EGW WritingsLuke 23
Ellen G. White · Page 2 of 2
Read Luke 23 in the BibleLuke 23:27-31
Daughters of God
Women at the Cross
DG 67.2
When Jesus was thought to be dying beneath the burden of the cross, many women, who, though not believers in Christ, were touched with pity for His sufferings, broke forth into a mournful wailing. When Jesus revived, He looked upon them with tender compassion. He knew they were not lamenting Him because He was a teacher sent from God, but from motives of common humanity. He looked upon the weeping women and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, but weep not for me, but for yourselves, and for your children.”DG 67.3
Jesus did not despise their tears, but the sympathy which they expressed wakened a deeper chord of sympathy in His own heart for them. He forgot His own grief in contemplating the future fate of Jerusalem. Only a short time ago the people had cried out, “His blood be on us and on our children.” How blindly had they invoked the doom they were soon to realize! Many of the very women who were weeping about Jesus were to perish with their children in the siege of Jerusalem.—The Spirit of Prophecy 3:151 (1878).DG 67.4
The women of Galilee had remained with the disciple John to see what disposition would be made of the body of Jesus, which was very precious to them, although their faith in Him as the promised Messiah had perished with Him.... The women were astonished to see Joseph and Nicodemus, both honored and wealthy councilors, as anxious and interested as themselves for the proper disposal of the body of Jesus.—The Spirit of Prophecy 3:174, 175 (1878).Luke 23:28-34
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 103, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 103, 1897, par. 3
This was the work of the hardened, depraved soldiery, and a haughty, overbearing priesthood. But that wooden cross borne by him to Calvary was the means of Simon taking upon himself the cross of Christ from choice, to ever cheerfully stand beneath its burden. His compulsory companionship with Christ in bearing His cross to Calvary, in beholding the sad and dreadful work and the spectators beneath the cross, was the means of drawing his heart to Jesus. Every word from the lips of Christ was graven upon his soul. He heard the prayer, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34.] He heard the words of Christ to John and His mother, and the heart of Simon believed.12LtMs, Ms 103, 1897, par. 6
Christ stopped and, turning to the weeping, mourning women, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.” [Luke 23:28.] When Jesus spoke these words He beheld the fearful doom pronounced by God upon the city of Jerusalem. This doom the priests and rulers were bringing upon themselves. Their own impenitence, their own course of stubborn resistance of the light of truth, brought the sure result. The day that His crowning miracle was wrought in raising Lazarus from the grave, the last evidence of His Messiahship rejected, left the Jews in determined warfare against God. From that time Christ could not any more walk openly among the Jews. To such lengths will religious bigotry carry its deluded followers.12LtMs, Ms 103, 1897, par. 17
Every incident is related, for each is essential. Christ had spoken words of comfort to the daughters of Jerusalem. He prayed for His murderers on the cross. There were no threats or maledictions, but instead the prayer, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34.]Luke 23:31
The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 3—The Great Commission
AA 25.1
After the death of Christ the disciples were well-nigh overcome by discouragement. Their Master had been rejected, condemned, and crucified. The priests and rulers had declared scornfully, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.” Matthew 27:42. The sun of the disciples’ hope had set, and night settled down upon their hearts. Often they repeated the words, “We trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel.” Luke 24:21. Lonely and sick at heart, they remembered His words, “If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” Luke 23:31.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 82—“Why Weepest Thou?”
DA 794.3
Often they repeated the words, “We trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel.” Lonely and sick at heart they remembered His words, “If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” Luke 24:21; 23:31. They met together in the upper chamber, and closed and fastened the doors, knowing that the fate of their beloved Teacher might at any time be theirs.From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 3—The Good News to Go Everywhere
TT 16.1
After the death of Christ the disciples were well-nigh overcome by discouragement. The sun of their hope had set, and night settled down on their hearts. Lonely and sick at heart, they remembered Christ’s words, “If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” Luke 23:31.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 101, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 101, 1897, par. 21
Our Redeemer humbled Himself, fully identifying His interest with humanity. Look at Him girding Himself, and washing the feet of His disciples. Mark how tenderly He performs this act of ministry, to give them a lesson in humility. He who was one with God, who thought it not robbery to be equal with God, humbled Himself, and took upon Him the form of a servant. But who was tender and compassionate to Him? During His trial, what friend had He that dared to say even as did the heathen Pilate, “I find no fault in him at all”? [John 18:38.] Christ’s humanity so completely veiled His glory that it was difficult for even His disciples to believe in Him, and when He died on the cross, they felt that their hopes had perished. As Christ told them the things He must suffer at the hands of wicked men, He said, “If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” [Luke 23:31.] If they do these wicked acts to your divine Lord, what will they do to those that bear the testimony that He came from God, that He was God in human flesh?Luke 23:31-56
Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 999—Christ as Sacrifice and High Priest
12MR 393.2
Our Redeemer humbled Himself, fully identifying His interest with humanity. Look at Him girding Himself and washing the feet of His disciples. Mark how tenderly He performs this act of ministry, to give them a lesson in humility. He who was one with God, who thought it not robbery to be equal with God, humbled Himself, and took upon Him the form of a servant. But who was tender and compassionate to Him? During His trial, what friend had He that dared to say even as did the heathen Pilate, “I find no fault in Him at all”? Christ’s humanity so completely veiled His glory that it was difficult for even His disciples to believe in Him; and when He died on the cross, they felt that their hopes had perished. As Christ told them the things He must suffer at the hands of wicked men, He said, “If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” [Luke 23:31]. If they do these wicked acts to your divine Lord, what will they do to those that bear the testimony that He came from God, that He was God in human flesh?12MR 419.1
By men of intellect the priests were called upon to explain the prophecies of the Old Testament concerning the Messiah, and while trying to frame some falsehood in reply, the priests became like men insane. Upon many minds the conviction rested that the Scriptures had been fulfilled. [Luke 23:50-52, quoted.]12MR 420.2
With the death of Christ the hopes of the disciples had perished. Often they repeated the words, “We trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel” [Luke 24:21]. Lonely and sick at heart, they remembered Christ’s words, “If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” [Luke 23:31]. They met together in the upper chamber, and closed and fastened the doors, knowing that the fate of their beloved Teacher might at any time be theirs.12MR 420.3
[Luke 23:54, 56; Matthew 28:1, 2, quoted.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 111, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 111, 1897, par. 59
“And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and just, (the same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. This man went unto Pilate and begged the body of Jesus.” [Luke 23:50-52.]12LtMs, Ms 111, 1897, par. 63
With the death of Christ the hopes of the disciples had perished. Often they repeated the words, “We trusted that it should have been he that should have redeemed Israel.” Lonely and sick at heart, they remembered Christ’s words, “If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in a dry?” [Luke 24:21; 23:31.] They met together in the upper chamber, and closed and fastened the doors, knowing that the fate of their beloved Teacher might at any time be theirs.12LtMs, Ms 111, 1897, par. 64
“And that was the preparation day, and the Sabbath drew on. The women also which came with him from Galilee followed after, and beheld the sepulcher, and how his body was laid. And they returned and prepared spices and ointment, and rested the Sabbath day, according to the commandment.” [Verses 54-56.]Luke 23:33
Christ Triumphant
Christ Crucified for Us, September 27
CTr 277.1
And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Luke 23:33.Luke 23:33-34
That I May Know Him
The Cross of Calvary, February 28
TMK 65.1
And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Luke 23:33.TMK 65.3
The Son of God was rejected and despised for our sakes. Can you, in full view of the cross, beholding by the eye of faith the sufferings of Christ, tell your tale of woe, your trials? Can you nurse revenge of your enemies in your heart while the prayer of Christ comes from His pale and quivering lips for His revilers, His murderers—“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34)? ...Luke 23:33-35
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 132, 1910
25LtMs, Lt 132, 1910, par. 10
“And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him.” [Luke 23:33.]25LtMs, Lt 132, 1910, par. 12
“If Thou be the Son of God,” they said, “come down from the cross.” [Matthew 27:40.] “Let Him save Himself, if He be Christ, the chosen of God.” [Luke 23:35.] In the wilderness of temptation, Satan had declared, “If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” “If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down” from the pinnacle of the temple. [Matthew 4:3, 6.] And Satan with his angels, in human form, was present at the cross. The archfiend and his hosts were co-operating with the priests and rulers. The teachers of the people had stimulated the ignorant mob to pronounce judgment against One upon whom many of them had never looked until urged to bear testimony against Him. Priests, rulers, Pharisees, and the hardened rabble were confederated together in a satanic frenzy. Religious rulers united with Satan and his angels. They were doing his bidding.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 12, 1911
25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, par. 12
“And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him.” [Luke 23:33.]25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, par. 14
“If Thou be the Son of God,” they said, “come down from the cross.” [Matthew 27:40.] “Let Him save Himself, if He be Christ, the chosen of God.” [Luke 23:35.] In the wilderness of temptation, Satan had declared, “If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” “If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down” from the pinnacle of the temple. [Matthew 4:3, 6.] And Satan with his angels, in human form, was present at the cross. The archfiend and his hosts were co-operating with the priests and rulers. The teachers of the people had stimulated the ignorant mob to pronounce judgment against One upon whom many of them had never looked until urged to bear testimony against Him. Priests, rulers, Pharisees, and the hardened rabble were confederated together in a satanic frenzy. Religious rulers united with Satan and his angels. They were doing his bidding.Luke 23:34
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 17—“Spare it this Year Also”
COL 218.1
With what unwearied love did Christ minister to Israel during the period of added probation. Upon the cross He prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34. After His ascension the gospel was preached first at Jerusalem. There the Holy Spirit was poured out. There the first gospel church revealed the power of the risen Saviour. There Stephen—“his face as it had been the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15)—bore his testimony and laid down his life. All that heaven itself could give was bestowed. “What could have been done more to My vineyard,” Christ said, “that I have not done in it?” Isaiah 5:4. So His care and labor for you are not lessened, but increased. Still He says, “I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment; lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.” Isaiah 27:3.From Eternity Past
Who Prays for “Sodom” Today?
