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Have you ever meditated on the thief on the cross next to Jesus? In this week’s episode of More Than a Song, I explore Melanie Penn’s powerful track “Man On The Middle Cross,” a song sung from the perspective of that repentant criminal. His story—one of mockery turned to mourning, and ultimately to mercy—invites us to reflect deeply on the grace of salvation. Join me as we dive into Luke’s Gospel and uncover the beauty of redemption through the eyes of a man who received eternal life in his final moments.

Key Points

• The thief’s perspective reveals grace. Melanie Penn’s song gives voice to the repentant criminal, highlighting the radical mercy of Jesus and the simplicity of salvation through faith.
• Mourning and mocking are central themes in Luke’s crucifixion account. These emotional responses reflect both the sorrow of loss and the rejection of truth, offering rich ground for reflection and study.
• The thief was a real person with a real encounter with Christ. Engaging Scripture with the understanding that its characters were real helps deepen our connection to the biblical narrative.
• The criminals were likely rebels, not petty thieves. Their crimes were serious—possibly insurrection—making the thief’s redemption even more astonishing and powerful.
• Jesus was treated like a criminal, though He was innocent. He fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy by being “numbered with the transgressors,” showing His identification with sinners.
• Salvation is a free gift, not earned. Romans 6:23 reminds us that eternal life is given by grace, not merit—just as the thief received it in his final moments.

Scripture References

• Luke 23:32–43 
• Luke 22–24 
• Isaiah 53:12 
• Romans 6:23
• Romans 3:23 

Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs)

• Read in Context. 
• Read and Listen to Scripture. 
• Read Scripture Out Loud. 
• Repetition. 
• Word Study. 
• Compare and Contrast. 
• Remember the People Were Real. 

Additional Resources

• Download the free Episode Guide
• Story behind the song "Man on the Middle Cross" - Melanie Penn on Friday With Friends - Bonus Episode
• Complete lyrics to all of the songs on her album, The Rising – A Resurrection Album, with Scripture references for you to explore - A gift from Melanie Penn herself! Click Here for the PDF.
• Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Read Luke 22-24 several times over several days. Make a list of every example of mourning. Make a list of every instance of mocking. Journal your observations and thoughts around both. Consider that the repentant criminal on the cross was a real person with a genuine experience of Christ and is truly in paradise with our Savior to this day. Believe in the Lord like this man and allow repentance to lead you to a right relationship and eternal salvation. 

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