The criminals crucified with Jesus have
been on my mind a lot in recent days, and along with them the intent
and nature of crucifixion. I love the little, short parts of stories
that tell us an immeasurable amount about our God. Four verses in
Luke tell a story that shortens my breath. There is a lot to see
there, and I have been missing something: dignity.
Consider the situation: at least three guys were hung up on crosses that day. The spectacle was intended to destroy any trace of dignity from criminals. They were stripped, beaten, mocked and put up on display for hours. In the midst of suffering the same indignities as Jesus, one of the criminals joined the mockers. Luke 23:39 says that he "scoffed." He said, "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us too, while you're at it!" The other criminal, however, said, "Don't you fear God even when you've been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." (40-42)
This is where the story gets really
exciting. This is where we usually think about hope and life in the
promise of Jesus. Jesus says (I am so overwhelmed at this
statement!), "I assure you, today you will be with me in
paradise." (43) With these words, Jesus brought so much to the
criminal and to every person throughout history who has had the
pleasure of reading his story—hope for a future, and life in the
very face of death. On top of all that, dignity. On that
horrific day, in the midst of shame and cruelty and mockery, Jesus
gave the criminal dignity. He extended an invitation into Paradise.
I am certain there is no greater dignity than to be given a home with
the Almighty.
Jesus offered the ultimate dignity to the criminal and to us—life with Him
in Paradise. It is important to remember that He offers the same to
every person we meet and treat them accordingly, as immortal beings.
In his essay The Weight of Glory, C.S. Lewis reminds us: “There are no ordinary people. You have
never talked to a mere mortal ... it is immortals whom we joke with,
work with, marry, snub and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting
splendours. ... Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbour
is the holiest object presented to your senses.”
We can elevate dignity by inviting people in as well. At Outflow,
we strive to do this by inviting men into the shelter, inviting the
community to supper, inviting women to Oasis, inviting people into
conversation and prayer. There are many things we all can to do
restore dignity to those from whom it has been stripped, and they
often begin with an invitation.
Chanelle Morgan
Office and Community Coordinator
Outflow Ministry
