11/11/2025
The Contrasting Crosses: A Study in Humility and Pride
The scene is set: two men, both condemned to die, one a savior, the other a thief. One, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the other, a criminal, a rebel against the law. As they hung on their respective crosses, they were reduced to being ignored and ridiculed by the crowds. But in this moment of utter humiliation, we see a profound contrast between the two men.
The thief on the cross represents the epitome of pride and self-preservation. He railed against Jesus, demanding that He save him, save himself, and save both of them.
He was consumed by his own desperation, unable to see beyond his own immediate needs, unable to grasp the reality that he was not the center of the universe. In his final moments, he was still holding firm to the idea that he could save himself, that he could somehow evade accountability and manipulate his way out of his predicament.
In stark contrast, Jesus, the Savior, embodies humility and self-sacrifice. He, who had the power to save himself, chose instead to endure the shame and agony of the cross. He looked beyond his own pain and suffering to the needs of others, praying for forgiveness for those who were crucifying him. In his final moments, he was still focused on others, still giving, still loving, and still surrendering to the will of God.
This contrast between the two men on the cross speaks volumes about the nature of true greatness, about the path to true glory, about the way to eternal life. It's not about power, not about prestige, not about wealth, not about fame, but about humility, about surrender, about love, about service, about sacrifice. Jesus, the Savior, showed us that true strength lies not in dominating others, but in serving them. He showed us that true freedom comes not from grasping for power, but from surrendering to God.
As we reflect on this scene, we're challenged to examine our own lives, to confront our own pride, our own self-centeredness, our own rebellion against God. Are we like the thief, cluding to our own strength, our own abilities, and our own self-preservation? Or are we like Jesus, surrendering to God's will, serving others, and loving unconditionally? Are we willing to take up our cross, to deny ourselves, to follow Him, to lose our lives in order to find them?
(Fitzrich Charles)
Reflection Questions:
1. What are some areas in my life where I've been cluding to my own strength and self-preservation, rather than surrendering to God's will?
2. How can I cultivate a heart of humility and service, like Jesus, in my daily interactions with others?
3. What does it mean for me to take up my cross and follow Jesus, and how can I daily surrender to His lordship?
4. How can I demonstrate love and compassion to those around me, even in the midst of suffering and hardship?
5. What is the significance of Jesus' words, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," and how can I apply this principle in my own life?
Scripture References:
- Luke 23:39-43 (One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!")
- Matthew 27:38-44 (Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.)
- Philippians 2:5-8 (Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant)
- Isaiah 53:3-5 (He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering)
- 1 Peter 2:21-25 (He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness)
- John 3:16-17 (For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life)
- Matthew 16:24-25 (If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it)
