The thief on a cross: A teachable heart
God’s People on Mission
The thief on a cross: A teachable heart
There are two eyewitness accounts in the Gospels that speak, from different perspectives, of what was said to Jesus from the two criminals who were crucified with Him. In Matthew it seems that both robbers get involved in the taunts and abuse levelled at Him. We read:
Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing. (Matthew 27:44)
However Luke describes only one of them ‘blaspheming Jesus’, while the other defends Him and cries out to Him for mercy.
Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” (Luke 23:39 – 42)
The variation might be there because of two different testimonies from the people who were there, one of them simply suggesting that abuse came from among the criminals crucified with Him. But I wonder whether it is more because, having taken in the events, even after initially joining in the jeers, one of the criminals saw something in Jesus that changed his mind. He was teachable. And that is a quality we all need if we are going to be faithful Servants of our King.
We often see how the disciples learned things on the go – they were students – but it was a very practical course they were taking, and they had to think on their feet, and make adjustments along the way. But sometimes it was a hard lesson that they learned before coming around, it is a whole lot easier if we are humbly teachable in the first place.
And it isn’t only the disciples who had to remain teachable. Look at two contrasting examples with me. The first is Zecheriah, father of John the Baptist – who, when Gabriel appears to him and tells him that his prayers had been answered and Elizabeth, his wife, would have a son. Zecheriah shows his unbelief:
And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” (Luke 1:18)
The result of his unbelief is that he is struck dumb. He cannot speak or share the news with others of the wonderful birth of his son, let alone that he would pave the way for the Messiah to come, both of which must have filled him with wonder. Surely he’d be bursting at the seams to shout that news from the rooftops.
Contrast this with Mary, who receives an even more unbelievable message. She too asks a question – but with a very different heart:
Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” (Luke 1:34)
Zechariah eventually comes around – and he is given his voice back and delivers a beautiful song of praise that is included in our Scriptures. But he had to learn his lesson the hard way.
Mary, on the other hand, maintained a humble and teachable spirit. She was inquisitive, who wouldn’t be, and nowhere that I can recall, does the Lord chastise His servants who ask questions so long as they are humble, teachable and open to the miraculous work of the Lord.
Can I encourage you today, or sometime very soon when you have some quiet space, to sit down with the Lord and ask – where do I need to listen and trust more – and ask for wisdom and strength to maintain a soft and humble heart before God – who knows what Miracles He is waiting to perform.
