Penjahat di Samping Yesus: Dismas dan Gestas | Tujuh Sabda (5/10) [59-E]

Summary

This transcript delves into the religious narrative from the Gospel of Luke 23:39-43, focusing on the crucifixion of Jesus and the dialogue between two criminals. One criminal mocks Jesus, while the other defends Him, acknowledging his own guilt and recognizing Jesus’ innocence. The discussion touches on the concept of salvation, repentance, and the meaning of Christ as the Messiah. The speaker also explores theological insights on confession, forgiveness, and the proper understanding of repentance, concluding that true repentance begins with acknowledging one’s sins without justification.

Takeaways

• 😀 The passage in Luke 23:43 reflects a conversation between two criminals crucified alongside Jesus, one repenting and the other mocking Him.
• 😀 The criminals' names, traditionally thought to be Gestas and Dismas, are not mentioned in the Bible but are part of Catholic tradition.
• 😀 In Christian iconography, the positioning of the criminals on either side of Jesus has symbolic significance, with the repentant criminal on the right representing eternal life, and the mocking criminal on the left representing eternal damnation.
• 😀 The term 'blasphemy' in Luke 23 is more accurately understood as a repetitive act of mocking, not just a one-time insult.
• 😀 The word 'Christ' in the passage is derived from the Greek 'Christos,' which is equivalent to the Hebrew 'Messiah,' both meaning 'the Anointed One' or 'Savior.'
• 😀 The Jewish concept of the Messiah evolved over time, from a broad figure to a more specific one: a descendant of King David who would restore Israel’s glory.
• 😀 The criminal's mocking words, 'If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us,' reflect a frustration with the failure of Jesus to meet the worldly expectations of a political savior.
• 😀 Even the apostles, including Peter, initially misunderstood the nature of the Messiah, expecting a political savior who would overthrow the Roman oppressors.
• 😀 The second criminal, who rebukes the mocking one, represents a model of repentance and a realization of his own guilt, acknowledging his punishment as just.
• 😀 True repentance requires a full acknowledgment of one's wrongs without excuses, as demonstrated by the penitent criminal's admission of his sin and recognition of Jesus' innocence.

Q & A

What is the significance of the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus according to the script?

The two criminals represent contrasting responses to Jesus. One continues to mock and ridicule Him, while the other repents and acknowledges his own wrongdoing, seeking salvation from Jesus.

What does the term 'blasphemy' mean in the context of the script?

'Blasphemy' in the script refers to the repetitive nature of the criminal's mockery of Jesus, meaning that the criminal was persistently insulting and ridiculing Jesus throughout the crucifixion.

How is the term 'Christ' explained in the script?

The term 'Christ' is derived from the Greek word 'Christos,' which means 'Anointed One.' It is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew 'Messiah,' both meaning the Savior. The script explains how the term 'Christ' relates to Jesus as the promised savior in Jewish tradition, a royal figure from the lineage of King David.

What is the difference between the two thieves' reactions to Jesus in the script?

The thief on the left mocks Jesus, questioning why He doesn't save Himself, while the thief on the right rebukes the mocker and acknowledges that both of them are justly punished for their sins. The repentant thief then asks Jesus to remember him when He enters His kingdom.

Why does the script emphasize the concept of repentance?

The script highlights the importance of genuine repentance through the example of the repentant thief. True repentance begins with acknowledging one’s sin without excuse, followed by asking for forgiveness, and a commitment to change one's ways.

What theological lesson is being conveyed through the two thieves' dialogue?

The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of repentance for salvation and underscores the contrast between earthly expectations of the Messiah (a political savior) and the spiritual nature of Christ's salvation. It also shows that even at the moment of death, it is possible to seek and receive grace.

How is the concept of the Messiah portrayed in the script?

The script portrays the Messiah as a figure of political and spiritual salvation. While the Jewish people anticipated a political ruler who would overthrow the Romans, Jesus as the Messiah provided a different kind of salvation—spiritual rather than political, focused on eternal life rather than temporal power.

What role does the acknowledgment of sin play in the process of salvation according to the script?

Acknowledging one's sin is the first step in the process of salvation. The script stresses that only when a person fully recognizes their wrongdoing, without making excuses, can they truly seek and receive God's forgiveness.

What does the phrase 'We deserve to die for our crimes' signify in the context of the script?

This phrase represents the repentant thief’s recognition of his own guilt. He accepts the justice of his punishment and, by doing so, demonstrates genuine repentance. This admission is essential for receiving forgiveness and grace.

Why does the script discuss the historical and cultural understanding of the Messiah?

The script provides background on the historical understanding of the Messiah, noting how the Jews initially viewed the Messiah as a political leader who would restore the glory of the Davidic kingdom. This historical context helps explain why some people, including the unrepentant thief, misunderstood Jesus’ role as the Messiah.