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The Penitent Thief

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

Then Jesus said something so surprising it interrupted the thief’s rage like a campfire doused with water. He said, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.”

In a rare moment of clarity, he looked out from the perch of his cross, saw through the way things appeared, and saw them for what they were.

He saw the chief priests huddled together, hurling insults at Jesus, and below him, the soldiers laughing and gambling for his garments. He heard the charges and read the sign Pilate nailed above his head. Somehow, he knew it was all true. Jesus was the King of the Jews. For the first time in ages, he felt a flicker of hope welling up in his soul. If Jesus were willing to forgive those who were crucifying him, maybe he’d forgive him, too.

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 in the eyes; lifting the corner of his mouth, he said…

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

There was nothing the thief did to deserve such grace. He didn’t get baptized or take communion. 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 church, lead a small group, or prove his devotion with good attendance. He had nothing to offer and nothing to give; he couldn’t even fold his hands to pray. There was no getting out of this situation alive. But Jesus offered him something greater than physical life; he gave him eternal life in paradise.

Like the thief, your hands and mine are open and empty. We bring nothing to the table to earn our salvation, and we must cry out with the same desperation, “Jesus, save me!” The penitent thief proves that Jesus is full of grace and has the power to save. He saves even to the uttermost.

The thief on the cross is one of the most astounding examples of grace in all Scripture. Whether we have a resume or rap sheet, when we encounter Christ, he is mighty to save us in whatever situation we find ourselves. There’s nothing we contribute to our salvation; it’s all a work of grace. What does his unmerited favor mean to you today?