The good thief

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I was praying the rosary last night with a group of people. Since it was Friday, we were meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries, with commentaries on each decade. The final commentary on the crucifixion mentioned the good thief and one of the people told us (after we were done) that he had read somewhere that the good thief was the only person in all four gospels who called Jesus by his name. He said “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”. In every other instance in the gospels where someone is talking to Jesus they call him Lord, Rabbi, Master, but not his name. Of course I looked it up (Luke 23: 39–43). What I also noticed, looking up the crucifixion in the other gospels, is that in Matthew and Mark it says that both thieves were mocking Jesus, and in John they aren’t mentioned at all. It makes me wonder 2 things:
  1. Did the good thief really exist or was it an embellishment?
  2. Whether or not the good thief existed, what does it mean that he was the only person recorded to call Jesus by name? Did he know Jesus well, even before they died together? He certainly knew that Jesus was God.
Any thoughts?
 
seagal said:
I was praying the rosary last night with a group of people. Since it was Friday, we were meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries, with commentaries on each decade. The final commentary on the crucifixion mentioned the good thief and one of the people told us (after we were done) that he had read somewhere that the good thief was the only person in all four gospels who called Jesus by his name. He said “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”. In every other instance in the gospels where someone is talking to Jesus they call him Lord, Rabbi, Master, but not his name. Of course I looked it up (Luke 23: 39–43). What I also noticed, looking up the crucifixion in the other gospels, is that in Matthew and Mark it says that both thieves were mocking Jesus, and in John they aren’t mentioned at all. It makes me wonder 2 things:
  1. Did the good thief really exist or was it an embellishment?
  2. Whether or not the good thief existed, what does it mean that he was the only person recorded to call Jesus by name? Did he know Jesus well, even before they died together? He certainly knew that Jesus was God.
Any thoughts?
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Yes, the good thief really existed. My thinking is that he heard Jesus praying for those around Him and converted right there on the cross.

Not only that, the good thief was probably already aware of the teachings of Jesus and had gained some insight to them (probably by supernatural guidance). I say that because, we see his words, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”. It was in Luke’s Gospel, while He was coming to Jerusalem to die, that Jesus gave the parable about a man who had to travel far away to gain his kingship and the citizens didn’t want him for their king.

It is the good thief that realizes that Jesus is that King and that He must die in order to gain the kingdom.

I think this also helps one come to the answer of your second question. The good thief came to know Jesus as He lived out His preaching even on the Cross. He may have recognized Jesus’ teaching when He prayed, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”. I believe it is after this that the good thief brings his request to Jesus.

Well, those are my two cents worth.
 
1st, The good thief is known in history as St. Dismas. And I believe he was a very real person.

As to your 2nd, Much was said and done during our Lord’s day that is not written in the gospels. I could very easily imagine the Holy Mother calling our Lord Jesus. As well as his most intimate friends His Apostels. Just now written down.
 
William1964 said:
1st, The good thief is known in history as St. Dismas. And I believe he was a very real person.

As to your 2nd, Much was said and done during our Lord’s day that is not written in the gospels. I could very easily imagine the Holy Mother calling our Lord Jesus. As well as his most intimate friends His Apostels. Just now written down.
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I’m sure they did call him by his name, especially his mother. I just find it interesting that this is the only time that it is recorded 🙂
 
Perhaps it’s symbolic 🤷 Maybe you should ‘Ask an Apologist.’

I love all of the recurrent symbolism in the bible. Not only is it truth about God and man’s salvation, but we also have all of these beautiful symbols, such as Mary being the New ark of the convenant (somebody danced before the Old Ark, and baby John danced when he knew baby Jesus was nearby…). I love how God also has an appreciation for symbolism! 👍:love:
 
Please remember that Church teaching is that the Bible is an inspired work containing teaching that is neeed for our salvation. Church teaching is that it is not to be read as a history book. The 4 authors wrote for different audiences and tuned their message to the needs of the audience. One might be addressing Jews who accepted Christ, another gentiles who were not yet believers, etc.

You have to accept the Bible’s teaching on faith, otherwise you have to do some real mental contortions to reconcile some things. Mark 15:32 " Even those crucified with him taunted him."

Mark 22:40, the women watch from a distance, including Mary Magdalene. John 19:25
has women near the cross including Mary Magdalene.

Matt 5:44 Jesus says to love your enemies. John 17:9 Jesus does not pray for the world, but only thoise who follow his word.

There is no “official” Church teaching on biblical interpretation. It is to be combined with Church Tradition. See John 20:30 " There were many other signs that Jesus worked and the disciples saw, but they are not recorded in this book"
 
seagal said:
…one of the people told us (after we were done) that he had read somewhere that the good thief was the only person in all four gospels who called Jesus by his name. He said “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”. In every other instance in the gospels where someone is talking to Jesus they call him Lord, Rabbi, Master, but not his name.
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The point is interesting, but beware of believing what you hear…

MATTHEW:
1:21, an angel
8:29, demons
21:11, crowds
26:69, a damsel
26:71, a maid
27:17, 22, Pilate

MARK:
1:24, 5:7, demons
10:47, Bartimaeus

LUKE:
17:13, lepers
18:38, blind beggar

JOHN:
1:45, Phillip
6:42, Jews doubting Eucharistic reaching
 
Peter_Dawson said:
The point is interesting, but beware of believing what you hear…

MATTHEW:
1:21, an angel
"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,a] because he will save his people from their sins."
8:29, demons
"What do you want with us, Son of God?" they shouted. "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?"
21:11, crowds
"The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
26:69, a damsel
Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.

26:71, a maid
Then he went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there, "This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth."

27:17, 22, Pilate
So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?"

"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked. They all answered, "Crucify him!"

MARK:
1:24, 5:7, demons
What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!"
He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won’t torture me!"

10:47, Bartimaeus
** When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”**

etc. etc.
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That took a lot of research. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical when I first heard it, and I suppose it would depend a lot on which version/translation you use.
 
Did St Stephen not say “Lord Jesus recieve my spirit” …ACTS?
 
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