The Believing Thief
Luke 23:39–43
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Luke 23:42

The story of the believing thief is our story too if we have truly believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. The believing thief did three things. First, he recognized his own need, and by that I mean his spiritual need and not merely his physical one. On the physical side there were many things he needed. He needed deliverance, medical attention, drugs. He at least needed sympathy knowing that he was about to die. But this is not what he recognized and confessed so openly. What he recognized was that he was a sinner and that he needed a Savior. He confessed to his fellow criminal, “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” (vv. 40–41).

Second, having recognized that he was a sinner and that he needed a Savior, he recognized that Jesus was that Savior. He may not have been able to explain the theology of justification but he knew that Jesus was the innocent Son of God and the Savior. He showed this by saying, “This man has done nothing wrong” and by referring to the coming of Christ in his “kingdom” (vv. 41–42).

Finally, having recognized his need of a Savior and that Jesus was that Savior, he committed himself to him personally. He said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And the Lord did remember him. He remembered him on the spot, for he accepted him right then and promised that on that very day, after each had died, they would be together in paradise.

If you would be like that thief—if you would have your sin on Christ rather than on yourself and therefore be able to receive the promise of being with Christ and God the Father eternally—you need to do what he did. First, admit your sin. Second, see Jesus as your Savior. Third, commit yourself to him personally. You need to say, “Lord, I know that I cannot get to heaven on my own record, for I am a sinner, and my record condemns me. I need you as my Savior, and I ask you to accept me as one for whom you died. Receive me. Remember me in the day of your judgment.” If you will pray that prayer, you can be certain that Jesus has received you just as he received the repentant thief. From a human point of view everything was against him. Yet he called upon Jesus, and Jesus, in what was his last interview upon earth, heard him, received him, and promised him an entrance into paradise.

Will you call upon him? You can never be too sinful or call so late that Jesus will not hear. He is listening for that call now.

Taken from Come to the Waters by James Boice ISBN 9798887790954 used with permission from P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg NJ 08865

Scripture quotations are from the ESV (the Holy Bible English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.