EP 85.3
The spirit of Abraham was the spirit of Christ, Himself the great Intercessor in the sinner’s behalf. Christ manifested toward the sinner a love which infinite goodness alone could conceive. In the agonies of the crucifixion, burdened with the awful weight of the sins of the whole world, He prayed for His murderers, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 19, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 19, 1886, par. 14
Here is Abraham standing as one that is a representative for God, and his history is brought down along the line to our time. Abraham’s interest and anxiety for Sodom is a lesson to us that we shall have an intense interest for those around us. Although we should hate the sin, we should love the souls of those for whom Christ died. And then we should feel the most grateful to God that we have One who is pleading in the heavens above in our behalf. Jesus knows the worth of every soul because it is He that has paid the price for every one. When He was in His agony at the crucifixion, He prays there for His enemies (murderers); He says, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34.] And here as we see in the case of Abraham that he pleads for the guilty as one man pleads for another. We should put up that earnest prayer for those who are in darkness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 48, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 48, 1893, par. 8
The scribes and Pharisees stood in a position toward Christ and His work similar to that which you have taken in reference to the workers whom the Lord hath sent. The apostle Peter declared to the Jews, “Brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it.” [Acts 3:17.] And the Saviour Himself said, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34.] They did not discern Christ as the world’s Redeemer.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 29, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 29, 1899, par. 7
Christ’s heart was pierced by a far sharper pain than that caused by the nails driven into His hands and feet. Sweat drops of agony stand upon His brow, while from the murderers are heard the words, “If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.” [Matthew 27:40.] The Saviour is about to speak. What will He say? From His pale, quivering lips come the words, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34.] What an exhibition of divine love! These words are an expression of God’s love to man. Thus Christ proclaimed the message of mercy, even to His murderers. The good news of pardon was proclaimed upon the cross. There is mercy for all. The most hardened sinner, if he repents and believes in Jesus, will be forgiven.Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 12—Abraham in Canaan
PP 140.2
The spirit of Abraham was the spirit of Christ. The Son of God is Himself the great Intercessor in the sinner’s behalf. He who has paid the price for its redemption knows the worth of the human soul. With an antagonism to evil such as can exist only in a nature spotlessly pure, Christ manifested toward the sinner a love which infinite goodness alone could conceive. In the agonies of the crucifixion, Himself burdened with the awful weight of the sins of the whole world, He prayed for His revilers and murderers, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 115, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 115, 1902, par. 25
How many professing Christians there are who, though committing sins that they never confess, refuse to forgive their erring fellow beings. If a youth, even though fatherless and motherless, commits a wrong, they turn from him as they would from a pestilence. The church needs to reveal more, far more, of the pardoning love of Christ. Love for God holds man in right relation to his fellow man. This love leads him to strive with all his power to restore in man the image of God. It is the love that dwelt in the heart of Christ, which led Him, in His dying agony, to pray for His enemies, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 72, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 72, 1902, par. 16
Stand before the cross, and learn from it the cost of redemption. With breaking heart, the Holy Sufferer looks up to God, and cries, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?” [Matthew 27:46.] His heart was breaking under the thought of the woe that was to come upon the actors, under a sense of their ingratitude, under the weight of the sin He Himself must carry for them. No heart save His own could approach unto such sin-bearing. Amidst His agony there came from heart and lips the wonderful prayer, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 47, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 47, 1904, par. 16
May God help you to be pure, noble, and straightforward, firm for the right, but not stubborn for the wrong. Indignity and abuse were heaped upon Christ, but His prayer was, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 96, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 96, 1906, par. 7
Things in Battle Creek are reaching a remarkable pass. We are to do all in our power to rescue souls from error, and we are to “Watch unto prayer.” [1 Peter 4:7.] In all earnestness we are to offer our petitions to God, saying as did Christ of His persecutors, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34.] The Lord is our trust. He is our defense, and we will not show the least distrust of our powerful keeper. I feel only sadness and grief and distress, which I have felt for months; for I have had long ago the present condition of things presented to me. I am glad you are saved the pain and the distress of soul that must be borne by those who are in the midst of the conflict.Sons and Daughters of God
In Forgiveness, May 26
SD 153.1
Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 79—“It is Finished”
DA 760.2
Heaven viewed with grief and amazement Christ hanging upon the cross, blood flowing from His wounded temples, and sweat tinged with blood standing upon His brow. From His hands and feet the blood fell, drop by drop, upon the rock drilled for the foot of the cross. The wounds made by the nails gaped as the weight of His body dragged upon His hands. His labored breath grew quick and deep, as His soul panted under the burden of the sins of the world. All heaven was filled with wonder when the prayer of Christ was offered in the midst of His terrible suffering,—“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34. Yet there stood men, formed in the image of God, joining to crush out the life of His only-begotten Son. What a sight for the heavenly universe!To Be Like Jesus
A Prayer That Includes Us, January 17
BLJ 24.1
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. Luke 23:34, NKJV.Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
On the Cross
1TT 227.2
Not one word did Jesus answer to all this. While the nails were being driven through His hands, and the sweat drops of agony were forced from His pores, from the pale, quivering lips of the innocent Sufferer a prayer of pardoning love was breathed for His murderers: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34. All heaven was gazing with profound interest upon the scene. The glorious Redeemer of a lost world was suffering the penalty of man’s transgression of the Father’s law. He was about to ransom His people with His own blood. He was paying the just claims of God’s holy law. This was the means through which an end was to be finally made of sin and Satan, and his host to be vanquished.From Heaven With Love
Earth the Stage, Heaven the Audience
HLv 507.4
Heaven viewed with amazement Christ hanging on the cross, blood flowing from His wounded temples, His hands, His feet. The wounds gaped as the weight of His body dragged on His hands. His soul panted under the burden of the sins of the world. All heaven was filled with wonder when Christ prayed in the midst of His terrible suffering, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34.Luke 23:34-43
The Story of Redemption
Nailed to the Cross
SR 222.1
Jesus made no murmur of complaint; His face remained pale and serene, but great drops of sweat stood upon His brow. There was no pitying hand to wipe the death dew from His face, nor words of sympathy and unchanging fidelity to stay His human heart. He was treading the winepress all alone; and of all the people there was none with Him. While the soldiers were doing their fearful work, and He was enduring the most acute agony, Jesus prayed for His enemies—“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34. That prayer of Christ for His enemies embraced the world, taking in every sinner who should live, until the end of time.SR 222.2
After Jesus was nailed to the cross, it was lifted by several powerful men and thrust with great violence into the place prepared for it, causing the most excruciating agony to the Son of God. And now a terrible scene was enacted. Priests, rulers, and scribes forgot the dignity of their sacred offices, and joined with the rabble in mocking and jeering the dying Son of God, saying, “If Thou be the King of the Jews, save Thyself.” Luke 23:37. And some deridingly repeated among themselves, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save.” Mark 15:31. The dignitaries of the temple, the hardened soldiers, the vile thief upon the cross, and the base and cruel among the multitude—all united in their abuse of Christ.SR 222.3
The thieves who were crucified with Jesus suffered like physical torture with Him: but one was only hardened and rendered desperate and defiant by his pain. He took up the mocking of the priests, and railed upon Jesus, saying, “If Thou be Christ, save Thyself and us.” Luke 23:39. The other malefactor was not a hardened criminal. When he heard the sneering words of his companion in crime, he “rebuked him, saying, Dost thou not fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man hath done nothing amiss.” Luke 23:40, 41. Then, as his heart went out to Christ, heavenly illumination flooded his mind. In Jesus, bruised, mocked, and hanging upon the cross, he saw his Redeemer, his only hope, and appealed to Him in humble faith: “Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee today, [By placing the comma after the word today, instead of after the word thee, as in the common versions, the true meaning of the text is more apparent.] shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42, 43.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 102, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 102, 1905, par. 15
O how His mother and His disciples hoped that He would manifest His mighty power and silence His revilers by coming down from the shameful cross! They were pained by the unfeeling taunts of the spiritually ignorant revilers. “Let Him come down from the cross, and we will believe on Him.” “He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him; for He said, I am the Son of God.” [Verses 42, 43.] Christ prayed to His Father, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted His raiment and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided Him, saying, He saved others; let Him save Himself, if He be the Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked Him, offering Him vinegar to drink and saying, If Thou be the king of the Jews save Thyself.” [Luke 23:34-37.]20LtMs, Lt 102, 1905, par. 16
