What can we learn about humility from the criminal's rebuke in Luke 23:40? Setting the Scene Luke 23 records three crosses on Golgotha. One criminal hurls insults at Jesus; the other intervenes. Verse 40 captures his unexpected rebuke: “But the other one rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment?’” (Luke 23:40). The Heart Posture Revealed This single sentence lays bare a heart bowed low before God. While his body is nailed in place, his spirit kneels in humility. Key Marks of Humility in the Criminal’s Words • Fear of God – “Do you not even fear God…?” – He confesses that reverence for God outweighs personal pain. Proverbs 1:7 calls the fear of the LORD “the beginning of knowledge.” – Humility starts with remembering Who God is and who we are not (Isaiah 66:2). • Acknowledgment of Guilt – Just one verse later he admits, “We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve” (v. 41). – No excuses, no blaming. Like the tax collector who beat his breast saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13), he owns his sin. • Recognition of Jesus’ Innocence – “But this man has done nothing wrong” (v. 41). – Humility refuses to drag Christ down to our level. Instead, it lifts Him high, affirming His sinless perfection (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Courage to Speak Truth – He “rebuked” the other criminal. Genuine humility is not passive; it lovingly confronts error even in crisis (Ephesians 4:15). • Hope Directed Toward Christ – Immediately after, he pleads, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (v. 42). – Humility moves from confession to dependence, trusting Christ alone for mercy (Titus 3:5). Contrasts: Proud Words vs. Humble Words • Proud thief: “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” (v. 39). – Self-preservation, demands, mockery. • Humble thief: “Do you not even fear God…?” – God-centered, repentant, submissive. Pride asks, “What can God do for me now?” Humility asks, “How can I honor God, even here?” Why Humility Matters for Us Today • God “gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). The repentant criminal experienced that grace instantly: “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (v. 43). • Humility unlocks restoration. Brokenness becomes the doorway to fellowship with Christ (Psalm 34:18). • Our witness gains weight. The humble criminal spoke a few words, yet they echo through centuries, pointing countless hearts to repentance. Walking in This Humility – Start each day acknowledging God’s rightful place and our dependence (Proverbs 3:5-6). – Confess sin quickly, without justifying or deflecting (1 John 1:9). – Elevate Christ’s innocence and sufficiency in every conversation (Philippians 2:9-11). – Speak truth in love, even when it costs something (Galatians 6:1). – Place all hope in Jesus’ kingdom, not earthly rescue (Colossians 3:1-4). The dying criminal’s brief rebuke invites us into a life-long lesson: true humility fears God, admits guilt, honors Christ, and finds eternal hope hanging on the cross beside us. |
    |