The Criminals On the Cross Through the Lens of Midrash
Few images in Christian tradition are as recognizable as the three crosses of Golgotha. But the picture Luke paints weaves in references to the third heaven, garments divided by lots, the words of Isaiah 53, and Joseph's cellmates in the prison of Pharaoh.
One of the most popular images in Christian tradition is the arrangement of three crosses. From tattoos to church logos, the icon reflects the scene from Jesus's crucifixion at Golgotha, where the Gospels depict Jesus's conversation with the criminals on the cross.
But as we've covered with so many other stories, the Gospels contain a few Midrashic elements that warrant exploration.
The Setup in the Gospels
Though all four Gospels include this event, the story varies.
In John, the men are not described as criminals, and there is no dialogue. In Matthew and Mark, both of the men mock Jesus.
Luke's account is the most popular, depicting that one of the men seeks repentance in his final hour.
The Thieves on the Cross
Here is the story from Luke:
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear G_D, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”
And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” - Luke 23:39-42
On a homiletic level, the criminals represent two worldviews of faith. One acknowledges the weight of their transgressions and seeks repentance. The other does not.
Messiah ben Joseph
This is where we begin to see, in Luke's account, reflections of a similar moment in Joseph's life.
The Gospel authors often include many allusions to the life and story of Joseph as told in Genesis. By the nature of the Messianic themes present in these writings, it seems the Apostles perceived him to be the Josephic Messiah, believing in a future return as the Davidic Messiah.
Let's first revisit the story of Joseph to uncover these parallels.
Joseph's Imprisonment
After having been unjustly imprisoned, we find Joseph shackled in an Egyptian dungeon for several years.
Genesis 40 introduces Joseph's two cellmates: a cupbearer and a baker, both disgraced and cast down from Pharaoh's service. Both are on death row.
Recognizing Joseph's connection to G_D, they seek his wisdom to interpret their dreams. Joseph reveals that the cupbearer will be lifted and restored to his service.
However, the baker receives some bad news. The baker is told he will be lifted differently: hung on a tree:
In three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you upon a tree; and the birds will pick off your flesh.” - Genesis 40:19
Hung on a Tree
The Hebrew in Genesis 40:19 uses the word for tree (עֵץ), and the Greek of the Septuagint uses the equivalent term.
The Apostolic writings use the same wording several times to describe the method of Jesus's crucifixion:
"The G_D of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree." - Acts 5:30
(Also see Acts 10:39; 1 Peter 2:24)
This is not the first time we see an allusion to a crucifixion in the Biblical language. On the binding of Isaac, Jewish tradition tells us that Isaac carried his cross¹.
Remember Me
Another important clue comes from Joseph in Genesis 40:14 when he realizes that the cupbearer will soon regain his position in the court.
Joseph, hoping to shorten his sentence, asks the cupbearer to remember him.