Does it Seem Strange to You?

Does it seem strange to you that three men being crucified side by side, suffering inconceivable pain would engage in conversation on the cross? One speaks in desperation, another in humility and hope, the third in words of promise and a future. Does it seem strange to you that a dying criminal would use the little energy he has, mocking Jesus? Or that the other criminal would go to Jesus' defense as the life drains from his own body? Does it seem strange to you that a promise of salvation would be extended to a criminal without the prerequisite confession of sin, profession of faith, or baptism? I'm not sure what all this means except to say that even on the cross Jesus refused to allow others to define his mission. Jesus died as he lived, bringing good news to the poor, release to the captive and recovery of sight to the blind. The irony is even those who mocked Jesus while he died on the cross had this grace available to them, if only they would receive it.