One of my favorite stories in all of the Gospels is the story of the thief on the cross. In Matthew 27 and Mark 15, we are told that both of the criminals mocked Jesus. They both taunted Him by saying if He was the Christ, He should take Himself and them off their crosses. But here, Luke adds to the story. Apparently, one of the criminals had a change of heart as he watched Jesus in the hours on the cross. As death closed in, he began to change his mind about who Jesus was. Something in him recognized Jesus as the Christ. Thus, he turns to his fellow criminal and says: "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong" (verses 40-41, ESV). Then, in a more dramatic moment, he turns to Jesus and says: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (verse 42, ESV).
That is an incredible statement of faith. While the thief talked about Jesus' kingdom, most of the disciples hid, sure that their dreams of a kingdom were over. This thief sees more than Jesus closest followers. And His faith is rewarded. Jesus says: "Today, you will be with me in Paradise." For his faith, the criminal receives the hope of eternal life.
This incident reminds us of the grace of God. With the notable exception of Jesus, good people didn't hang on crosses. Only the worst of the worst were killed in such a cruel, torturous manner. This criminal had a checkered past to say the least. Yet, great as his sin was, faith led to those sins being forgiven in a second. As the hymn says: "grace that is greater than all our sin." What a great reminder that though we are sinners through and through, faith in Jesus leads to forgiveness by His grace.
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