39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40-41 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 -43 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”  And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

44-45 It was now about the sixth hour (noon) and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour (around 3pm) while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. 47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” 48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. 49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee  stood at a distance watching these things. Luke 23:39-49 English Standard Version

Luke tells of two surprising responses to the crucifixion of Jesus that day. The first is that of one of the criminals crucified alongside Him. As events unfolded his initial scepticism turned to amazing realization and faith. How did his words sum up what is true of all of us? (vs 40-41)

We, as men and women who've sinned throughout our lives, deserve God's condemnation. But Jesus, who was blameless, didn't deserve to die. The apostle Peter later wrote that Christ suffered for sins, but as one who was righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God. (1 Peter 3:17-18). But salvation isn't obtained just by knowing this truth. What else did the man do? (vs 42-43)

He cried out to Jesus for mercy! He had no time to amend his wicked life, no time to find a chapel or a church to be baptized, he could only confess he was a sinner who deserved judgement, and to throw himself upon God's beloved son for forgiveness and peace with God. And what a beautiful response from the suffering Saviour! Salvation from sin isn't due to how deeply we repented, or good things we may have done thereafter. It's only because Jesus Christ bore the wrath we deserved. Our duty is to call upon Him, and commit ourselves into His hands.

The other surprising response was that of the Roman centurion. Soldiers in those days would've been familiar with suffering and death, and probably hardened in their feelings. Yet see the impact that Christ's death, and the way He entrusted His spirit to God, had on him. (vs 47) Notice too the impact the whole event had on many people who saw it. (vs 48)

There was an even greater impact made that day. The impact of Jesus’ sufferings upon His heavenly Father. How does Luke describe that? (vs 44-45)

It was fitting that God should cause a darkness to fall upon the land for it was a dark deed that the people were doing. The world had been a dark place before God said 'let there be light'. But it was also a darkness that preceded the dawn of a very bright day. Soon Jesus would send His messengers out to all the world “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” (Acts 26:18)

This impact of this new day was beautifully symbolized in the tearing in two of the curtain in the temple which had told mankind that the way into God's holy presence had not yet been opened. But now it was! Because that innocent man who didn't deserve condemnation, took the blow that ought to have fallen on us, penitent sinners who call upon Him can know that they will enter paradise, into the very presence of almighty God. What an impact that day made on eternity.