# Day 298

# Crucified with Criminals

Luke 23:26–43

They took Jesus away. The crowd made Simon of Cyrene carry Jesus’ cross. Women mourned for Jesus. “Don’t weep for me,” he said. “Weep for yourselves. One day soon you’ll cry to the mountains, ‘Cover us! Our enemies have come to kill us!’ ”

Two criminals were led away to die with Jesus. At a place called the Skull, the men were nailed to crosses. Jesus was crucified with a criminal on each side. The soldiers played gambling games to win Jesus’ clothes. The leaders scoffed at Jesus. “He saved others. If he’s God’s Christ, he should save himself.” The soldiers also mocked him by offering vinegar to drink Even Pilate put a sign on the cross: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

One of the crucified criminals joined the cursing. “Are you the Christ? Save yourself and us.”

“Don’t you fear God?” said the other. “We deserve to be crucified. But this man’s done no wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

“I’ll tell you the truth,” answered Jesus, hanging from his cross. “Today you’ll be with me in Paradise.”

Questions: What did the leaders say Jesus should do? What did the believing criminal ask Jesus to do for him?