Between Two Thieves

Between Two Thieves

Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

Matthew 27:38 (KJV)

Some of the most famous paintings and pictures in the world center on the life of Christ—his birth, his ministry, his miracles, his death, his resurrection, and his ascension. Well-known painters such as Rembrandt and Michelangelo spent their careers—indeed their entire lives—preserving Christ’s life and times on canvas and in other places, as in Michelangelo’s famous work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Perhaps the image most often captured on canvas is the crucifixion of Christ. These masterpieces are highly valued around the world and are carefully protected in art museums or in the private collections of wealthy art lovers.

When Thomas Killigrew, the celebrated Master of the Revels to Charles II of England, visited Louis XIV in Paris, the French monarch showed him his great personal gallery of paintings. He finally pointed out to him his most prized painting—a picture of the Crucifixion displayed between two other portraits.

“That portrait on the right,” said His Majesty, “is the pope.” Then taking Killigrew past the crucifixion painting to the portrait on the left of the crucifixion, he said, “And that one on the left is me.”

“I humbly thank you for the information, Your Majesty,” replied the English court jester, “for though I have often heard that the Lord was crucified between two thieves, I never knew who they were till now.”

Although that story is humorous, today it is being reenacted on a regular basis. Jesus, who has chosen to live among his less-than-perfect people, must often find himself being crucified all over again because of our sins. We are, in effect, thieves on each side of him.

Father in heaven, we are sad that our sins are the cause of your Son’s suffering. Please have mercy on us, Father. Forgive us. Save us from ourselves. Amen.