Growing up we are often assigned or assume labels. I had the labels “library nerd,” “teacher’s pet,” “Danny boy.” Have you ever been given a nickname or label? How did the name or label make you feel?
Humans like to categorize things by naming or labelling. These labels or names help us to communicate. For example, when we teach children, we point to something and say, “This is …” “This is a chair. This is the floor. This is a foot.” The book of Genesis says that Adam, the first man, gave names to all the animals (Genesis 2:20). Using labels and names also gives us a sense of order in our chaotic world. Labels can be negative (e.g. “These are boat people,” “He’s a weirdo,” “Oh, you’re a Christian”). Labels can also be helpful (e.g. “You are creative.” “You are optimistic.”). Or labels can be ambiguous (e.g. “You are strong willed.”).
There are a number of labels used in our gospel reading (Luke 23:33–43).
(1) ‘Criminal.’ ‘Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.’ (Luke 23:32). This was a label used for terrorists, those who were considered a political enemy or threat. Along with these other two men, Jesus was labelled a “criminal,” a “terrorist.” In fact, crucifixion was reserved for political criminals — this form of torture and death was meant to serve as a deterrent for others who might try to overthrow the Roman state. It was a humiliating, public spectacle meant to instil fear in an oppressed people.
It’s sad that we still label people who are politically challenging. In recent Australian politics I think of “boat people” — the label given to asylum seekers by some parts of the media and government. Labels can dehumanize people. Instead of seeing someone as a person, like you and me, labels often allow us to treat people as things instead of humans. We need to be very careful when using a label, and I for one strongly discourage the use of dehumanizing labels such as “boat people.”
(2) ‘Messiah.’ Our reading has the labels “God’s Messiah” and “The Chosen One.” ‘The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”’ (Luke 23:25). (The words “Messiah” and “Christ” mean the same thing, the first is Hebrew and second is Greek. “Messiah” literally means “the one anointed with oil” i.e. “the chosen one.”). The Jewish people were waiting for this chosen one, anointed by God, to come and rescue them. This “Messiah” or “Christ” had been foretold to them by the Jewish prophets. Now, being crushed by the Romans, the Jews were desperate for their Messiah to come. Jesus claimed he was this promised Messiah. In his trial before the high priest, Jesus is asked “Are you the Messiah?” and answers “I am.” (Mark 14:61). But people watching Jesus on the cross sneer at him. How can God’s Messiah be dying on a cross? They ask how Jesus is going to save the people if he can’t save himself. But they don’t get it! They were looking with human eyes. By dying on the cross, Jesus is saving the people, he saves you and me!
(3) ‘King of the Jews.’ Often the criminal charge would be written out and attached to the cross. ‘There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.’ (Luke 23:38). The crime that Jesus is put to death for is that he claimed to be king — the king of the Jews. It’s ironic, because Christians believe this criminal charge is the truth — Jesus was and is the king of the Jews, and all Christians.
So Jesus was labelled a criminal, Messiah, and King of the Jews. What labels are you assigned? Who are you? Sometimes we might be assigned or assume labels which are hurtful and/or untrue. “Worthless. Broken. A burden. Forgotten. Fake.” Our reading tells you who you are.
(1) You are guilty. The two criminals crucified with Jesus were guilty of their crime. They were terrorists. We’re not told their exact crimes but it likely involved attacking Roman soldiers or government officials in acts of terror. One of the criminals says, “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” (Luke 23:41). Like this criminal, we are guilty. We have rebelled against God, the ruler of all the universe. ‘We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way.’ (Isaiah 53:6). Scripture tells us that, like criminals, we deserve death for our wrongdoings. And ‘the wages of sin is death.’ (Romans 6:23). And yet Jesus, who is innocent, takes our guilt. He died the death that you deserved. He was labelled a guilty criminal in your place.
(2) You are remembered. One of the terrorists turns to Jesus and says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). And Jesus answers him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43). The gospel of Luke tends to put this word “truly” before an outrageous statement. E.g. “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:17). “Truly I tell you, no one who has left home or [family] for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come.” (Luke 18:29–30). “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43). It is outrageous that a criminal, a guilty dangerous terrorist who admitted his guilt, would be granted access to paradise! Like this criminal, though you are guilty, King Jesus remembers you. Yes, you! What an outrage! This the scandal of the gospel. God says, “You are loved. You are special. You are mine. You are remembered.”
(3) You are not made for this world, but belong to a different kingdom. Our New Testament reading says God has ‘rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son’ (Colossians 1:13). “Transferred” means to move from one place to another. You have been moved out of this world, and transferred into the kingdom of God. You no longer belong here, but you belong there.
It’s interesting that Jesus says to the terrorist, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43). Jesus is Christ the King. But his kingdom doesn’t come tomorrow, or sometime in the future, or even at the end of time. The kingdom of God is near today. Today you are transferred into Jesus’ kingdom and under his reign.
We might look around and think, “It doesn’t look or feel like I’m in God’s kingdom today. If we’re in God’s kingdom already, why are there people being mistreated and labelled? Why am I sometimes labelled worthless or broken or worse? Where is God’s kingdom?” Our New Testament reading tells us what kind of kingdom and king Jesus is — ‘For he has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.’ (Colossians 1:13–14). God’s kingdom is one of redemption and forgiveness. As well as being are remembered, you are redeemed and forgiven. “Redeemed” means that your debt, your guilt, your sin has been paid for and no longer exists. “Forgiven” means you are released and set free. There is no debt hanging over your head. You are free. Everything that might get in the way between you and God is no longer remembered. God remembers you, but remembers your sins no more (Psalm 25:7). Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, God remembers you according to his love, not according to your sins.
So God’s kingdom exists where there is forgiveness. Turn to the person beside you and say, “Jesus remembers you. You are forgiven. You belong to God’s kingdom.”
May God bring you into his kingdom of redemption and forgiveness through his Son, King Jesus.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, you have been labelled many things including a criminal and false messiah. Yet you are our king. Your royal robe was ripped from you. Your crown is made of thorns. Your throne is the cross. You are our king of redemption and forgiveness. May your kingdom come in us today. Amen.
