Hearts that Were Changed at Calvary

While some Bible readers understand that one of the two thieves crucified with Jesus had a change of heart about him at Calvary, they may not realize that many others had a change of heart too. Let’s look at three sets of people and see how hearts were changed in each.      

                                              

1.      Thieves. When the thieves were first crucified with Christ, both joined in the people’s mockery of Christ (Mt. 27:39-44). However, after “the lights go out” and darkness falls at midday, one of the thieves repents of his mockery and comes to see that Christ is who he claimed to be. His repentance is confirmed by his rebuke to the impenitent thief and humble petition to Jesus, whom he refers to as Lord and king (Luke 23:39-42). For this, he is assured of salvation, despite his crimes and his helplessness. 

2.      Soldiers. The soldiers mock Jesus before his crucifixion (Mt. 27:27-31) and during it (Luke 23:36), but not afterward. When Jesus breathes his last and signs follow, the centurion comes to see that Christ was righteous (Luke 23:47) and, in succession, “the Son of God” (Mt. 27:54). But note carefully that not only he ascribes Deity to Christ, but also “they that were with him.” Perhaps the centurion is enlightened first (Luke 23), then through his testimony and the accompanying signs, the soldiers are enlightened too. 

3.      People. The Jewish people mock Christ (Mt. 27:39-40; Mark 15:29-30; Luke 23:35), along with the rulers. While there’s no evidence that the latter repent (some do in Acts 6:7, 15:5), the people do have a change of heart, since their remorse at Christ’s death is recorded in Luke 23:48. While it’s true that “a great company” of Christ’s sympathizers are present (Luke 23:27), 23:48 affirms that “all the people that came together to that sight”…”smote their breasts” in remorse (cf. Luke 18:13). Perhaps these same people are the ones converted by the apostles in Acts 2-6 and afterward (15:5, 21:20)!