John 19:18
There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.
The scene was pregnant with meaning. The Son of God nailed to a cross with all of humanity represented by the men beside him. One man mocked and hurled insults while the other spoke of the obvious—unlike them, Jesus was an innocent man. One man died bitter and angry while the other died with hope and peace. Both men slipped away from the natural world but only one of them opened his eyes in paradise. The other man, sadly, opened his eyes to torment and judgment—the brutal crucifixion being just the beginning of his agony.
“…and Jesus between them.”
The English theologian, Alfred Plummer, observed that, “The whole of humanity was represented there: the sinless Savior, the saved penitent, the condemned impenitent.” The same condition exists today. Jesus stands between the two destinies of every single human being and offers them a choice…and every single person makes one. For some, they choose to look away from the truth that God has made plain to them (Rom 1:19) and instead choose to believe that he simply doesn’t exist. For many others, they are aware of “the man in the middle,” but they simply choose not to get acquainted with him and pay little attention to what he has to say. But for a select few (Mt 7:14), they see the man and choose to listen and believe in his message.
Jesus was also centered between God and man, the only bridge available to cross the cosmic divide between the two. What neither man could do for himself, Jesus did on their behalf. Jesus took upon himself the guilt and shame of all their sin and paid their debts in full. One mocked him for his ridiculous claims while the other worshipped him for them. One man refused to budge while the other gave up his independence. Jesus is the only true mediator between God and Man (1 Tim 2:5) and stands ready to take up your defense. At the cross, He was both the High Priest and the offering, and He alone is what separates you from either God’s wrath…or God’s mercy.
Which thief are you? Which one represents your loved one, friend, neighbor, or co-worker? Their eternal death is imminent as they hang on that cross of decision. Will you urge them to look into Jesus’ eyes and consider his message and offer of salvation…or will you abandon them to a cruel fate and fade into the crowd like Jesus’ disciples did, save one. Jesus is between both outcomes and stands ready to bring them—or you—with him into paradise.
