Jesus and the Two Robbers (Christmas)

Reflecting again on the meaning of Christmas, this passage sheds light on the essence of faith through the two criminals crucified beside Jesus. Although Jesus came in humble form, people expected him to be a worldly liberator or a mighty king, and were disappointed or mocked him. In particular, the two robbers, arrested while fighting against Roman oppression, were men who had devoted themselves to their nation, and even to the last moment they asserted their own merits or demanded salvation, regarding Jesus as a worldly power.

Through the complex feelings they went through and the historical background of the time, the sermon points out that salvation cannot be gained by human effort and will alone. One robber admitted that he was rightly on the cross for what he had done, yet confessed the sinless Jesus to be righteous and pleaded with him to remember him when he came into his kingdom. This shows that the decisive standard for salvation is not the world's standards or human good works but faith in, and confession of, Jesus Christ alone.

We are led to reflect on our priorities as we work hard for our country and our families. We come to realise that the true purpose of life is to live for Christ rather than for worldly success or honour. We must not forget that after this life we will be divided between the kingdom of heaven and hell, and must seek never to let go of our faith in Jesus Christ. Remembering that God willingly bore the cross to save us, what should we learn through this sermon to make sure that Christ comes first in our lives?