On Resurrection Sunday, Pastor Josh White took us to one of the most unexpected stories in all of Scripture — the thief being crucified next to Jesus. It’s a story most of us know by heart, but Pastor Josh pressed pause on the familiar and asked a harder question: What happened inside this man’s heart and mind while he hung on that cross? And more importantly, what can we learn from his moment of clarity?
The Thief’s First Realization: Divine Judgment Is Real
When we read Luke 23:32-43, we see two criminals crucified alongside Jesus. Early on, both were mocking Him. But something shifted. One of them suddenly turned to the other and said, “Do you not fear God since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?”
Here’s this man dying the most excruciating death imaginable — and he’s talking about fearing God. Why? Because he knew that what he was experiencing on Earth was not the worst thing ahead. There was something far worse waiting: the wrath and judgment of God.
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
— Matthew 10:28
Pastor Josh read from Revelation 20 — the vision of the great white throne, books opened, the dead judged according to what they had done. The sea, death, and Hades gave up the dead, and anyone whose name was not found written in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. This is what the thief was afraid of. He knew his crucifixion was just the beginning of his reckoning.
The Thief’s Second Realization: He Was Guilty
Not only was he aware of coming judgment — he knew he deserved it. Listen to his own words:
“And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”
— Luke 23:41
He wasn’t making excuses. He wasn’t blaming the system or pointing fingers. He looked at his own life and said, I deserve this. That kind of honest self-examination is rare — and it’s the beginning of true repentance.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
— Romans 3:23
The Thief’s Third Realization: Jesus Is the Christ
This is where everything changes. Something happened while he hung on that cross — perhaps triggered by hearing Jesus say, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” In that moment, the dots connected. Only God can forgive sins. Jesus was performing miracles. Jesus was claiming a kingdom. Jesus must be the Messiah.
And what did the thief say? “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Think about what he was believing in that moment. He believed Jesus would die — and then come back to establish His kingdom. That’s faith. That’s trust in the resurrection.
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep… Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:20, 23
Grace Without Works
Jesus’ response was immediate: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” No baptism requirement. No church membership. No volunteer hours. Nogood deeds. Just faith.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
— Ephesians 2:8-9
The thief had nothing to offer. He couldn’t serve Jesus, couldn’t give to the poor, couldn’t be baptized — he was literally dying. And yet Jesus said, You will be with me. That’s grace. Undeserved, unearned,freely given.
So What?
Pastor Josh closed with the most important question of all: Have you had your moment of clarity?
The thief didn’t get a second chance after he died. There is no post-mortem opportunity. The Bible is clear — salvation is only for the living. And the invitation is simple:
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
— Romans 10:9
Whether you grew up in church or are just now exploring faith, the same decision that changed the thief’s eternity is available to you today. You don’t have to earn it. You can’t earn it. You simply trust what Jesus did — His death for your sins and His resurrection — and you’re saved.
This Resurrection Sunday, that’s worth celebrating.
Scripture References
- Luke 23:32-43 — The thief on the cross
- Matthew 10:28 — Fear God, not man
- Revelation 20:11-15 — The Great White Throne judgment
- Romans 3:23 — All have sinned
- Romans 2:4-5 — God’s kindness leads to repentance
- 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 — Christ the firstfruits of the resurrection
- Ephesians 2:8-9 — Saved by grace through faith
- Romans 10:9-10 — Confession and belief lead to salvation