“And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on Him, saying, If Thou be the Christ, save Thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him saying, Dost thou not fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.” [Verses 39-42.]20LtMs, Lt 102, 1905, par. 17
The faith of the dying thief grasped the truth of a sin-pardoning Saviour. And Jesus showed Himself able to save to the uttermost all who should receive Him. Jesus said unto him, “Verily I say unto thee today, Shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.” [Verse 43.] Jesus did not say, “I shall be in My kingdom today, and thou shalt be with Me.” After His resurrection He said to Mary, “I have not yet ascended unto My Father.” [John 20:17.] Even in the agonies of death, in His humiliation and apparent defeat, He asserted His right and His power to forgive sins.Luke 23:34-46
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 41, 1887
5LtMs, Ms 41, 1887, par. 15
Upon arriving at the place of execution, the condemned were bound to the instruments of torture. While the two thieves wrestled in the hands of those who stretched them upon the cross, Jesus made no resistance. His face remained pale and serene, but great drops of sweat stood upon His brow. There was no pitying hand to wipe the death dew from His face, nor words of sympathy and unchanging fidelity to stay His human heart. He was treading the winepress alone; and of all the people, there was none with Him. While the soldiers were doing their fearful work, and He was enduring the most acute agony, Jesus prayed for His enemies—“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34.] His mind was borne from His own suffering to the crime of His persecutors and the terrible but just retribution that would be theirs. He pitied them in their ignorance and guilt.5LtMs, Ms 41, 1887, par. 20
In silence the people watch for the end of this fearful scene. Priests and rulers look towards Jerusalem; and lo, the dense cloud has settled upon the city, and over Judah’s plains, and the fierce lightnings of God’s wrath are directed against the fated city. Suddenly the gloom is lifted from the cross, and in clear, trumpet tones, that seem to resound throughout creation, Jesus cries, “It is finished;” “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.” [John 19:30; Luke 23:46.] A light encircled the cross, and the face of the Savior shone with a glory like unto the sun. He then bowed His head upon His breast and died.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 45, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 45, 1892, par. 32
Not one word did Jesus answer to all this. Even while the nails were being driven through His hands and His feet and the sweat drops of agony were thick upon His brow, He breathed a prayer of pardoning love for His murderers, saying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34.] Was there ever suffering and sorrow like that which was borne by our dying Saviour! But it was not physical suffering alone, it was the thought that God’s love was withdrawn that made His cup so bitter. It was not pain of body that so quickly ended the life of Christ upon the cross. It was the crushing weight of the sins of the world that broke His heart. The Father’s glory, the Father’s love, had left Him, and it was this that forced from His lips the anguished cry, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” [Matthew 27:46.]7LtMs, Ms 45, 1892, par. 35
But when, in His dying agonies, despair pressed upon the soul of the Redeemer, He remembered that tokens had been given to Him of His Father’s love, and as He yielded up His precious life, by faith alone He rests in Him whom it had been His joy to obey. Though surrounded by gloom, yet amid the awful darkness, which was felt even by nature, the Redeemer drained the cup of suffering to the dregs. By faith He dimly believes that He shall triumph over death, and He cries with a loud voice, “Father, into thine hand I commend my spirit.” [Luke 23:46.] He knows that His Father is full of mercy, justice, compassion, and love, and in trustful confidence, He yields Himself to God. There is a great earthquake, and the people hear the man of Calvary say with His last breath, “It is finished!” [John 19:30.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 45, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 45, 1897, par. 18
Again came the cry as of one in mortal agony. “It is finished.” “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” “And having said this, he gave up the ghost.” [John 19:30; Luke 23:46.] Christ, the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, was dead. The Jewish leaders had crucified the Son of God, the long-expected Messiah, He who the people had hoped was to bring about so many reforms. They refused the only One who could save them from national ruin.12LtMs, Ms 45, 1897, par. 19
“And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom, and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent.” [Matthew 27:51.] Those who had induced the people to release Barabbas, and crucify Christ, now trembled with terror. They were conscious of the wicked deed they had done. They realized that they had shed the blood of the Son of God. This they had invoked upon themselves, saying, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” [Verse 25.] Christ had prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34.] But they made this prayer an impossibility, for they would not be convicted, they would not repent and be converted.Luke 23:36-39
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 115, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 115, 1903, par. 16
“And they that passed by reviled Him, wagging their heads, and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save Thyself. If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests, mocking Him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him; for He said, I am the Son of God.” [Matthew 27:39-43.] “And the soldiers also mocked Him, coming to Him, and offering Him vinegar, and saying, If thou be the King of the Jews, save Thyself. ... And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on Him, saying, If Thou be the Christ, save Thyself and us.” [Luke 23:36, 37, 39.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 87, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 87, 1903, par. 8
As Christ hung upon the cross, He was made the object of scorn and derision. “They that passed by reviled Him, wagging their heads, and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save Thyself. If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests, mocking Him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others, Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him; for He said, I am the Son of God.” [Matthew 27:39-43.] “And the soldiers also mocked Him, coming to Him, and offering Him vinegar, and saying, If Thou be the King of the Jews, save Thyself.” “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on Him, saying, If Thou be the Christ, save Thyself and us.” [Luke 23:36, 37, 39.]Luke 23:37
The Story of Jesus
Chapter 23—Calvary
SJ 143.4
“If Thou be the King of the Jews, save Thyself.” Luke 23:37.Luke 23:39-43
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 130, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 40
There He hung upon the cross and there it was that there were two thieves, one on the right hand and another on the left hand of Christ. One said, “Save yourself and us if you can.” The other rebuked him, “He does not deserve it.” He said, “Lord Jesus.” There was a suffering Saviour with the nails through His hands and feet. There he asked that he be remembered when He came into His kingdom, and what did He say? “Verily I say unto you today,” being executed as a criminal as He was, “Thou shalt be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:39-43.] Now we can see how fully He can impress the sinner. God loves the sinner. And now I will ask you, who of you will be willing to endure the sufferings of Christ?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 81, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 81, 1910, par. 24
“How do you feel?” says one, often and often. “Do you feel strong enough to reach the several hundred that have come out to hear?” “No,” I say, “I do not. I do not depend on myself. If God does not give me strength when I get upon my feet, I will sit down and say I have not strength to speak.” But I want to tell you we have too little trust in God, too little faith. I do want God to be glorified. I want that we shall have an increase of faith, that we should lay hold upon that One who died on Calvary’s cross. When one thief was berating Christ with the words, “Save thyself and save us,” the other one said, “Lord, will you remember me when you come into your kingdom?” He said, “I say unto you today, thou shalt be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:39-43.] He honored his faith.Luke 23:40-43
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 140, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 140, 1908, par. 45
Verses 11-13. “more than the sons of men.” [Verse 14.] Behold Him hanging on the cross with the nails driven through His hands and His feet, and there were His opposers mocking Him, “O, thou that couldest destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down: come down, and we will believe on thee.” [Matthew 27:40, 42.] This is what they were saying, mocking and deriding. But there is a sound. What is it? It is coming from a soul in agony. It is one that has been crucified upon the cross close by Christ, and his fellow that was by his side was mocking Christ, and he rebuked him. Said he, “We deserve this, but the one hanging on the cross [beside us] does not deserve it.” And the one hanging on the cross turned to Christ and said, “Lord, remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom.” And what did He say? “Verily, I say unto thee today,” right while His hands are stretched upon the cross, and He dying in human agony, “verily I say unto thee today, thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.” [Luke 23:40-43.] Now here was the very promise of our Saviour, and the thief had that comfort while he was dying. He believed in Christ. He believed Him to be Christ; he received Him as Christ.Luke 23:41-43
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 96, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 96, 1904, par. 11
When Christ was crucified, it was with a thief on either side of Him. Upon one of these thieves pressed the conviction that there is a God to fear, a future to cause him to tremble. All sin-polluted as he was, his life-history was about to close. “And we indeed justly,” he moaned; “for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man hath done nothing amiss.” [Luke 23:41.]19LtMs, Ms 96, 1904, par. 12
He called to mind all he had heard of Jesus, how He had healed the sick and pardoned sin. He had heard the words of those who believed in Jesus and followed Him weeping. He had seen and read the title above the Saviour’s head. He had heard the passers-by repeat it, some with grieved, quivering lips, others with jesting and mockery. The Holy Spirit illuminated his mind, and little by little the chain of evidence was joined together. In Jesus, bruised, mocked, and hanging upon the cross, he saw the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. Hope mingled with anguish in his soul as the repentant, dying soul cast himself upon the Saviour. “Lord, remember me,” he cried, “when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.” [Verse 42.]19LtMs, Ms 96, 1904, par. 13
