our lord's answer to the penitent thief.
Luke xxiii. 42, 43. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be ivith me in Paradise.
THE history of Christ in every view is replete with wonders : in every part of it we trace a mixture of dignity and debasement. When he lay in a manger, the Wise Men were conducted to him by a star : when he was tempted by the devil, an angel ministered unto him: he was now dying as a male- factor, and " crucified through weakness," yet did he, in answer to the Thief's petition, assert his power to save.
I. The Thief's petition first requires our attention —
This petition, if duly considered, will appear very remarkable —
It implied an acknowledgment of our Lords dignity —
loO LUKE, XXIII. 42, 43. [1587.
[Our Lord had often asserted himself to be a kinga. For this he was accusedb, mockedc, condemned*1, crucified6: yet then did the malefactor acknowledge him as a king. He beheld him on the cross as though he had seen him upon his throne : he proclaimed him Sovereign of the invisible world. His petition in this view was stronger than any assertion could be.]
It implied further cm affiance in his mercy —
[Often had our Lord been entreated to heal disorders of the bodyf; but rarely had any made application to him on behalf of their souls. The Thief, however, offered his petition only for spiritual blessings g: and for the obtaining of mercy he relied simply on the grace of Christ. Nor did he express a doubt of Christ's power or willingness to save11. Yet was his affiance tempered with the deepest humility1.]
What acceptance he met with will appear from considering,
II. Our Lord's answer —
Our Lord had never refused those who came to him for bodily cures: he now testified the same readi- ness to relieve spiritual wants —
In his answer he displayed the freeness of his grace —
[He granted the Thief's petition without a moment's hesitation*-. He conferred the desired blessing without up- braiding1." He bestowed his mercy ivithout prescribing any
a John xviii. 37. in reference to which St. Paul speaks, lTim.vi. 13.
b Luke xxiii. 2. c Matt, xxvii. 28, 29. d John xix. 12, 14, 15.
e Mark xv. 26. f Mark hi. 10. and ii. 4.
s He did not ask to have his life prolonged, or his pains mitigated, but that his soul might be saved.
h He did not say, " If thou wilt," or " If thou canst," as others had done on less important occasions. Matt. viii. 2. Mark ix. 22.
1 He did not presume to offer such a request as the ambitious dis- ciples had done, Mark x. 37. but like the Canaanitess, Matt. xv. 27. was contented with the smallest expression of his mercy, " Remember me."
k When the innocent Joseph entreated Pharaoh's butler to remem- ber him after his restoration to his place at court, the ungrateful butler forgat him two long years ; nor would have thought of him then, but from absolute necessity. What different treatment did this guilty Thief receive from his offended Lord !
1 How justly might our Lord have upbraided him for his whole course of life, his late repentance, and especially his behaviour even upon the cross ! Matt, xxvii. 44. But he was God, and acted like God. Jam. i. 5. and Luke xv. 20, 2;5.
1587.] 0UR lord's answer to the thief. 151
conditions m. Thus did he exemplify what he had commanded his prophet to proclaim11.]
He also manifested the fulness of his grace —
[Often has God bestowed more than his people have desired0. Here our Lord infinitely exceeds the Thief's re- quest. He promises, not a remembrance merely, but converse " with himself." This converse too shall be enjoyed, not on earth, but " in Paradise p." It shall moreover be enjoyed by him " that very dayq. Of all this he assures the Thief in the most solemn manner. What must now have been the feelings of the pardoned criminal r ! What a comment does this afford us on God's gracious declaration8 — !]