There were two thieves who were crucified alongside Jesus. In olden times, crucifixion was the most sever of punishment given to the severest of the criminals. This makes it clear that the two criminals besides Jesus were not commended merely for an act of robbery but, the crime was much more. While one of the criminals mocked Jesus, for being the "King", the other repented. His story of repentance is a remarkable one.
The story most often takes pity on the criminal and fills us with the fact that salvation is available even at the last minute. As a man repents, he can obtain forgiveness. The story also throws light on the hope we can have. It throws light on God's love, forgiveness, mercy and giving to others for as long as you can. If salvation can be so good at the last minute, how much better would it be to live it in it's glory while alive? I pick this story to dwell into the character of the dying thief and what you and I can learn out of it.
Famously, known as the Thief at the Cross, this man was touched in a very effortless manner. While Abraham walked with God; David found favor in God's sight and the disciples, shared a personal relationship with Jesus, this man, rotting justly in the prison, knew nothing about Jesus. He had not seen Jesus perform any miracles. He was not worthy of finding God's favor; let alone, walking with God. All he had in his life was darkness. He lived a corrupt life. I doubt if he was educated to read the Gospel or, had an opportunity to hear it either. He lived a life of sin and yet, he was the only one Jesus, promised, "I promise you that today you will be in paradise with me." (Luke: 23:43).
There is something extraordinary about this man receiving salvation hours or minutes away from his death. Many times I have heard people in the Church say, "You are here because someone prayed for you." I believe that is true for me. I do not know who, how many or when I was prayed for but I believe, I am saved because someone prayed for me. Some one, some where prayed for this man as well and that someone was Jesus. "Forgive them Father! They don't know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34). Jesus prayed for both the criminals but one was touched. A simple, heartfelt, genuine prayer was what effected him. The instance the prayer was made, the thief was filled with a remorse for his life. He realized he was a sinner. He understood that Jesus was the Son of God. He saw Jesus as his savior. And in an instance a bond was created between Jesus and him, that gave him the courage to demand. "Remember me, Jesus, when you come as King!"
Image courtesy: Google Images
At the last hour, when the disciples were rejecting Jesus, this man, who knew nothing about the Son, accepted Jesus. He was filled with sadness for Jesus having to pay the price for something he did not deserve. He rebuked those who were mocking Jesus. He requested, believing Jesus had the power to forgive sins. He expressed his faith for Jesus to have mercy on him. Talk about faith! While Abraham was called the Father of faith, this man can not be compared with Abraham. God talked to Abraham; made promises to him. Mosses saw God as a burning bush. Abraham and Mosses had a reason to believe. But this man, had a transformation of heart that made him believe someone he knew nothing about. The disciples, heard the wonderful sermons and parables; witnessed the miracles and authority of Jesus and yet, they had forsaken him. Peter denied having known Jesus. Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty silver coins! But this man, defended Jesus when the rest were hurling insults. The thief at the cross saw in the eyes of Jesus compassion. He understood that this man was not on the cross for something He did, but He was on the Cross for something mankind did. He was that sacrificial Lamb that would defeat death. The thief trembled, fearing not death but judgment that lay ahead. He wept not for his pain but the sacrifice of the Lamb. His faith made him whole. His faith pulled him from the gates of hell to accompany the almighty King.A simple prayer that Jesus made, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" changed the heart of the thief. A simple prayer made by the thief, "Remember me when your Kingdom comes" took him to paradise with Jesus.
God does not look at the crimes you have committed but searches the depths of your heart. You and I--we are all guilt under Adam's fall. Death was the penalty laid. But, we have a savior who set us free from the penalty. The empty grave is our victory. Salvation is never too far. It is a voice besides you that is calling out to the Father, to forgive your sins. All you need to do is open your ears and believe that voice. And all you who are saved, do you simply want to suffice with being in the Kingdom or, do you like Jesus want to say a simple prayer for salvation of the rest? A simple prayers of yours may save someone from eternal death. Pray that one more soul may be saved and once again our Lord be glorified for he is worthy of all the praise. "The harvest is large, but there are few workers to gather it in. Pray to the owner of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in his harvest." (Luke 9:37-38)
