Question: Dear Sir, You recently commented on the case of the thief on the cross and said that the purpose of the story is not to show people how to be saved. What is the purpose of the story, then?

Answer: The Gospel according to Luke places special emphasis upon the inclusion in the kingdom of those who were previously excluded. The poor, the disabled, tax gatherers, Gentiles, and those whom the religious elite called "sinners" were ostracized by those who considered themselves to be righteous. One of the effects of the work of Christ was to offer good news to all, not just a few self-appointed elite. The ironic twist in Luke’s gospel is that the ones who consider themselves to be religious authorities and righteous do not recognize the Messiah whom God has sent. It is those whom they have excluded who recognize him. The climactic and most powerful stroke in Luke’s message may be in this showing that even when his own disciples are without a clue, the lowest of all the "sinners" (a confessed, condemned thief) is the only one who seems to know what is going on (Read Luke 23:42)!