Yesterday, I posted about the sayings of Jesus, one to Mary Magdalene and the other to the criminal crucified alongside Jesus. The story of the criminal, a brigand, on the cross (often referred to as the “penitent thief” or “good thief” – can you already hear the paradox in that last title?) in Luke 23:39-43 is a powerful illustration of the grace of God and salvation by faith, independent of works or a lifetime of righteousness.
The thief on the cross had no time to live a life of good works, nor was he able to perform acts of penance or religious rituals. His life was one of crime, rebellion, and sin. He obviously did not “earn” his salvation through any deeds.
Jesus’ promise to him, “Today, you will be with me in paradise,” was a free gift of grace—unearned, undeserved, and unconditional. This is the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
This moment makes it clear that God’s mercy is not dependent on the life lived but is based on God’s free and unmerited favor. The thief could do nothing to change his past, yet he received the promise of eternal life because of his faith in Jesus.
In Luke 23:42, the criminal acknowledges Jesus’ innocence and authority, saying, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” This is an act of faith in Jesus’ divinity and kingship, even in the face of death. He recognizes that Jesus is more than just a man being crucified, but the Messiah with the power to save.
This shows that salvation is not by works but by faith in Christ. The thief didn’t have the opportunity to perform works, but his faith was enough. This is consistent with Romans 3:28, which teaches that “a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”
His confession of faith in Jesus, acknowledging Him as the King and Lord, was enough for Jesus to promise him eternal life, illustrating the idea that faith in Christ is what justifies, not one’s deeds or moral perfection.
The thief’s story highlights the core of the Christian message: salvation is offered freely to all, no matter their past, if they place their trust in Christ. The thief could not change his life, but he could place his faith in the One who could transform him and give him eternal life.
This underscores the revolutionary nature of the Gospel: Jesus did not come to save the righteous or the good, but to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Even those who are at the end of their lives, who are at their lowest and most desperate moment, can be saved by grace alone through faith.
The criminal’s salvation is also a powerful reminder of the inclusive nature of God’s grace. The Gospel is not just for the morally upright, the religiously diligent, or the successful, but for those who, by all accounts, are unworthy and undeserving. Jesus’ mercy is greater than human sin.
This is significant for the Church’s message today, as it reminds Christians that salvation is available to all, regardless of their past or how “bad” they might seem. If a criminal who was about to die can be promised eternal life because of his faith in Christ, there is hope for everyone.
The criminal’s last-minute conversion can be seen as symbolic of the grace of God that can reach anyone, no matter how late in their life they turn to Him. This reflects the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), where workers who came at the last hour were given the same wage as those who had worked all day—illustrating the idea that God’s grace is generous and not bound by human expectations of justice.
The thief’s words, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,” show an implicit trust in Jesus’ kingship and His future victory, even in the midst of His apparent defeat on the cross. Jesus’ promise to him highlights that He is the Savior who grants entrance to paradise, even to those who seem farthest from salvation.
The promise to the thief also reflects the triumph of Christ’s death over sin and death. Even at the moment of Jesus’ own excruciating suffering, He exhibits love; He is actively saving—not just spiritually, but at that very moment, He is opening the doors to eternal life.
The penitent thief’s salvation is a profound statement about the nature of God’s grace and the heart of the Gospel: salvation by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy, and that even the most sinful, in their final moments, can be made right with God through faith in Christ. This story, then, serves as a powerful reminder that salvation is a gift that no one can earn, but only receive through trusting in Jesus.