Quickly the answer came. Soft and melodious the tone, full of love, compassion, and power, the words: “Verily I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be with Me in paradise.” [Verse 43.]Luke 23:42
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 21—“A Great Gulf Fixed”
COL 263.4
The rich man had not abandoned the idea that he was a child of Abraham, and in his distress he is represented as calling upon him for aid. “Father Abraham,” he prayed, “have mercy on me.” He did not pray to God, but to Abraham. Thus he showed that he placed Abraham above God, and that he relied on his relationship to Abraham for salvation. The thief on the cross offered his prayer to Christ. “Remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom,” he said. (Luke 23:42.) And at once the response came, Verily I say unto thee today (as I hang on the cross in humiliation and suffering), thou shalt be with Me in Paradise. But the rich man prayed to Abraham, and his petition was not granted. Christ alone is exalted to be “a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:31. “Neither is there salvation in any other.” Acts 4:12.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 17, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 17, 1909, par. 24
Take these words home with you, and carry them out in your lives. If you are slighted and rejected, remember that Christ was also rejected. He was crucified by wicked hands; and while He hung in suffering upon the cross, those who stood about Him mocked Him, saying, “Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it again in three days, come down from the cross; and we will believe.” [Matthew 27:40, 42.] But while the professedly religious ones were uttering words of scorn and derision, a poor thief who hung by Christ’s side expressed his faith in Him as the Son of God. “Lord,” he said, “remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.” [Luke 23:42.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 75, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 75, 1910, par. 19
They could find no occasion to find fault with Christ and His teachings. <They hated His reproof and His sinless character, and> they crucified Him. Pilate said that He was without fault, and yet he gave Him up to them. That was the justice that was manifested in their <determination> to <get Christ out of the way>. He was beaten with rods, the cruel thorns pierced His <holy> brow. They hung Him upon the cross and the nails were driven through His hands and feet. Then they said, “After all, He is nothing more than any of the rest of us. He dies like the rest of us.” But while hanging on the cross the penitent thief said to Christ, “When Thou comest into Thy kingdom, remember me.” [Luke 23:42.] And Christ made him the promise that he should be with Him in paradise. Just think of it! That was what He said to the thief that acknowledged Him in His humiliation.Reflecting Christ
Christ’s Glory Shines on the Thief, January 20
RC 34.1
Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. Luke 23:42.Sons and Daughters of God
Dying Thief Accepts Christ as His Saviour, August 31
SD 250.1
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. Luke 23:42.Homeward Bound
The Penitent Thief, February 23
HB 70.1
Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.—Luke 23:42.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 81, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 81, 1898, par. 16
The thief on the cross offered his prayer to Christ, as to the Lord. “Remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom,” he said. [Luke 23:42.] And at once the response came, Verily I say unto thee this day (as I hang on the cross), thou shalt be with Me in Paradise. But the rich man prayed to Abraham, and in the parable Abraham is represented as answering, “Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted and thou art tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that they that would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.” [Luke 16:25, 26.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 158, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 29
As Christ hung on the cross of Calvary, the thief said to Him, “Lord, remember me, when thou comest in thy kingdom.” [Luke 23:42.] Christ could not reach out His hand to him; it was nailed to the cross, but ever in that hour He revealed His power to forgive sins.Luke 23:42-43
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 119, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 46
Now this prayer of Christ, I wish you would read it in your families. I wish you would build up one another in—not outside, but in—the most holy faith. I want you to remember that God pronounced a blessing upon Abraham, because he commanded his children and his household after him. He does not let the children go on and do just as they please, and have a fancy to do because they are not to be pleased unless you will gratify them. God help us to take our stand in our families, and may the Lord help us to teach the ABC’s of true Christianity. We want the kindness and tenderness of Christ in dealing with human beings all around us. Just think of our Saviour dying upon the cross, and there was a thief by His side, and one thief had berated Christ, and had charged Him with everything that he could; but he rebuked him, this one did that was repentant. He says, “Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.” [Luke 23:42.] There He was in His dying agony, and what was the answer?21LtMs, Ms 119, 1906, par. 47
“Verily I say unto thee today, (as you see Me condemned as a criminal, abused by men), Thou shalt be with Me in paradise.” [Verse 43.] Do you know what that meant to the devil that was there? It was the knell, his death knell, that right in His dying agony He could speak pardon to that poor thief upon the cross. Oh, that was one of the greatest manifestations, while priests and rulers were wagging their heads, and saying, Come down, come down from the cross, until the earthquake came, and they scattered, and they were afraid that they themselves would suffer. But here was the mercy of Christ. Let us, every one, exercise in all our works and acts the mercy, the love, of Christ. Let us take into consideration there is a world to be saved, and we want our spirit braced for duty; we want our hearts in conformity to the will of Jesus Christ; we want that love that He prayed might exist between whom?—between these His followers, that existed between Him and His Father. Now here is your lesson. Here is your lesson. Learn it, practice it in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Study, study, I beg of you, self-denial; for there is a world to save. The work is opening in the foreign countries in a wonderful manner, but we do not take advantage as we should of those that are right around us, and give the Word of life in readings and in different ways to bring the truth before them. The publications are to be distributed, like the leaves of autumn; and the messages have come to you for year after year, and year after year, and what are we doing for the Master who gave His life for us? You have got His last prayer. Will we read that prayer? Will we practice that prayer? Will we be getting ready to walk in a heavenly atmosphere, and to take our steps after Christ? “He that will come after Me,” He says, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Mark 8:34.] There are some doing it, I know it. I feel a most intense interest.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 84a, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 84a, 1897, par. 5
The thief upon the cross reached out his hand by faith to grasp the hand of Christ. Had not his soul been in intense agony, amazed at the hardheartedness of men because they would not see and acknowledge that their only hope of salvation was to believe in Him? Turning to Christ, the thief said, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” [Luke 23:42.]12LtMs, Ms 84a, 1897, par. 6
The spectators listened to hear the response of Jesus. They knew why he was condemned, and the full measure of his guilt. In a voice clear and distinct, reaching far and near, Christ said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you today, shalt thou be with me in Paradise.” [Verse 43.]Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 47, 1908
2SAT 300.1
While Christ was hanging in agony on the cross, one of the thieves that at first railed on Him repented, and said to Him, “Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee today, thou shalt be with Me in Paradise” [Luke 23:42, 43]. Satan then trembled for his kingdom. He knew it would be destroyed. Jesus had withstood all his temptations. He had patiently endured cruel persecution, and now with a note of triumph in His voice, He could promise salvation to a poor repentant sinner.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 105, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 105, 1897, par. 1
That which is of great interest to us all is, that Christ, although dying an ignominious death upon the cross, died as One who had endured the test and proving of God. He had lost none of His divine power as a Sin-pardoning Saviour. When the thief crucified on the cross said, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom,” Jesus gave evidence of His divine attributes. The repentant sinner need not wait unto Christ shall receive His coronation. Before the spectators about the cross, He will reveal that He even in His suffering humanity He hath power to forgive transgression and sin. His hands, though nailed to the cross are not shortened or weakened that He cannot save. His ear is not heavy that it cannot hear. Divinity flashes through humanity. From those pale and quivering lips the words are distinctly heard, by the dying penitent and by all surrounding the cross, “Verily I say unto thee today, Shalt thou be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:42, 43.]12LtMs, Ms 105, 1897, par. 2
All were looking upon Christ as a deceiver, a fraud, for which He was suffering this ignominious death. But it was only by thus giving His life as a sacrifice, that the sinner could hear the pardoning words of Jesus, “Verily I say unto thee today, Shalt thou be with me in paradise.” [Verse 43.]12LtMs, Ms 105, 1897, par. 5
At the very time when Satan and all his synagogue unite with priests and rulers to humiliate Him who made the world and all that is therein, He reveals His Godhead, His redeeming power, and bestows the most precious gift that can come to mortal man. He speaks the life-giving words of pardon at the very time when principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world think that they have laid His claim to the King of the Jews in the dust. His divinity, His kingly power, is not exercised in coming down from the cross to give proof that He is the Son of God; but He will show that in His death is life-giving power for all who shall believe in Him. He exerts His divine prerogatives, and assures the poor sinner, “Verily I say unto you today, Shalt thou be with me in paradise.” [Verse 43.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 99a, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 99a, 1908, par. 9
