Luke 23:40 – “But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence?'”

Extended Explanation

This verse introduces a turning point in the crucifixion narrative, where one of the criminals rebukes the other for mocking Jesus. The rebuking criminal recognizes the seriousness of the situation—they are all about to die—and questions the wisdom of insulting Jesus at such a critical moment. His question, “Don’t you fear God?” reveals his awareness of divine judgment and his understanding that death is not the end.

Unlike the mocking criminal, this man recognizes that there is something different about Jesus. His rebuke suggests that he has some level of spiritual awareness or conviction about who Jesus is or the significance of the moment. While he may not fully understand everything, he knows enough to sense that insulting Jesus is wrong and that there is a deeper spiritual reality at play.

Historical Context

Crucifixion was designed to be a slow, painful death that served as a public spectacle. The Romans intended it to be both a punishment and a warning to others. The two criminals crucified alongside Jesus were likely guilty of crimes such as robbery or insurrection. They would have known that their death was imminent, and this awareness of impending death often led to desperation, bitterness, or (in some cases) reflection and repentance.

The phrase “Don’t you fear God?” would have resonated with Jewish audiences, as the fear of God is a central theme in the Hebrew Scriptures. In Jewish thought, fearing God meant recognizing His authority and living with reverence and respect for His commands. The criminal’s question suggests that he understands the seriousness of meeting God after death and that he is beginning to see Jesus in a different light.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the critical role of repentance and reverence for God in the process of salvation. The rebuking criminal’s words indicate a turning point in his heart—he is no longer focused on escaping physical death but is concerned about his spiritual condition and the reality of facing God’s judgment.

Theologically, this moment illustrates the concept of “the fear of the Lord,” which is not simply being afraid of God but recognizing His authority and living in awe of His holiness. Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” and this criminal demonstrates that wisdom by acknowledging God’s authority and rebuking the other criminal for his disrespect.

This verse also demonstrates that salvation is available even in the final moments of life. The rebuking criminal’s repentance and faith (which becomes more evident in the following verses) show that no one is beyond God’s grace, and it’s never too late to turn to Him.

Literary Analysis

Luke uses the interaction between the two criminals to create a contrast between rejection and repentance. The mocking criminal represents disbelief, pride, and rejection of Jesus, while the rebuking criminal represents humility, repentance, and faith. This contrast serves as a key theme in Luke’s Gospel, where Jesus often divides people into those who accept Him and those who reject Him.

The question, “Don’t you fear God?” is central to the emotional tension of the scene. The rebuking criminal recognizes that they are standing on the edge of eternity, and his rebuke serves as a call to take spiritual matters seriously. Luke’s inclusion of this interaction highlights the universality of the Gospel message—salvation is available to anyone who humbly turns to Jesus, even those society considers irredeemable.

Biblical Cross-References

• Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
• Ecclesiastes 12:13 – “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”
• Luke 23:41-43 – The rebuking criminal acknowledges his guilt and asks Jesus to remember him, leading to Jesus’ promise of paradise.
• Romans 3:23-24 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
• Psalm 130:4 – “But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christians, this verse serves as a reminder to take spiritual matters seriously. The rebuking criminal’s question, “Don’t you fear God?” challenges believers to reflect on their reverence for God and their awareness of His authority over their lives. It’s easy to become distracted by the temporary concerns of life, but this verse calls Christians to prioritize their relationship with God and live with an eternal perspective.

This verse also reminds believers of the importance of humility and repentance. The rebuking criminal recognizes his guilt and turns to Jesus for mercy, showing that salvation begins with acknowledging our need for forgiveness. Christians are called to maintain a posture of humility before God, continually seeking His grace and trusting in His mercy.

Additionally, this verse encourages believers to share the message of hope and salvation with others, even those who may seem far from God. The rebuking criminal demonstrates that no one is beyond God’s reach, and believers are called to share the Gospel with compassion and urgency.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in the fact that salvation is available even to those who have lived sinful lives. The rebuking criminal’s repentance and faith demonstrate that God’s love is not based on human merit but on His grace. Even in his final moments, this man receives God’s forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.

God’s love is also evident in His patience and willingness to forgive. Instead of rejecting the rebuking criminal because of his past, God extends mercy to him because of his humble and repentant heart. This demonstrates that God’s love is greater than human failure and that He is always ready to forgive those who turn to Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse highlights Jesus’ role as the Savior who offers forgiveness and eternal life to those who recognize their need for Him. The rebuking criminal’s response shows that salvation is not about what we do but about placing our faith in Jesus. His willingness to confront the mocking criminal and acknowledge Jesus as someone worthy of respect reveals a growing awareness of Jesus’ divine nature.

Jesus’ presence on the cross between two criminals is a powerful reminder of His mission to save sinners. The rebuking criminal’s faith demonstrates that even in the midst of suffering and death, Jesus’ mission is being fulfilled. His death on the cross is not a defeat—it is the means by which forgiveness is made available to all who believe.

• Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
• John 10:9 – Jesus says that He is the gate, and whoever enters through Him will be saved.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
• Ephesians 2:8-9 – Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, so that no one can boast.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does the rebuking criminal’s question, “Don’t you fear God?” teach us about the importance of spiritual awareness?
2. How can this verse challenge you to reflect on your own humility and need for repentance?
3. What does the rebuking criminal’s change of heart reveal about God’s grace and His willingness to forgive?
4. How can you help others recognize their need for salvation, especially those who feel they are too far gone?
5. How does this verse encourage you to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on what matters most in your relationship with God?