Luke 23 recounts the story of Jesus hung on the cross between the two criminals, one on his right and the other on his left.
Then one of the criminals who was hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:39-43
The thief’s relationship with God changed while he hung on the cross. The thief hanging on the other side never changed his position. We can only assume he will spend eternity separated from God in unspeakable torment and darkness.
One of the first fruits of Jesus’ crucifixion was the salvation of the one thief, a clear picture of God’s heart for the lost. He is never too busy with His “agenda” to save one lost soul. Even as He went to lay down His life to save all of humanity, He took time to save one wretched criminal even as his life was ebbing away.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Rooted and Grounded 