Moment of Meditation: Two Robbers (Matthew 27:38)

''Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left (Matthew 27:38).''

James and John wanted it. But they weren't the ones whom God had appointed. They wanted to sit on Jesus' left and right when He entered His kingdom. Instead of two of His greatest disciples, the people at Jesus' left and right were common criminals. Robbers. Thieves. Not those who we would consider worthy of such a great honor.

But we look at the honor wrong. Just as we look at Jesus entering and ruling His kingdom wrong. Jesus doesn't enter and begin to rule His kingdom after He ascends into Heaven. Jesus enters His kingdom on the Cross. He begins to rule as the nails were driven into His hands.

Positions of honor are not given to those who strive after them. They are given to those who believe they are unworthy of such honor. So we see from the repentant thief (Luke 23:39-43). He felt unworthy of the honor of being crucified next to the Messiah. With one of his last breaths, he confesses his faith and is welcomed into Paradise with Jesus. A robber in this life. A saint waiting for you in the next. That's the great honor we should strive for. Amen.