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The death of two criminals.

(Sub-title – Absent from the body, present with the Lord.)

We take this quiz from the account of the crucifixion of Jesus found in Luke 23:32-43… (ESV)

(Select the correct answer)

Luke 23:32-33… Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him.  (33)  And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.

Q1. Three men died on those crosses that day, why is this entitled ‘The death of two criminals?’

a/ Two were indeed guilty of crimes.     b/ Jesus was innocent.     c/ Both a & b are true.

Luke 23:34-38… And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.  (35)  And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!”  (36)  The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine  (37)  and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”  (38)  There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

Q2. What is the challenge of ridicule that is directed at Jesus in these verses?

They… a/ tried to get Him drunk.     b/ called Him the King of the Jews.
c/ said, “if you are the Christ save yourself”.

Luke 23:39… One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

Q3. What is the reaction of this co-convicted man?

a/ He joins in the ridicule.     b/ He displays his unbelief in Jesus as the Messiah.     c/ Both a & b.

Luke 23:40-41… But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?  (41)  And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”

Q4. What is the reaction of this second co-convicted man?

a/ He is repentant.     b/ He recognizes the innocence of Jesus.     c/ Both a & b are true.

Luke 23:42… And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Q5. What do we see in this convicted man?

He…  a/ also ridicules Jesus.     b/ shows that he believes Jesus is the Messiah.     c/ also claims innocence.

Luke 23:43… And He said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Q6. What do these words of Jesus promise to this convicted criminal?

That he…  a/ has been forgiven.     b/ is accepted as a follower of Jesus.     c/ Both a & b are true.

Q7. What else do these words of Jesus reveal to us when we also follow the Savior?

That when we die…  a/ we stay in the grave.     b/ that’s THE END.     c/ our spirit goes to be with Jesus.

A closing question for you to answer:

Does this agree with the statement of the Apostle Paul in 2^nd Corinthians 5:5-9?

 – “He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” – (May God bless and encourage you in this. …KK)

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