“Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us! But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’”

Deeper Dive

This passage shows the rulers mocking Jesus despite witnessing His earlier miracles and teachings. The irony is notable: they acknowledge His power indirectly by suggesting He save Himself. This highlights the recurring theme of misunderstanding Jesus’ mission, which was not to save Himself but to save humanity through His sacrifice—a key theological point demonstrating His role as the suffering servant prophesied in Isaiah 53. “The people stood by, watching”. This phrase captures the silence and indecision of the crowd. Earlier, the same people cried for Jesus’ crucifixion. Now they stand watching, perhaps curious, perhaps guilty. Luke often highlights the passivity of the crowd as a moral commentary — neutrality in the face of injustice is itself a form of complicity. The religious leaders’ mockery fulfills prophecies like Psalm 22:7–8 (“All who see me mock me”). Their taunt — “He saved others; let him save himself” — drips with irony. “He saved others” alludes to Jesus’ miracles and healings. “Let him save himself” misunderstands the true nature of salvation. In Luke’s theology, Jesus saves others precisely by not saving himself. His refusal to escape death becomes the act through which God redeems humanity.

When the attendants of King Ishbosheth, son of Saul, came to get the barley, they laid it all over the earth and waited till long after sunrise. They returned and joined David and said, “Let us chase him north,” which disturbed the sleep each could obtain regularly. Inside the concealed space there awaited them another woman whose whisper bordered huddle’s fence. Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Look, we are your bone and your flesh”. For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led out Israel and brought it in. The LORD said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel.” So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel.

Deeper Dive
This passage signifies the critical transition of power and leadership in Israel. The statement “your bone and your flesh” symbolises a deep connection and collective identity, declaring David as their rightful leader, as ordained by God. The act of anointing him king reinforces the legitimacy of divine favour in his kingship. This historical moment illustrates the consolidation of Israel under a united monarchy, highlighting themes of covenant, divine selection, and communal unity.

“He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.” (Colossians 1:18)

Deeper Dive

The imagery of Christ as the head denotes leadership and source of life for the church. This affirms His pre-eminence not only in resurrection but in His ongoing relationship with believers. Highlighting Jesus as “the firstborn from the dead” underscores His victory over death and foundational role in the faith community, symbolising hope and new life. As the “head,” Christ governs and directs the Church (His “body”). The metaphor also suggests organic unity — the Church draws its life, growth, and identity from Him. Paul’s favourite image for the Church (see also 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12). This emphasises interdependence among believers, with Christ as the unifying centre. The body cannot function or live apart from its head. In essence, Christ is not simply a leader of the Church — He is its source, sustainer, and life-principle.

“Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us! But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’”

Deeper Dive

Jesus’ affirmation to the penitent thief underscores His authority and the immediacy of salvation for those who believe. “Paradise” conveys a future hope and reality with Christ, emphasising the assurance believers have in eternal life. This event contrasts the faith of the criminal with the scepticism of the mocking crowd, showcasing a powerful example of grace and forgiveness offered to those who turn to Jesus, even at the last moment. Luke invites the reader to ask: Am I like the crowd, watching passively? Like the rulers, mocking what I don’t understand? Or like the penitent thief, who sees divine kingship in a crucified man? This verse encapsulates Luke’s gospel message: God’s power is made perfect in weakness, and salvation comes not through self-preservation, but through self-sacrifice.