I think the most important reason, and it’s mentioned in the article- is because it is used as a symbolic representation of the two roads to travel: Aceept Jesus and live, reject him and die. One man realized who He was, and the other mocked him. They represent the two families- the family of God and the children of Satan. That’s my take, at least.
I agree, but I really do like the line “The good thief was willing to endure the cross to go up to paradise.” That is powerful.
I agree. Like the two thieves, we all have a choice. We can choose to accept Him, or we can choose the reject Him.