The Thief On The Cross
What can we learn from the thief crucified on the cross alongside Jesus? Why was this event recorded at all, and can we learn anything important from this event?
First, let us consider who this person was. They nowhere recorded his history for us, 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 Luk 23:39-42, 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 Jesus is.
Luk 23:39 One of the criminals 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.”
We can consider this man more when we realise the following points about him. He would not have been baptised. Nor had he had never followed Jesus nor prayed to Him. By his own confession, he was a thief and deserving of his penalty. He was only a matter of a few hours from his death when he asks Jesus to remember him.
The Late Conversion
A very late conversion and declaration of his belief in Jesus as “The Son Of God”. Now read the amazing response he got from Jesus in Luk 23:43.
Luk 23:43 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Jesus tells this thief he will be in paradise. This is the reward for the thief after his confession that Jesus is the Christ.
Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
This thief who had done nothing to deserve God’s grace is now assured by Jesus Himself he will be in paradise. The example of this thief in the Bible is to make very clear to us the meaning of Joh 3:16. Whoever believes in Him, and it does not matter how late they believed. All that matters is that they do believe. They will be in paradise.
Faith in “The Son Of God” is all that matters to be saved. No good works will ever get you there. Only faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and saviour will save you. For more proof on this matter, please see my message. “Salvation By Faith Alone”.
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