When I am lifted up from the earth,
[I] will draw all people to myself.
—John 12:32
The Murderer
Jesus died on the cross that allegedly was intended for Barabbas, a murderer.
There is no biblical or reliable historical account of what happened to Barabbas after he was released in exchange for Jesus’ condemnation. His destiny remains unknown. The known is that Jesus received the sentence that belonged to Barabbas.
The Penitent Criminal
The criminal on the cross next to Jesus proclaimed the Lord’s innocence, confessed his own guilt, and expressed his faith, saying to Jesus, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus responded, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk 23:41–43).
The Centurion
When the centurion in charge of the crucifixion “saw how [Jesus] died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’” (Mk 15:39).
On the cross, Jesus took the place of these three. And ours.
Not nails, but our sin,
held Jesus on the cross.