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And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” 

Luke 23:42-43

At first, he joined in the mockery. Why should he be punished when Barabbas went free? If Jesus was the Christ, why wouldn’t he save himself and the two criminals with him? Pain and anger seethed through his body like a forest set ablaze. 

Then Jesus said something so outrageous that it stopped the thief’s rage like a campfire suddenly doused with water, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing.”

All the profanities he was about to unleash got stuck in his mouth. Something inside kept repeating, “Forgive them.” He wished someone would rescue him, but no one made it out of this torture alive.

He seemed to need deliverance most, but deep down, he knew he needed forgiveness. Death’s march was in an all-out sprint headed toward him, and the question that haunted him most was, “What’s next?”    

Paradise Lost

The thief had no doubt wasted his life. Who knew how many lives were ruined because of his greed and selfishness? Although he was being punished for theft, his rap sheet was probably much longer and much worse.  

For his whole miserable life, he lived in rebellion against God. But in a rare moment of clarity, he looked out from the perch of his cross and saw through the way things appeared and saw them for what they really were. 

He heard all the conniving, self-righteousness, and blasphemous comments hurled at Jesus. He saw the chief priests huddled together, speaking in hushed whispers, looking over their shoulders as Jesus hung there. Below Jesus’ feet, the calloused soldiers laughed and gambled for his garments and a group of women wept. Passersby shook their heads, spit, and turned away.  

But beneath all the commotion, the thief knew he deserved this ridicule and torture, and Jesus did not. He had heard the charges, and read the sign Pilate nailed above his head. Somehow, he knew Jesus was the King of the Jews, and for the first time in ages, he felt a flicker of hope welling up in his soul. 

If Jesus was willing to forgive those who were crucifying him, maybe he’d forgive him too?

The Way to Paradise Made Clear

In a few truth-crystallizing moments before his last breath, the thief’s few words revealed a lot of biblical truth. The Spirit gave him enough understanding, to be saved. 

He knew…

• To fear God: He said to his co-conspirator who continued to berate Jesus, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?” (Luke 23:40) Death and judgment were before him, and he knew he was unrighteous and would soon stand before a righteous God. This struck true fear into his heart.

• He was guilty: “And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward for our deeds” (Luke 23:41a) This attitude change changed everything. He knew he was a sinner. He didn’t plead his case or make excuses. Only he was to blame for his life and his deeds.

• Jesus was innocent: “…but this man has done nothing wrong.” (Luke 23:41b) The thief moved from his self-assessment to his assessment of Christ. No matter how much or how little he knew of who Jesus was, his acknowledgment that Jesus was receiving an unjust punishment showed that he believed in Jesus’ righteousness.

• Jesus was king: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23: 42) There’s so much humility in his request. “God, I don’t deserve it, but would you at least remember me in your kingdom.” Beggars couldn’t be choosers. He’d settle for remembrance if he was too far gone for forgiveness. 

Paradise Found

Here, in the midst of all mockery, is the most profound example of grace in all of Scripture. When it looked like Satan and death had won and God was defeated, the tables were being turned. 

The way things appeared, was not reality. By not saving himself, Jesus was saving the thief, and he was saving us. The sinful dying man called out to the sinless Savior, and said, “Yeshua, will you remember me?” 

Jesus slowly turned his head to look the thief straight in the eyes, lifting the corner of his mouth ever-so-slightly, and said…

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:43

The thief’s greatest fear was relieved, and his final victory won. His eternal destination switched and secured. He did nothing to aid in his salvation, and yet Jesus knew he believed, and saved him. 

Paradise Today

The Thief on the Cross is a story of unmerited grace, but does that complicate your theology? 

There was nothing the thief did to be a part of this transaction. He didn’t get baptized or take communion. He didn’t walk an aisle, raise his hands, or sign a decision card. He didn’t say the sinner’s prayer, go on the mission field, or tithe a tenth of his salary. He didn’t volunteer at the church, lead a small group, or prove his devotion with good attendance.

The thief had absolutely nothing to offer, and nothing to show for his salvation. He couldn’t even fold his hands to pray, but Jesus told him “Today, you’ll be with me in paradise.”

Like the thief, your hands and mine are open and empty. We can’t bring anything or do anything to help in this holy transaction. Someday, if an angel at the gates of heaven ever asks you, “Why should you be allowed in?” The answer can’t be that you did anything to deserve entrance. Like the thief, you can say, “Because the man on the middle cross said, I could come.”

Because the sinless Savior died, 

My sinful soul is counted free

For God the Just is satisfied

To look on Him and pardon me

The same offer to the thief is the same offer to you and me. “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart” (Psalm 95:7b-8a). Today is the day of salvation. Salvation is all a work of his grace. Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to the cross I cling.

Pardoned by his grace,

Cara

P.S. The thief reminds us there is no life, God cannot save. If you’re feeling a tug on your heart, I encourage you to spend a few moments reading these verses and believe and receive this great salvation.

• Acts 4:12
• John 14:6
• Titus 3:5
• Matthew 19:25-26
• Ephesians 2:8-9
• Romans 3:23
• Romans 8:38-39
• Romans 10:8-10
• Hebrews 7:25