Luke tells us that Jesus was crucified between two criminals Luke 23:39–43. One criminal mocked Jesus. The other admitted the truth: “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said something remarkable: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
And Jesus replied: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Why This Story Matters
The criminal had nothing to offer. No good works. No time to clean up his life. No religious resume. He simply acknowledged:
I am guilty.
Jesus is innocent.
Jesus is King.
I need mercy.
And that was enough.
We Relate More Than We Think
We will never hang on a cross. But spiritually, we are just as dependent. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Like that criminal: We have sinned. We cannot fix our past. We cannot earn salvation. But we can trust Jesus.
The criminal’s story reminds us that salvation is not about how much time you have left or how impressive your life has been. It is about faith.
What This Means for You
You do not need to clean yourself up before coming to Jesus. You come as you are. Even as a believer in Jesus. The faith that saved you from your sins gives you a welcome mat to continue to return to Jesus for His grace and mercy.
Application:
Reflection Questions:
Easter is proof that mercy wins.
If there was hope for him, there is hope for you.
Then he said something remarkable: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
And Jesus replied: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Why This Story Matters
The criminal had nothing to offer. No good works. No time to clean up his life. No religious resume. He simply acknowledged:
I am guilty.
Jesus is innocent.
Jesus is King.
I need mercy.
And that was enough.
We Relate More Than We Think
We will never hang on a cross. But spiritually, we are just as dependent. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Like that criminal: We have sinned. We cannot fix our past. We cannot earn salvation. But we can trust Jesus.
The criminal’s story reminds us that salvation is not about how much time you have left or how impressive your life has been. It is about faith.
What This Means for You
You do not need to clean yourself up before coming to Jesus. You come as you are. Even as a believer in Jesus. The faith that saved you from your sins gives you a welcome mat to continue to return to Jesus for His grace and mercy.
Application:
- Admit your need honestly before God.
- Stop pretending you are spiritually “fine.”
- Call out to Jesus in faith.
Reflection Questions:
- What keeps you from admitting your need for grace?
- Do you see yourself more like the mocking criminal or the repentant one?
- Have you personally asked Jesus for mercy and salvation?
Easter is proof that mercy wins.
If there was hope for him, there is hope for you.
Posted in Easter 2026