Bitter disappointment

The subjugated heavily taxed people of Israel thought that their promised king had come, but now they are disappointed, Jesus is reigning from a cross instead of a throne. The hope of the Jews is being slowly executed. Over his head, as he hangs on the instrument of torture is the identification sign that Pilate the servant of Caesar has written, “Jesus the king of Israel.’ There hangs their king, the man who had made them hope again, dying like a common thief. There is spite born of disillusionment and disappointment as the people sneer and call out, “If you are the king of the Jews come down from there”

For the two people being executed at the same time the disappointment is greater because it is more urgent; “Save yourself and us" one of them demands, pain and anger fill his mouth with curses. He has been waiting for the mighty miracle that would prevent them all being killed that day. There has been no angels, no miracle. There is not even an answer to his cursing. He is going to die disappointed. The sneering crowd must learn to live with disappointment.

The other man being executed at the side of Jesus makes a request, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” His words fill me with pity because his petition is so weak. He has nothing to bargain with! He cannot make promises because he will die today. He cannot claim to be deserving of remembrance because he has confessed to a crime that carried the death penalty. All he can do is ask. His request is stripped of all that would give it strength: no mediator, no court of appeal and no time to elaborate.

Jesus who had refused to answer Herod the powerful, answers this completely powerless man. “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” Amongst all the grieving disappointed people of Israel one man has hope and through the painful hours of death looks forward to the future.

Luke chapter 23 verse 43