Few moments in Scripture capture the heart of God’s grace as poignantly as this exchange between Jesus and the repentant thief on the cross. In His final hours, Jesus extended forgiveness, hope, and the promise of eternal life to a man who had nothing to offer but faith. These words are a beacon of hope for anyone who feels burdened by their past or uncertain about their standing with God. They remind us that no one is beyond the reach of His mercy and that it is never too late to experience His redeeming love.
Luke 23:43 The New International Version
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
The Thief’s Redemption: A Portrait of Grace
As Jesus hung on the cross, He was flanked by two criminals—two men who had lived lives of rebellion and were now facing the consequences of their actions. One hurled insults at Jesus, mocking Him even in his final moments. But the other thief saw something different. In a moment of humility and recognition, he turned to Jesus and said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus’ response was immediate and overflowing with grace: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
This brief exchange reveals profound truths about God’s salvation:
- Salvation is a gift of grace, not works: The thief had no opportunity to earn his way into heaven. He couldn’t perform good deeds or make amends for his sins. Yet his simple act of faith—acknowledging Jesus as Lord—was enough. This reminds us of Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
- It’s never too late to turn to God: The thief’s story is proof that no one is ever too far gone for God’s mercy. Even in his final hours, he found forgiveness and eternal life. This truth speaks to anyone who feels they’ve missed their chance to come to God.
- God’s promises are immediate and certain: Jesus didn’t hesitate or offer vague assurances. He declared with confidence that the thief would be with Him in paradise that very day. This reflects the reliability of God’s promises—when we place our faith in Him, we can trust that His Word is true.
God’s Timing Is Perfect
Many people wrestle with feelings of regret or despair, believing they’ve wasted too much time or strayed too far from God’s plan. But Scripture repeatedly shows us that God’s timing is never late and His grace knows no limits. Consider these examples:
- Lazarus: When Lazarus died, many thought it was too late for Jesus to intervene. But in John 11:25-26, Jesus declared Himself the resurrection and the life before raising Lazarus from the dead—a powerful reminder that even when all seems lost, God can bring new life.
- Sarah: Sarah laughed when she heard God’s promise that she would bear a child in her old age (Genesis 18:12). Yet in Genesis 21, Isaac was born at exactly the time God intended.
The story of the thief on the cross reminds us that it’s not too late for:
- Forgiveness: No sin is too great for God’s grace. As long as we have breath, we can repent and receive His forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
- Redemption: God can transform even the most broken lives into testimonies of His power and love. The thief went from being condemned to eternal separation from God to being welcomed into paradise.
- Purpose: Even in our final moments or darkest seasons, God can use our lives for His glory. The thief’s story continues to inspire countless believers today.
A Call to Action: Don’t Wait
While it is comforting to know that it is never too late to turn to God, this truth also carries an urgency. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Now is the time of God’s favor; now is the day of salvation.” None of us knows how much time we have left on this earth. Waiting until tomorrow—or until we feel “ready”—is a risk we cannot afford to take.
If you’ve been delaying a decision to surrender your life to Christ or address areas where you’ve drifted from Him, let today be the day you take that step. Whether it’s seeking forgiveness for past mistakes, reconciling with someone you’ve wronged, or pursuing a calling God has placed on your heart—don’t wait until it feels “too late.”
Encouragement for Believers
For those already walking with Christ, this passage offers both comfort and challenge:
- Share this hope: There are people in your life who feel distant from God or unworthy of His love. Share this story with them as a reminder that His grace is available to all who seek Him.
- Live with gratitude: Reflect on your own experience of salvation and let it inspire you to live each day fully for Him.
- Trust His timing: If you’re waiting on an answer to prayer or struggling with unmet expectations, remember that God’s timing is always perfect—even when it doesn’t align with ours.
A Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your endless mercy and grace. Thank You for reminding us through the story of the thief on the cross that it is never too late to turn to You. Help us lay down our burdens and trust fully in Your promises. For those who feel unworthy or far from You today, draw them close and assure them of Your love. May we live each day with hearts full of gratitude for Your salvation and share this hope with others who need it most.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read More About This Devotional
Words of Wisdom: The Courage to Change: Walking Boldly with God
Quote of the Day: “Make Room for New Dreams and Opportunities”
Final Reflection
The words spoken by Jesus on the cross—“Today you will be with me in paradise”—are more than just a promise; they are an invitation for all of us to draw near to Him no matter where we are or what we’ve done. It’s not too late for forgiveness, transformation, or purpose because His grace has no expiration date.
Scripture Reading for the Day
Hebrews 10 The New International Version
Christ’s Sacrifice Once for All
The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. 2 Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3 But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. 4 It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said:
“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but a body you prepared for me;
6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings
you were not pleased.
7 Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—
I have come to do your will, my God.’”8 First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. 9 Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:
16 “This is the covenant I will make with them
after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds.”17 Then he adds:
“Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more.”18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.
A Call to Persevere in Faith
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34 You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For,
“In just a little while,
he who is coming will come
and will not delay.”38 And,
“But my righteous one will live by faith.
And I take no pleasure
in the one who shrinks back.”39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.
