Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

CHAPTER XXVII. 451
Jesus Christ is compared and joined with criminals,
to show that he came for the sake of sinners, and that
for them he sheds his blood. The crucifixion of
Christ between two thieves, is a lively representation
of the mixture of good and bad in the present church,
and of the separation which will be made of them at
the last day. All are sinners till they are crucified
with Christ, and partake of the merits of his death ;
but all those who partake outwardly of them in the
body of the church, are not on that account justi-
fied before God. Sinners, penitent and impenitent,
divide all mankind, represented here by these two
thieves.
Sect. V. Blasphemies against Christ. Darkness,
He cries out, and dies,
" 39. 5f And they that passed by reviled him,
wagging their heads, 40. And saying. Thou that
destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come
down from the cross."
Let us adore Jesus Christ crucified, and exposed
to the contempt, the scoffs, and blasphemies of men:
he will continue exposed to them to the end of the
world. This is an occasion of scandal to those who
view.it only with carnal eyes. A High Priest who
designs to destroy the temple of God ; a Saviour who
saves not himself; and a Son of God crucified: these'
are the contradictions which give offence to Jews and
libertines. But a High Priest who dispels the types
and shadows only that he may disclose the substance
of religion, and become the minister of a heavenly
sanctuary ; a Saviour who dies only to be the victim