“The Two Thieves Respond
I have a close friend who used to be a career criminal. But Jesus got a hold of his life and he was transformed from a thief to a theologian! His favorite part of the Easter story (besides the resurrection!) is what happens between Jesus and two thieves.
The Bible tells us that Jesus was crucified between two criminals. Talk about unlikely candidates for transformation, right? Two condemned men, their lives seemingly wasted. And yet, in their final moments, we see a glimpse of God's incredible grace.
Imagine the scene: three crosses silhouetted against the darkening sky. Jesus, innocent, suffering between two men who had lived lives that were far from innocent. They're all facing death, but their reactions couldn't be more different.
One thief hurls insults at Jesus, "Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" (Luke 23:39, NIV) He's bitter, angry, and consumed by his own pain. He sees Jesus as just another victim, another failure.
But the other thief says something different. He rebukes his companion, "Don't you fear God … We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." (Luke 23:40-41, NIV)
It’s a humbling moment to see that he recognizes his own sin and guilt. He understands that he deserves the punishment he's receiving. And then, in a moment of desperate faith, he turns to Jesus and says, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." (Luke 23:42, NIV)
And what does Jesus do? He doesn't lecture him. He doesn’t scold him for past decisions. He doesn’t turn away and focus on His own pain. He doesn't demand a confession. Jesus simply says, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43, NIV)
In the middle of suffering, and staring death in the face, this thief experiences a radical transformation. He goes from being a condemned criminal to a recipient of God's grace. He goes from despair to hope. He goes from lost to found! And he does it all in a single moment because he recognized the King on the middle cross.
friend, it's never too late for transformation. No matter how far we've strayed, no matter how broken we are, God's grace is always available. The thieves on the cross remind us that God's love extends to the most unlikely of people. He doesn't wait for us to clean ourselves up or earn His favor. He meets us where we are, in our brokenness, in our sin, and offers us the gift of salvation.
Maybe you feel like you've made too many mistakes. Maybe you think you're beyond redemption. Hear this: God's grace is bigger than your past! He's waiting for you, just as he waited an entire lifetime for that thief on the cross. All you have to do is turn to him and ask for His mercy. Let the transformation begin in you today.
Friends, Easter isn't just a story; it's a reality. It's a reality of transformation, of hope, of new life. Whether you're wrestling with doubt like Thomas or feeling lost like those thieves, Jesus offers you a chance to be changed. Let's open our hearts to him and allow him to do his transforming work in us. Amen.
Never forget, friend…
You are a miracle!
