Humanity’s Response to Jesus

This is a powerful way to look at it.

The story of the three crosses on Calvary is often seen as a microcosm of humanity's response to Jesus.

The repentant thief represents those who recognize their sin, acknowledge Jesus as Lord, and seek His forgiveness. This person is humbled, accepts their just punishment, and trusts in Jesus's mercy.

The defiant thief represents those who remain hardened in their sin. Despite witnessing the same events as the repentant thief, this individual is filled with bitterness and scorn.

They mock Jesus and refuse to believe in Him.

This dynamic of repentance versus defiance shows up throughout the Bible, where characters face similar choices. The Bible is full of stories of people who, despite difficult lives and many flaws, had a chance to turn back to God. Some did, and some didn't, but the stories often show that God was always there, offering a path.

The two thieves on the crosses illustrate the two paths available to everyone: a path of humility and trust, or a path of pride and rejection. In the end, the story of the three crosses shows that it's never too late to turn to God.