In Luke 23, we see the profound theme of mercy unfolding through the final moments of Jesus’ life. From the physical burden shared by Simon of Cyrene to the spiritual grace extended to those mocking and crucifying Him, Jesus consistently chooses forgiveness over retaliation. This mercy is most poignantly captured in His promise of paradise to the repentant thief, reminding us that no matter the “size” of our sins—whether they are public acts or private struggles with pride and envy—we all stand in equal need of God’s grace. Ultimately, this passage challenges us to move beyond our own suffering to reflect that same transformative mercy to the world around us.

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Good Monday to you all. It’s good to be with you as we continue through Luke’s Gospel. I hope you survived the cold weekend! I personally feel like I’ll be cold forever now, but as the meme says: “Some people suffer in silence, but not me. I will suffer loudly.” So, you will know that I’m cold!

Today we are in Luke 23:26–43. This is a heavy, significant passage, and we may spend a little extra time here.

²⁶ As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. ²⁷ A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. ²⁸ But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. ²⁹ For the days are surely coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ ³⁰ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’³¹ For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

³² Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. ³³ When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus^[a] there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[³⁴ Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”]]^[b] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. ³⁵ And the people stood by watching, but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah^[c] of God, his chosen one!” ³⁶ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine ³⁷ and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” ³⁸ There was also an inscription over him,^[d] “This is the King of the Jews.”

³⁹ One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding^[e] him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah?^[f] Save yourself and us!” ⁴⁰ But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? ⁴¹ And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in^[g]your kingdom.” ⁴³ He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

There is so much happening here. First, we see Simon of Cyrene. Remember, the point of crucifixion wasn’t just death; it was public humiliation. Rome wanted to make an example of you. Simon carrying the cross for a portion of the way is a beautiful, heavy gesture that shows us the physical reality of the burden Jesus bore.

Then, we see two incredible acts of grace.

First, Jesus looks at those crucifying Him—the people mocking Him and casting lots for His clothes—and He says, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” He doesn’t call down fire from heaven; He doesn’t criticize their cruelty. In His moment of deepest pain, He asks for their forgiveness. Could you or I do that? I think I’d be much more “gruff.” But Jesus showed mercy.

Second, we see the interaction with the two criminals. One mocks Him, but the other recognizes his own guilt and Jesus’ innocence. He doesn’t even ask to be saved from the cross; he just says, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus replies, “Today, you will be with me in paradise.”

Do you see the theme? It’s all about mercy. The mercy Jesus shows by dying for our sins, and the mercy He offers through absolution. We all need to be forgiven. We all have those “small” sins—pride, jealousy, greed—that birth larger destruction in our souls.

As the old song says, “It’s not my brother or my sister, but it’s me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer.” We all stand in need of mercy. Jesus gave it to those executing Him; He gave it to the thief on the cross; and He gives it to you.

Today, no matter where you are, be thankful for God’s mercy—and try to show that same mercy to others. That is the way of Jesus.

Have a great rest of your day. We’ll see you tomorrow as we stay rooted in Christ.