A Tale of Two Thieves

2025-06-13

This is the story of two thieves who were executed for crimes. We are told they were thieves, but thievery does not normally warrant execution; we may presume that they did far worse than this.

These two outlaws were executed with Jesus. At first, they both cried out against Him with the rest of the crowd. One of the robbers said to the Lord, “If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.”

As the insults were hurled against the Son of God, the other robber got to thinking. He answered the other thief, “Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”

As they suffered together, Jesus answered the man. A thousand things the Savior could have answered. The thief lived a wretched life. This wicked man had his hands and feet pinned to a cross; he would never be able to live a worthy life to redeem himself. He could never “turn over a new leaf” to make himself worthy. Therefore, Jesus’ answer was very telling.

“Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

No baptism. No holy communion. No good works. No promise to “stop sinning.” Only a depraved life of filth. The thief was helpless to do anything to save Himself. So Jesus saved him, promising him paradise, but He saved him alone.

What was the difference between these two? They were equal in their wickedness and rebellion. They lived lives that led them to the death penalty. But only one said, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” He trusted Christ, knowing that He was able to save.

We are all like one of these two thieves. We all are enemies before God. We are all helpless before Him. But Jesus is the great reconciler. We trust that He, the all-powerful Son of God, will safely carry us to paradise.