Traditionally, we think Jesus was crucified between two thieves: a “good” thief and a “bad” thief. However, this is incorrect. Neither of them were “good”, and neither of them were actually just “thieves.”

At the beginning of the crucifixion, Mark tells us that both men crucified with Christ insulted and mocked him, not just one of them.

The Greek words that the other Gospels use for the men crucified with Jesus indicate that they were political-religious terrorists, much the same kind of people that we tend to despise in our own world today. They were both murderous thugs.

This helps explain the viciousness of their insults against Jesus. We can maybe understand why the evil chief priests would insult Jesus, but why would these men who were dying with him do the same? Mark says that they “heaped” insults on him. He wants us to see the depravity of their characters.

There may have been a time in your life when you heaped insults upon Christ, through your words or through your actions. What were you thinking at the time? Were you thinking that what you were doing was right? Or were you thinking about this at all?

If you haven’t done so, confess this before the Lord. And if you have already repented, think about his kind and loving grace toward you.