It was the work of Christ to rebuke the power of Satan. When He was taken by His enemies and hung upon the cross, there stood the priests and rulers taunting Him, and doing all in their power to afflict Him. Others were heaping reproach upon Him. But there hung by His side a tempted sinner, who, while his companion railed on the Son of God, turned to the Saviour, saying, “Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.” And Christ replied, “Verily I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be with Me in paradise. Today while I hang upon the cross, the nails driven through My hands and feet, My body bruised, today, I say, Thou shalt be with Me in paradise.” [Luke 23:42, 43.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 232, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 232, 1908, par. 11
On the cross He was taunted with the words, “Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it again in three days, come down from the cross, and we will believe in Thee.” [Matthew 27:40, 42.] Of the two thieves who were crucified with Him, one railed on Him. But the other reproved his companion and said to Christ, “Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.” And the Saviour responded to his request, “Verily, I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.” [Luke 23:42, 43.] Christ did not say to the thief that he would be that day in Paradise, but, “Today, while I am hanging in agony on the cross, I say unto thee, Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.” The satanic agencies who were reviling the Saviour heard His words to the repentant thief, and they trembled as they heard.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 47, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 47, 1908, par. 6
While Christ was hanging in agony on the cross, one of the thieves that at first railed on Him repented, and said to Him, “Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be with Me in paradise.” [Luke 23:42, 43.] Satan then trembled for his kingdom. He knew it would be destroyed. Jesus had withstood all his temptations, He had patiently endured cruel persecution, and now with a note of triumph in His voice, He could promise salvation to a poor, repentant sinner.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 9, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 9, 1910, par. 16
The One who was exalted above all others in the heavenly courts as the Son of the Highest is the One whose hands were nailed to the cross of Calvary. He it is who was mocked and derided by those who would not receive Him. There was one poor thief on a cross beside Him, and he said to Christ, “Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.” And Christ replied, “Verily I say unto thee today”—while hanging on this cross—“thou shalt be with Me in paradise.” [Luke 23:42, 43.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 11, 1911
25LtMs, Ms 11, 1911, par. 12
As the Saviour was dying upon the cross, one of the thieves that were crucified with Him gave expression to his faith in Him as the Son of God. He stated his belief in a kingdom which it was his desire to have. “Lord, remember me,” he said, “when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.” And the Saviour replied, “Verily, verily I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.” [Luke 23:42, 43.] Those who were mocking the Son of God were arrested by those words. They remembered them afterwards when He whom they had crucified and sealed in the tomb was raised again from the dead.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 78, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 29
Christ took the cup and drank it, and then it was that Judas betrayed his Lord. They took Him, abused His person, put a crown of thorns upon His head; they pressed it into His sacred temples and caused Him all the suffering possible; then they drove the nails through His hands and feet. And while He was hanging there on the cross in company with two thieves, one of them repented, and said, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” The Lord answered him, “Verily I say unto thee today, thou shalt be with Me in paradise.” [Luke 23:42, 43.] Today, while His hands were pierced with nails, today, while He was suffering on the cross and passing through death, He said, “Thou shalt be with Me in paradise,” because the thief acknowledged Him in His humiliation. He could accept the poor thief; He could pardon his sins.Luke 23:43
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 142, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, par. 55
We love Thee, we love Thee, because Thou hast so loved us that Thou hast given Thy life to a life of shame, to a life of abuse. They spit in Thy face, Thou Lord of glory; they smote Thee with wickedness, and called out, “Prophesy unto us who it is that smote Thee” [Matthew 26:68]; and O they abused Thee and drove the cruel nails through Thy hands and through Thy feet, and they speared Thy side, and O, amidst it all, Thou didst forgive a poor sinner on the cross, and Thou didst say, “Thou shalt be with Me in paradise” [Luke 23:43], because he asked it, because he saw and acknowledged Christ. Help us every one to acknowledge Thee here today.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 180, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 23
I spoke of Christ’s hanging upon the cross. He said to the thief, “I say unto you today,”—while hanging right there helpless and a criminal—“I say unto thee today, thou shalt be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43.] That was the death knell of Satan, to think that he ever should obtain the victory. He had set men to mocking Christ. He had set even the Jews to mock Christ and to oppose Him, “You that will destroy—.” [Matthew 27:40.] That insult and reproach, what did it do? Christ bore it right upon the cross; He was carrying it out for you and me. What cross are you bearing? What crosses are you bearing here in San Diego? Every one, we want to be a living witness for Christ. Every one of us, we want to arouse from our stupidity and backsliding.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 164, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 18
Now Satan was listening to all this. What did Christ say? “Verily I say unto you today,”—not that he would be in paradise today—“I say it today,”—because Christ was not in paradise that day; He did not go to His Father that day. “Verily I say unto you today”—hanging on this cross in mortal agony—“Thou shalt be with Me in paradise” (see Luke 23:43). Oh, what a promise was that! Who heard it? Satan heard it as a death knell. Though Satan had stirred up minds to kill; if He who was hanging upon that cross could say, “Verily I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be with Me in paradise,” the vindication of Christ would place the dying thief where Satan could not overcome him. Satan tried to overcome Christ by every kind of pain and suffering that he made our Saviour endure. But our Saviour came through it all. Thank God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 230, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 230, 1907, par. 19
Christ was in the full strength of life when He died. After all the abuse He had suffered, the agony, caused by the nails driven into His hands and feet, the scourging, the crown of thorns and the long hours of hanging upon the cross, His life was strong within Him, and He cried with a loud voice. He heard every word of the taunts of His enemies. He heard also the appeal of the dying thief for pardon, and quickly came the response from the Sacrifice for all sin, “Verily I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.” [Luke 23:43.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 366, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 366, 1908, par. 8
We need more of the love of Christ expressed in our lives for the souls perishing all around us. Christ looks upon these souls, not as they are in themselves, but as they may be if they will surrender themselves to Him in sincerity, as did the thief on the cross. In the hour of His greatest suffering, Christ responded to the prayer of the penitent thief with the word, “Verily I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.” [Luke 23:43.] The Son of God gave His life that He might uplift and ennoble all who will repent of their sins, accept His mercy, and trust in His power to save.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 37, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 37, 1908, par. 33
Confess your sins while you may. Clear the King’s highway, that He may use you as His disciples. He will accept every one who comes to Him. Whoso shall confess and forsake his sins shall find mercy. Even the thief, dying on the cross in awful agony, asked for forgiveness, and it was granted to him. His request to be remembered by the Saviour when He should come into His kingdom was granted. “Verily, verily I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be with Me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43.] Not that he would be with Christ in paradise that same day, for Jesus did not then Himself go to paradise.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 122, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 122, 1909, par. 29
I love Jesus, and I want to walk before Him in a perfect way. And I want every one to honor Him. Why? Because He gave His life for us. Only think of it, the suffering, the agony with His hands upon the cross, and the wicked reviling Him, His murderers reviling Him. But one thief wishes to be remembered when He came in His kingdom. He tells him, “Verily I say unto you today,”—not that He should go to His kingdom that day, but while His hands were stretched on the cross He had a perfect power to say to him that he should have a place in His kingdom. [Luke 23:43.] We want to say that we have a living Saviour and He wants to put the crown upon our head, and that we shall come off victorious.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 83, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 83, 1910, par. 32
But the divine Sufferer hung upon the cross, and while there, there was one that prayed while another was mocking Him. One said, Master, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Christ replied, “Verily I say unto thee, today”—stretched there upon the cross in agony—“thou shalt be with Me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 190, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 190, 1903, par. 41
That poor, dying soul right by the side of Christ when He was crucified, looked upon Christ. He had been convicted before this crucifixion, that He was the Christ, and he asked Him, that He would have compassion upon him. And Christ told him, “Verily I say unto you today,” (that is, I, Christ, hanging upon this humiliating cross,) “verily I say unto you today, Thou shalt be with Me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43.] Well, now, some let that comma go out, and they say, “Verily I say unto you, Today thou wilt be with Me in Paradise.” But that could not be, for Mary saw Him, and she came to touch Him, and He said, “Touch Me not, for I have not yet ascended to My Father, and to your Father, and to My God and your God.” [John 20:17.]Luke 23:43-46
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 94, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 94, 1897, par. 1
