One robber said, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us with you!” The Lord however did not take him down from the cross as he asked, in order to exalt the other robber on the right of the cross and who was believing in the crucified Savior. It would have been easy for him to use a miracle to conquer anyone as a disciple. He produced a more powerful miracle when he forced the scoffer of truth to adore him. That is why the apostle said, “That which is the weakness of God is stronger than human beings.” [1] He submitted all peoples to the weakness of the cross.

Stretch out your arms toward the cross, so that the crucified Lord may stretch out his arms toward you. The one who does not stretch out his hand toward the cross cannot approach his table either. He will deprive of his table the guests who should have come to him hungry but instead came full. Do not fill yourself before going to the table of the Son. He might then make you leave the table while you are still hungry. COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 20.23. [2]

[1] 1 Cor 1:25.

[2] ECTD 305-6**.

THE CONFESSION OF THE PENITENT THIEF

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: “This man,” he says, “has done nothing that is hateful.” O how beautiful is this confession! How wise the reasoning and how excellent the thoughts! He became the confessor of the Savior’s glory and the accuser of the pride of those who crucified him. …

Let us look at his most beautiful confession of faith. He says, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.” You see him crucified and call him a king. You expect the One who bears scorn and suffering to come in godlike glory. You see him surrounded by a Jewish crowd, the wicked gang of the Pharisees, and Pilate’s band of soldiers. All of these were mocking him, and no one confessed him. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 153. [1]

[1] CGSL 610**.

WHY THE PENITENT THIEF IS WORTHY OF PARADISE

MAXIMUS OF TURIN: The suffering of the cross was a stumbling block to many, as the apostle says. “We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block indeed to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles.” [1]

The penitent thief considered the cross of Christ not to be a stumbling block but power rightly merits paradise. The same apostle says, “To those Jews who have been called, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” [2] The Lord also correctly gives paradise to him, because on the gibbet of the cross the thief confesses the one whom Judas Iscariot had sold in the garden. This is a remarkable thing. The thief confesses the one whom the disciple denied! This is a remarkable thing, I say. The thief honors the one who suffers, while Judas betrayed the one who kissed him! The one peddled flattering words of peace, and the other preached the wounds of the cross. He says, “Remember me, Lord, when you come in your kingdom.” SERMONS 74.1-2. [3]

[1] 1 Cor 1:23.

[2] 1 Cor 1:24.

[3] ACW 50:181-82**.

THE THIEF RECOGNIZES HIS WOUNDS ON CHRIST’S BODY

MAXIMUS OF TURIN: Although he sees his gaping wounds and observes his blood pouring forth, he believes him to be God whom he does not recognize as guilty. He acknowledges him to be righteous whom he does not think of as a sinner. He says to that other complaining thief, “We certainly are receiving what is due our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” He understood that Christ received these blows because of others’ sins. He sustained these wounds because of others’ crimes. The thief knew that the wounds on the body of Christ were not Christ’s wounds but the thief’s; therefore, after he recognized his own wounds on Christ’s body, he began to love all the more. SERMON 74.3. [1]

[1] ACW 50:181-82**.

Lk

[1]See Jn 19:34.

[2]FC 52:192*.