1. One Savior (John 4:42; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 4:4).
2. Two Thieves (Mark 15:27; John 19:18). His companions in death were thieves, which added disgrace to Jesus’ death. A remarkable conversation took place between the two thieves, as is recorded in Luke 23:39–41.
3. Three Crosses (Luke 23:33; John 19:18). The cross of rejection (Luke 23:39); the cross of repentance (23:40–43); the cross of redemption (Ephesians 1:7). We must guard our hearts from becoming irreversibly hardened, as was the case with the impenitent thief (Luke 23:39–43). He experienced excruciating agony, he knew that the one dying next to him was the Son of God, and he knew he was about to draw his last breath. Still, he died blaspheming God! How can we explain? The answer: It is possible for man to irretrievably harden his heart and conscience (Ephesians 4:18–19; 1 Timothy 4:2; Romans 1:24, 26, 28). The penitent thief on the cross is not an example for our conversion today. It is often affirmed, “The thief never was baptized, and he was saved; therefore, I do not need to be baptized in order to be saved.” First, no man can prove that the thief was not baptized. It is altogether possible, even probable, that he had been baptized with John’s baptism; then he fell away (Acts 13:23–24; Matthew 3:5–6; Mark 1:4–5; Luke 3:7, 21; John 4:1). He knew of the kingdom (Luke 23:42) and the preaching of the kingdom attached to John’s baptism (Matthew 3:1–6). Further, when Jesus made His promise to the thief, the New Testament was not in force (Hebrews 9:15–17) as it is today. Why would anyone want to ignore all of the conversions in the book of Acts and go back to the thief on the cross as an example of conversion?
4. Four Parts to His Garments (John 19:23–24).
5. Five Wounds (Luke 24:39–40; John 19:34; 20:25–27).
6. Six Hours (Mark 15:25, 33, 37).
7. Seven Sayings (Luke 23:34, 43; Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34; John 19:26–28; Luke 23:46; John 19:30).