The Jewish rulers had carried out their purpose of putting the Son of God to death; but they did not feel the sense of victory that they thought they would after silencing the voice of the great Teacher. Even in the hour of their apparent triumph, they were harassed with doubt as to what would next take place. They were not at rest. They had heard the cry, “It is finished.” “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” [John 19:30; Luke 23:46.] They had seen the rocks rent and had felt the mighty earthquake, and they were restless and uneasy. The words spoken by Jesus when He was under their cruel power recurred to their mind.12LtMs, Ms 94, 1897, par. 36
These words are a refutation of the theory that Christ was with His Father the day that He pardoned the thief on the cross. He could not have been understood to mean that on that day the thief would be with Him in Paradise, for He did not go to Paradise Himself that day. “Verily I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be with me in Paradise.” [Luke 23:43.]Luke 23:44-45
Lift Him Up
Nature Sympathized With His Suffering, January 28
LHU 42.1
And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. Luke 23:44, 45.Luke 23:46
God’s Amazing Grace
Forsaken by His Father, June 11
AG 170.5
In His dying agony, as He yields up His precious life, He has by faith alone to trust in Him whom it has ever been His joy to obey.... Denied even bright hope and confidence in the triumph which will be His in the future, He cries with a loud voice: “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). He is acquainted with the character of His Father, with His justice, His mercy, and His great love, and in submission He drops into His hands.20Testimonies for the Church 2:207-211.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 91, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 91, 1897, par. 7
There was a mighty earthquake. The rocks were rent; the graves of many dead burst opened, and all nature was in commotion, expressing her sympathy with her dying Author. The Roman centurion, in charge of his soldiers, halted at the cross, and when Christ uttered the cry, “It is finished; into thy hands I commend my spirit,” overpowering conviction came upon him. “Truly,” he said, “this man was the Son of God.” [John 19:30; Luke 23:46; Mark 15:39.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 138, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 47
Christ has given His disciples assurance that special seasons for devotion are necessary. Strength for the performance of daily duties is derived from worshiping God in the beauty of holiness. Prayer went before and sanctified every act of His life and ministry. He communed with His Father till the close of His life, when there rose from His lips the bitter cry, caused by the agony brought upon Him by the sins of the world, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Then in a voice which has reached to the very ends of the earth He exclaimed, “It is finished,” “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.” [John 19:30; Luke 23:46.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 94, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 94, 1899, par. 33
Christ regarded the enemies of the human race as His enemies. In our behalf he overcame Satan, gaining an everlasting victory for all who will receive him. He engaged in the warfare, and did not give up, but resisted even unto death; and in dying He gained the victory for which He came to our world. Before He died He cried out, “It is finished.” “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.” [John 19:30; Luke 23:46.] To His disciples He said, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.] Christ has left us a perfect, sinless example. His followers are to walk in His footsteps. If they are not transformed in character, they can never dwell with Him in His kingdom. Christ died to elevate and ennoble them, and those who retain hereditary tendencies to wrong cannot dwell with Him. He suffered all that it is possible for human flesh to suffer and endure, that we might pass triumphantly through all the temptations Satan may invent to destroy our faith.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 125, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 125, 1902, par. 11
In clear, trumpet-like tones that seemed to resound throughout creation, Jesus cried, “It is finished.” “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.” [John 19:30; Luke 23:46.] A light encircles the cross, and the face of the Saviour shines with the glory like the sun. He then bowed His head and died. Again darkness settled upon the earth, and a hoarse rumbling like thunder was heard. There was a violent earthquake. In the surrounding mountains, rocks were rent and went crashing down into the plains. Sepulchers were broken open, and the dead were cast out of the tombs. Creation seemed shivering to atoms. Rulers, soldiers, executioners, mute with terror, lay prostrate on the ground.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Bleeding Victim, July 27
JNN 221.4
But it was not the spear thrust, it was not the pain of the cross, that caused the death of Jesus. That cry, uttered “with a loud voice” (Matthew 27:50; Luke 23:46), at the moment of death, the stream of blood and water that flowed from His side, declared that He died of a broken heart. His heart was broken by mental anguish. He was slain by the sin of the world.Lift Him Up
By Faith, Christ Was Victor, August 10
LHU 236.1
Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. Luke 23:46.The Story of Jesus
Chapter 24—Death of Christ
SJ 146.7
“It is finished.” John 19:30. “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.” Luke 23:46.The Story of Redemption
It Is Finished
SR 226.2
In silence the people watch for the end of this fearful scene. Again the sun shines forth, but the cross is enveloped in darkness. Suddenly the gloom is lifted from the cross, and in clear trumpet tones, that seem to resound throughout creation, Jesus cries, “It is finished.” “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.” Luke 23:46. A light encircled the cross, and the face of the Saviour shone with a glory like unto the sun. He then bowed His head upon His breast and died.Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Into the Depths
1TT 229.2
Faith and hope trembled in the expiring agonies of Christ because God had removed the assurance He had heretofore given His beloved Son of His approbation and acceptance. The Redeemer of the world then relied upon the evidences which had hitherto strengthened Him, that His Father accepted His labors and was pleased with His work. In His dying agony, as He yields up His precious life, He has by faith alone to trust in Him whom it has ever been His joy to obey. He is not cheered with clear, bright rays of hope on the right hand nor on the left. All is enshrouded in oppressive gloom. Amid the awful darkness which is felt by sympathizing nature, the Redeemer drains the mysterious cup even to its dregs. Denied even bright hope and confidence in the triumph which will be His in the future, He cries with a loud voice: “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.” Luke 23:46. He is acquainted with the character of His Father, with His justice, His mercy, and His great love, and in submission He drops into His hands. Amid the convulsions of nature are heard by the amazed spectators the dying words of the Man of Calvary.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 80—Jesus Rests in Joseph’s Tomb
HLv 514.4
But it was not the spear thrust nor the pain of the cross that caused the death of Jesus. That cry, uttered “with a loud voice” (Matthew 27:50; Luke 23:46) at the moment of death, and the stream of blood and water declared that He died of a broken heart—broken by mental anguish, slain by the sin of the world.Luke 23:46-47
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 93, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 93, 1899, par. 23
The Captain of our salvation was perfected through suffering. His soul was made an offering for sin. It was necessary for the awful darkness to gather about His soul because of the withdrawal of the Father’s love and favor, for He was standing in the sinner’s place, and this darkness every sinner must experience. The righteous One must suffer the condemnation and wrath of God, not in vindictiveness; for the heart of God yearned with greatest sorrow when His Son, <the Guiltless,> was suffering the penalty of sin. This sundering of the divine powers will never again occur throughout the eternal ages. In His expiring agony nature sympathized with her suffering, dying Author. The sun was darkened. The rocks were rent. There was a great earthquake, and many graves were opened as Christ with a loud voice cried, “It is finished. Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.” “Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.” [John 19:30; Luke 23:46, 47.]Luke 23:46-56
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 80—In Joseph’s Tomb
DA 771.1
Yet the priests and rulers were not at rest. They had carried out their purpose in putting Christ to death; but they did not feel the sense of victory they had expected. Even in the hour of their apparent triumph, they were harassed with doubts as to what would next take place. They had heard the cry, “It is finished.” “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.” John 19:30; Luke 23:46. They had seen the rocks rent, and had felt the mighty earthquake, and they were restless and uneasy.DA 772.2
But it was not the spear thrust, it was not the pain of the cross, that caused the death of Jesus. That cry, uttered “with a loud voice” (Matthew 27:50; Luke 23:46), at the moment of death, the stream of blood and water that flowed from His side, declared that He died of a broken heart. His heart was broken by mental anguish. He was slain by the sin of the world.DA 774.1
Gently and reverently they removed with their own hands the body of Jesus from the cross. Their tears of sympathy fell fast as they looked upon His bruised and lacerated form. Joseph owned a new tomb, hewn in a rock. This he was reserving for himself; but it was near Calvary, and he now prepared it for Jesus. The body, together with the spices brought by Nicodemus, was carefully wrapped in a linen sheet, and the Redeemer was borne to the tomb. There the three disciples straightened the mangled limbs, and folded the bruised hands upon the pulseless breast. The Galilean women came to see that all had been done that could be done for the lifeless form of their beloved Teacher. Then they saw the heavy stone rolled against the entrance of the tomb, and the Saviour was left at rest. The women were last at the cross, and last at the tomb of Christ. While the evening shades were gathering, Mary Magdalene and the other Marys lingered about the resting place of their Lord, shedding tears of sorrow over the fate of Him whom they loved. “And they returned, ... and rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment.” Luke 23:56.Luke 23:56
Daughters of God
Women at the Tomb of Jesus
DG 68.2
