09/04/2026
The Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:39–43)
While hanging on the cross, Jesus was crucified between two criminals.
One mocked Him, demanding to be saved if Jesus was truly the Messiah.
However, the other thief acknowledged his own guilt and recognized Jesus' innocence:
Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
"Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” — Luke 23:40–43
This event illustrates the depth of universal grace:
No good deeds or performance required:
The thief had no time to perform religious rituals, be baptized, or turn his life around; he had only moments to live.
Open to the lowest: Even at the final hour, a convicted criminal was offered complete salvation simply by trusting in Jesus.
Several passages explicitly state that Jesus offered His life as a ransom for everyone without exception:
1 John 2:2 — "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."
1 Timothy 2:3–6 — "God our Savior... wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth... Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people."
Romans 5:18 — "Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people."
Titus 2:11 — "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people