The Thief On The Cross alongside Jesus
What can we learn from the thief crucified on the cross alongside Jesus? Why was this incident recorded at all, and can we learn anything important from this event?
First, let us consider who this person was. There is nowhere in recorded history for us to determine what the lifestyle was of this thief. But we can presume he was not an amiable person. He was obviously a thief, and who knows what other crimes he may have committed to earn the death sentence? In the book of Luke, we see the confession of this criminal. He admits he is guilty and deserving of the penalty he is now about to pay.
It is very important to note here that he also says Jesus has done nothing wrong. Then he calls Jesus Lord and then asks Jesus to remember him when He comes into His Kingdom. In doing this, he is acknowledging Jesus as his Messiah. Showing Jesus he has faith in who he is. Maybe this thief heard of some miracles Jesus had performed. Or maybe he had actually seen some of these miracles for himself. This we do not know, but from the comments he made about Jesus, I feel he must have had some limited knowledge of who Jesus was. This event is recorded for us in Luke 23 verses 39 to 42.
Luk 23:39 one criminal who was hanged insulted him, saying, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!”
40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Don’t you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?”
41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.
42 He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