Gently and reverently they [Joseph and Nicodemus] removed with their own hands the body of Jesus from the cross. Their tears of sympathy fell fast as they looked upon His bruised and lacerated form. Joseph owned a new tomb, hewn in a rock. This he was reserving for himself; but it was near Calvary, and he now prepared it for Jesus. The body, together with the spices brought by Nicodemus, was carefully wrapped in a linen sheet, and the Redeemer was borne to the tomb. There the three disciples [John, Joseph, and Nicodemus] straightened the mangled limbs, and folded the bruised hands upon the pulseless breast. The Galilean women came to see that all had been done that could be done for the lifeless form of their beloved Teacher. Then they saw the heavy stone rolled against the entrance of the tomb, and the Saviour was left at rest. The women were last at the cross and last at the tomb of Christ. While the evening shades were gathering, Mary Magdalene and the other Marys lingered about the resting place of their Lord, shedding tears of sorrow over the fate of Him whom they loved. “And they returned, ... and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.” Luke 23:56.—The Desire of Ages, 773, 774 (1898).The Story of Jesus
Chapter 27—Go Tell My Disciples
SJ 157.2
“They returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment.” Luke 23:56.From Heaven With Love
Help From an Unexpected Place
HLv 516.1
While the evening shadows were gathering, Mary Magdalene and the other Marys lingered about the resting place of their Lord, shedding tears of sorrow. “And they returned, ... and rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment.” Luke 23:56.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 91, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 91, 1894, par. 5
Christ not only honored the Sabbath throughout His life upon the earth, but He provided that its sacred claims should be remembered and honored after His death and resurrection. When warning His disciples of the destruction of Jerusalem, which did not take place until forty years after His ascension, He said, “But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day; for then shall be great tribulation, such as was not from the beginning of the world to this time.” [Matthew 24:20, 21.] In accordance with His instruction, the followers of Christ were enabled to depart from the besieged city, and escape to the mountains, not taking their flight either in the winter, or upon the Sabbath day. After the death of Christ the disciples “rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.” [Luke 23:56.] After the ascension of Christ, Paul the great apostle to the Gentiles preached to both Jews and Gentiles “on the sabbath day.” [Acts 13:14, 42, 44.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 163, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 163, 1904, par. 5
I had not time to say much, but what I read was sufficient, I hope, to lead them to search the Scriptures for themselves. I told them that Christ kept the Sabbath, and that the women rested on the seventh day, “according to the commandment,” and on the first day of the week brought spices and ointment to His sepulcher. [Luke 23:56; 24:1.]EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Luke 23:26-46
From Heaven With Love
Chapter 78—Jesus Dies on Calvary
HLv 495.1
“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him.”HLv 495.2
The news of Christ’s condemnation had spread, and people of all classes and ranks flocked toward the place of crucifixion. The priests and rulers had been bound by a promise not to molest Christ’s followers if He Himself were delivered to them, and the disciples and believers joined the throng.HLv 495.3
The cross which had been prepared for Barabbas was laid on Jesus’ bleeding shoulders. Two companions of Barabbas were to suffer death at the same time, and on them also crosses were placed. Since the Passover supper with His disciples, Jesus had taken neither food nor drink. He had endured the anguish of betrayal and had seen His disciples forsake Him. He had been taken to Annas, to Caiaphas, to Pilate, to Herod, then again to Pilate. All that night there had been scene after scene to try the soul of man to the uttermost. Christ had not failed. He had borne Himself with dignity. But when after the second scourging the cross was laid on Him, human nature could bear no more. He fell fainting beneath the burden.HLv 495.4
The crowd manifested no compassion. They taunted Him because He could not carry the heavy cross. Again the burden was laid on Him, and again He fell. His persecutors saw that it was impossible for Him to carry His burden further. Who would bear the humiliating load? The Jews could not, because the defilement would prevent them from keeping the Passover.HLv 496.1
At this time a stranger, Simon a Cyrenian, coming in from the country, met the throng. He stopped in astonishment at the scene, and as he expressed compassion, they seized him and placed the cross on his shoulders.HLv 496.2
Simon’s sons were believers in the Saviour, but he himself was not. Bearing the cross to Calvary was a blessing to Simon. It led him to take the cross of Christ from choice and ever cheerfully stand beneath its burden.HLv 496.3
Not a few women were in the crowd that followed the Uncondemned to His cruel death. Some had carried to Him their sick and suffering ones. Some had themselves been healed. They wondered at the hatred of the crowd toward Him. And notwithstanding the angry words of priests and rulers, as Jesus fell beneath the cross these women broke forth into wailing. This attracted Christ’s attention. He knew that they were not lamenting Him as one sent from God, but He did not despise their sympathy. It awakened in His heart a deeper sympathy for them. “Daughters of Jerusalem,” He said, “weep not for Me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.” Christ looked forward to the time of Jerusalem’s destruction when many who were now weeping for Him were to perish with their children.HLv 496.4
From the fall of Jerusalem the thoughts of Jesus passed to a wider judgment. In the destruction of the impenitent city He saw a symbol of the final destruction to come on the world: “Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” The green tree represented Himself, the innocent Redeemer. God’s wrath against transgression fell on His beloved Son. What suffering, then, would the sinner bear who continued in sin? The impenitent would know a sorrow that language would fail to express.HLv 497.1
Of the multitude that followed the Saviour to Calvary, many had attended Him with hosannas and palm branches as He rode triumphantly into Jerusalem. Not a few who then shouted His praise because it was popular, now swelled the cry, “Crucify Him!” When Christ rode into Jerusalem, the disciples pressed close about Him, feeling that it was a high honor to be connected with Him. Now in His humiliation they followed Him at a distance.HLv 497.2
At the place of execution, the two thieves wrestled in the hands of those who placed them on the cross; but Jesus made no resistance. The mother of Jesus, supported by John, had followed the steps of her Son to Calvary. She had longed to place a supporting hand beneath His wounded head. But she was not permitted this mournful privilege. She still cherished the hope that Jesus would deliver Himself from His enemies. Again her heart would sink, as she recalled He had foretold the very scenes then taking place.HLv 497.3
As the thieves were bound to the cross, she looked on with agonizing suspense. Would He who had given life to the dead suffer Himself to be crucified? Must she give up her faith that He was the Messiah? She saw His hands stretched on the cross; the hammer and nails were brought, and as the spikes were driven through the tender flesh, the disciples bore away from the cruel scene the fainting form of the mother of Jesus.HLv 497.4
The Saviour made no complaint, but great drops of sweat stood on His brow. There was no pitying hand to wipe the death dew from His face; no words of sympathy and fidelity to stay His human heart. While the soldiers were doing their fearful work, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” His mind passed from His own suffering to the terrible retribution that would be theirs. No curses were called down on the soldiers who were handling Him so roughly, no vengeance invoked on the priests and rulers. He breathed only a plea for their forgiveness—they “know not what they do.”HLv 498.1
But their ignorance did not remove their guilt, for it was their privilege to know and accept Jesus as their Saviour. Some would yet see their sin, and repent, and be converted. Some by impenitence would make it impossible for the prayer of Christ to be answered for them. Yet, just the same, God’s purpose was reaching its fulfillment. Jesus was earning the right to become the advocate of men in the Father’s presence.HLv 498.2
That prayer of Christ for His enemies took in every sinner from the beginning of the world to the end of time. Upon all rests the guilt of crucifying the Son of God. To all, forgiveness is freely offered.HLv 498.3
As soon as Jesus was nailed to the cross, it was lifted by strong men and with violence thrust into the place prepared for it. This caused intense agony. Pilate then wrote an inscription in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, and placed it on the cross above the head of Jesus. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” This irritated the Jews. They had cried, “We have no king but Caesar.” They had declared that whoever should acknowledge any other king was a traitor. Pilate wrote what they had expressed. No offense was mentioned, except that Jesus was the King of the Jews, a virtual acknowledgment of the allegiance of the Jews to Rome. It declared that whoever might claim to be the King of Israel would be judged by them worthy of death. In order to destroy Christ, the priests had been ready to sacrifice even their national existence.HLv 498.4
The priests asked Pilate to change the inscription. “Write not, The King of the Jews; but that He said, I am King of the Jews.” But Pilate, angry with himself, replied coldly, “What I have written I have written.”HLv 498.5
In the providence of God that inscription was to awaken investigation of the Scriptures. People from all lands were then at Jerusalem, and the inscription declaring Jesus the Messiah would come to their notice. It was transcribed by a hand that God had guided.HLv 498.6
In the sufferings of Christ on the cross, prophecy was fulfilled. “The assembly of the wicked have enclosed Me: they pierced My hands and My feet... . They part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.” Psalm 22:16-18. His clothing was given to the soldiers. His tunic was woven without seam, and they said, “Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be.”HLv 499.1
In another prophecy the Saviour declared, “I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. They gave Me also gall for my meat; and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink.” Psalm 69:20, 21. To those who suffered death by the cross, it was permitted to give a stupefying drug to deaden the pain. But when Jesus had tasted it, He refused it. His faith must keep hold on God, His only strength. To becloud His senses would give Satan an advantage.HLv 499.2
Priests, rulers, and scribes joined the mob in mocking the dying Saviour. The Father’s voice from heaven, witnessing to Christ’s divinity, was silent. No testimony in His favor was heard. Alone He suffered.HLv 499.3
“If Thou be the Son of God,” they said, “come down from the cross.” “Let Him save Himself, if He be Christ, the chosen of God.” Satan and his angels, in human form, were present at the cross, cooperating with the priests and rulers, confederated in a satanic frenzy.HLv 499.4
