How does Matthew 27:38 illustrate Jesus' identification with sinners? Verse in Focus “Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right and one on His left.” (Matthew 27:38) Sharing the Place of Judgment • Jesus’ cross stands between two convicted criminals—He occupies the identical place of shame, pain, and public scorn. • By accepting a criminal’s execution, He steps directly into humanity’s condemned condition (cf. Hebrews 2:14–15). Prophecy Coming to Life • Isaiah 53:12 foretold, “He was numbered with the transgressors.” • Jesus Himself pointed to this prophecy: “And He was numbered with the transgressors” (Luke 22:37). • Matthew 27:38 records the literal, visible fulfillment—He is quite literally counted among lawbreakers. Sinless, Yet Side-by-Side with Sinners • Though “He committed no sin” (1 Peter 2:22), He is crucified exactly where the guilty belong. • 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains the purpose: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” • The contrast is stark: innocent perfection sharing the fate of proven criminals, highlighting substitution rather than deserved punishment. The Deeper Picture of Substitution • Physical placement mirrors spiritual reality—our sins placed on Him, His righteousness offered to us. • Bullet-point snapshot of the exchange: – Our guilt ➔ laid on Him (Isaiah 53:6). – His innocence ➔ credited to believers (Romans 5:19). – Our death sentence ➔ carried out on His cross (Galatians 3:13). – His eternal life ➔ granted to all who trust Him (John 3:16). • By standing between two criminals, He visually demonstrates that He stands between God’s justice and every sinner who will come to Him. Implications for Today • No sin is too dark—He has already stood in the place of ultimate disgrace. • Identification invites approach: if the Holy Son chose to be counted with the worst, He is ready to welcome anyone who turns to Him (Romans 10:12–13). • His shared cross-row with robbers reminds believers to extend grace outward; we were rescued by a Savior who entered the criminal’s space so we could leave it forever. |
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