NARRATOR: Jesus was crucified on the place called the Skull and with him two criminals, one on his right and one on his left. People stood by watching. The leaders kept jeering at Jesus.
LEADERS: He saved others. Let him save himself if he is the messiah of God, the chosen one.
NARRATOR: Soldiers also made fun of Jesus. They came up to him and offered him sour wine.
SOLDIERS: If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.
NARRATOR: Over Jesus’ head was an inscription, “This is the king of the Jews.” One of the criminals hanging beside Jesus blasphemed him.
CRIMINAL 1: Aren’t you the messiah? Then save yourself and us.
NARRATOR: The other criminal rebuked him.
CRIMINAL 2: Don’t you even fear God? You are under the same sentence of death yourself. We deserve it, after all. We are paying the price for what we have done, but this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
JESUS: I assure you, this day you will be with me in paradise.
Luke 23.35-43
Sunday Readings: 2 Samuel 5.1-3; Colossians 1.12-20; Luke 23.35-43