Jesus heard the priests declare, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Christ could have come down from the cross. But because He would not save Himself, the sinner has hope of pardon and favor with God.HLv 499.5
To Jesus on the cross there came one gleam of comfort—the prayer of the penitent thief. Both men crucified with Jesus at first railed on Him; and one under his suffering only became more desperate and defiant. But his companion was not a hardened criminal; he was less guilty than many who stood beside the cross reviling the Saviour. He had seen and heard Jesus, but had been turned away from Him by the priests and rulers. Seeking to stifle conviction, he had plunged into sin, until he was arrested and condemned.HLv 500.1
On the cross he saw the great religionists ridicule Jesus. He heard the upbraiding speech taken up by his companion in guilt: “If Thou be Christ, save Thyself and us.” Among the passersby he heard many repeating Jesus’ words, and telling of His works. The conviction came back that this was the Christ. Turning to his fellow criminal, he said, “Dost thou not fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?” The dying thieves no longer had anything to fear from man. But on one of them pressed the conviction that there is a God to fear, a future to cause him to tremble. And now, his life history was about to close. “And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man hath done nothing amiss.”HLv 500.2
When condemned for his crime, the thief had become despairing, but strange, tender thoughts now sprang up. The Holy Spirit illuminated his mind, and little by little the chain of evidence joined together. In Jesus, mocked and hanging on the cross, he saw the Lamb of God. Hope mingled with anguish in his voice as the dying soul cast himself on a dying Saviour. “Lord, remember me when thou comest into Thy kingdom.”HLv 500.3
Quickly the answer came, soft and melodious the tone, full of love and power the words: Verily I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be with Me in paradise.1The comma in Luke 23:43 is often misplaced in English translations. No comma existed in the Greek text. With longing heart Jesus had listened for some expression of faith from His disciples. He had heard only the mournful words, “We trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel.” How grateful then to the Saviour was the utterance of faith and love from the dying thief! While even the disciples doubted, the poor thief called Jesus “Lord.” No one acknowledged Him on the cross save the penitent thief, saved at the eleventh hour.HLv 501.1
The tone of the repentant man arrested the attention of bystanders. Those who had been quarreling over Christ’s garments stopped to listen and waited for the response from Christ’s dying lips.HLv 501.2
As He spoke the words of promise, the dark cloud that seemed to enshroud the cross was pierced by a living light. Christ in His humiliation was glorified. He who in all other eyes appeared conquered, was Conqueror. He was acknowledged as the Sin Bearer. They could strip from Him His raiment, but they could not rob Him of His power to forgive sins. It is His royal right to save all who come to God by Him!HLv 501.4
Christ’s position “in the midst” between the thieves was done by direction of the priests and rulers to indicate that He was the greatest criminal of the three. But as Jesus was placed “in the midst,” so His cross was placed in the midst of a dying world lying in sin. And the words of pardon spoken to the penitent thief kindled a light that will shine to earth’s remotest bounds. In His humiliation, Jesus as a prophet had addressed the daughters of Jerusalem; as priest and advocate He had pleaded with the Father to forgive His murderers; as Saviour He had forgiven the sins of the penitent thief.HLv 501.5
At the foot of the cross stood His mother, supported by John. She could not endure to remain away from her Son, and John, knowing that the end was near, had brought her again. Looking into her grief-stricken face, He said to her, “Woman, behold thy son!” then to John, “Behold, thy mother!” John understood and accepted the trust. From that hour he cared for Mary tenderly. The Saviour had no money with which to provide for His mother, but He provided that which she most needed—the tender sympathy of one who loved her because she loved Jesus. And John received a great blessing—she was a constant reminder of his beloved Master.HLv 502.1
For nearly thirty years Jesus by His daily toil had helped bear the burdens of the home. And now, even in His last agony, He provided for His sorrowing, widowed mother. Those who follow Christ will respect and provide for their parents. From the heart where His love is cherished, father and mother will never fail of receiving thoughtful care and tender sympathy. And now the Lord of glory was dying. All was oppressive gloom. Not the dread of death, not the pain of the cross, caused Christ’s agony. His suffering was from a sense of the malignity of sin. Christ saw how few would be willing to break from its power. Without help from God, humanity must perish, and He saw multitudes perishing within reach of help.HLv 502.2
Upon Christ as our substitute and surety was laid the iniquity of us all. The guilt of every descendant of Adam was pressing on His heart. All His life Christ had been publishing the good news of the Father’s pardoning love, but now with the terrible weight of guilt upon Him He could not see the Father’s reconciling face. This pierced His heart with a sorrow that can never be fully understood by man. So great was this agony that His physical pain was hardly felt.HLv 502.3
Satan with fierce temptations wrung the heart of Jesus. Hope did not present to Him His coming forth from the grave a conqueror or tell Him of the Father’s acceptance. Christ felt the anguish the sinner will feel when mercy shall no longer plead for the guilty race. It was the sense of sin, bringing the Father’s wrath on Him as man’s substitute, that broke the heart of the Son of God.HLv 503.1
The hosts of heaven veiled their faces from the fearful sight. The sun refused to look on the awful scene. Its full, bright rays were illuminating the earth at midday, when suddenly it seemed to be blotted out. Complete darkness enveloped the cross. “There was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.” There was no natural cause for this darkness, which was as deep as midnight without moon or stars. It was a miraculous testimony given by God that the faith of after generations might be confirmed.HLv 503.2
In that thick darkness God’s presence was hidden. God and holy angels were beside the cross. The Father was with His Son. Yet His presence was not revealed. In that dreadful hour Christ was not to be comforted with the Father’s presence.HLv 503.3
In the thick darkness God veiled the last human agony of His Son. All who had seen Christ in His suffering had been convicted of His divinity. Through long hours of agony He had been gazed on by the jeering multitude. Now He was mercifully hidden by the mantle of God.HLv 503.4
A nameless terror held the throng gathered about the cross. Cursing and reviling ceased. Vivid lightnings occasionally flashed from the cloud and revealed the crucified Redeemer. Priests, rulers, executioners, the mob, all thought their time of retribution had come. Some whispered that Jesus would now come down from the cross.HLv 503.5
At the ninth hour the darkness lifted from the people, but still enveloped the Saviour. No eye could penetrate the deep gloom that enshrouded the suffering soul of Christ. Then “Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why has Thou forsaken Me?” Many voices exclaimed: The vengeance of heaven is upon Him because He claimed to be the Son of God! Many who believed on Him heard His despairing cry. Hope left them. If God had forsaken Jesus, in what could His followers trust?HLv 504.1
When the darkness lifted, Christ revived to a sense of physical suffering, and said, “I thirst.” One of the Roman soldiers, touched with pity, took a sponge and dipping it in vinegar, offered it to Him. But the priests mocked His agony. His words, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” they misinterpreted. They said, “This man calleth for Elijah.” The last opportunity to relieve His sufferings they refused. “Let be,” they said, “let us see whether Elias will come to save Him.”HLv 504.2
The spotless Son of God hung upon the cross, His flesh lacerated with stripes, His hands nailed to the wooden bars, His feet spiked to the tree, His royal head pierced by thorns. And all that He endured—the agony that racked His frame, and the unutterable anguish that filled His soul at the hiding of His Father’s face—speaks to each child of humanity, declaring, For you the Son of God consents to bear this burden of guilt; for you He spoils the domain of death; for you He opens the gates of Paradise; for you He offers Himself as a sacrifice—from love to you.HLv 504.3
Suddenly the gloom lifted from the cross. In trumpetlike tones that seemed to resound throughout creation, Jesus cried, “It is finished.” “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.” A light encircled the cross, and the face of the Saviour shone with a glory like the sun. He then bowed His head and died.HLv 504.4
Amid the awful darkness, Christ had drained the dregs in the cup of human woe. In those dreadful hours He had relied on the evidence of His Father’s acceptance heretofore given Him. Acquainted with the character of His Father, by faith He rested in Him whom it had ever been His joy to obey. And as He committed Himself to God, the sense of the loss of His Father’s favor was withdrawn. By faith, Christ was victor.HLv 505.1
Again darkness settled on the earth, and there was a violent earthquake. Wild confusion ensued. In the surrounding mountains, rocks were rent asunder, and went crashing into the plains. Sepulchers were broken open, and the dead were cast out. Priests, soldiers, executioners, and people, lay prostrate on the ground.HLv 505.2
When the loud cry, “It is finished,” came from the lips of Christ, it was the hour of the evening sacrifice. The lamb representing Christ had been brought to be slain. The priest stood with lifted knife, the people looking on. But the earth trembled, for the Lord Himself drew near. With a rending noise the inner veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom by an unseen hand, throwing open to the gaze of the multitude a place once filled with the presence of God. The most holy place of the earthly sanctuary was no longer sacred.From Heaven With Love
One Crucified Thief Believes
HLv 501.3
I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise. Christ did not promise that the thief should be with Him in Paradise that day. He Himself did not go that day to Paradise. He slept in the tomb, and on the morning of the resurrection He said, “I am not yet ascended to My Father.” John 20:17. But on the day of apparent defeat the promise was given. “Today,” while dying on the cross as a malefactor, Christ assured the sinner, “You will be with Me in Paradise.”From Heaven With Love
Christ Dies Triumphant
HLv 505.3
All was terror and confusion. The priest was about to slay the victim; but the knife dropped from his nerveless hand, and the lamb escaped. Type had met antitype. The great sacrifice had been made. A new and living way was prepared for all. Henceforth the Saviour was to officiate as priest and advocate in the heaven of heavens. “By His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Hebrews 9:12.