What is the meaning of Luke 23:40? But the other one • Luke records two criminals crucified with Jesus (Luke 23:32–33). One joins the crowd’s mockery, but “the other one” stands apart. • Scripture highlights that God often preserves a remnant who respond to truth even in the darkest moments—think of Elijah’s 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18) or Joseph of Arimathea who refused to consent to the Sanhedrin’s plan (Luke 23:50–51). • His very existence beside Jesus fulfills Isaiah 53:12: the Messiah would be “numbered with the transgressors,” yet some of those transgressors would “bear witness” to Him. rebuked him • Instead of staying silent, the repentant criminal corrects his fellow offender. Biblical love sometimes confronts sin (Proverbs 27:5; Ephesians 5:11). • The scene mirrors Nathan confronting David (2 Samuel 12:1–7). True repentance overflows in a desire for others to turn as well (James 5:19–20). • Even nailed to a cross, this man uses his last breaths for godly correction—echoing Paul’s charge to “reprove, rebuke, exhort” (2 Timothy 4:2). saying • Words matter (Proverbs 18:21). In moments of crisis our speech reveals the heart (Matthew 12:34). • This dying man’s words become a timeless testimony, captured by the Holy Spirit so that “though dead, he still speaks” (Hebrews 11:4). • Amid physical agony, he forms coherent, faith-filled sentences—proof that God can empower witness in the weakest flesh (2 Corinthians 12:9). Do you not even fear God • The fear of the Lord is the “beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7). Lack of it opens the floodgates to every other sin (Romans 3:18). • The criminal recognizes that mocking Jesus is ultimately mocking God. Jesus had warned, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body… Fear Him who has authority to cast into hell” (Luke 12:4–5). • Healthy fear leads to humble confession rather than defiant scoffing (Psalm 130:3–4). since you are under the same judgment? • Both criminals face the same death sentence. Shared guilt should foster humility, not pride (Romans 3:23). • He reminds his counterpart that accountability is unavoidable (Hebrews 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10). • By acknowledging the justice of their sentence, he positions himself to plead for mercy (Luke 23:41–42), fulfilling the principle that “whoever conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). • The moment illustrates Galatians 6:7—“God is not mocked.” Even on crosses, divine justice stands, and repentance is still possible. summary Luke 23:40 spotlights a repentant criminal who, in the shadow of his own impending death, dares to correct another sinner, appeals to the fear of God, and acknowledges the justice of their shared condemnation. His brief but powerful rebuke models true repentance: it confronts sin, reveres God, and owns personal guilt—preparing the way for the gracious promise Jesus gives moments later, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). |
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