“And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43 NKJV)

Is there someone in your life who you have ever labelled a “lost cause”? You’ve tried to help them see the light, had “the talk,” or helplessly watched them spiral into destructive habits—succumbing to all types of vices, addiction, abuse, toxic relationships etc. The list goes on. There are countless reasons to give up on people. Maybe they were raised in the faith and walked away. Or perhaps they’ve consistently made poor choices, bringing misery upon themselves and those around them.

In the past I’ve met such people, and I’m ashamed to admit that I once marked them as beyond redemption. After multiple attempts to help and countless prayers, I gave up. What was the point? They didn’t want my help, and they seemed content wallowing in their misery and adhering to their dark path. However, in recent years, the Lord has convicted me of my finite and judgmental thinking. Where would I be, if God gave up on me every time I walked away, or pulled into the current of life and its daily distractions? I am constantly reminded:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 NKJV)

A Testament of His Grace

One of my favourite Biblical accounts is of the thief on the cross. His story is captured in multiple Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—each offering a different perspective with varying levels of information. Matthew mentions the “robbers who mocked Jesus” (Matthew 27). Mark references them while connecting the crucifixion to Old Testament prophecy in Isaiah 53.

Then we have Luke, who gives us profound insight into those final moments. He provides details regarding the interaction between Jesus and the two criminals crucified on either side of Him. One thief mocks Jesus, but the other thief rebukes him, acknowledging his own guilt and turning to Christ he says:

“Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42 NKJV)

And Jesus, in the midst of His agony, responds:

“Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise“ (Luke 23:43 NKJV)

Incomprehensible Compassion

As Jesus endured the weight of the cross, taking laboured, rasping breaths, He extended compassion. He pleaded with the Father, “Forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34 NKJV). He gave that criminal who had but mere moments to live – hope – and an opportunity to live with Him in eternity.

This story moves me deeply each time I read it. Raised in the faith, it’s easy to assume that the moral compass always points true north. Easy to notice when others aren’t “walking with the Lord.” But how quick am I to pass judgement while struggling with my own sin? How often do I wander away from God, choosing fleeting satisfaction over eternal joy? How often do I overlook people simply because they don’t fit my expectations of righteousness?

Are we truly paying attention to those struggling around us? Some of the people God has placed in our lives may need nothing more than a glimmer of hope. Something like: “Hey, I was thinking of you. I prayed for you today. How are you?” What does it cost us to pause and check in?

It’s never too late

Wherever you are in your journey with Christ today, the thief on the cross serves as a powerful reminder: it is never too late to repent and seek Him earnestly. He paid the price once and for all—you need only to call upon His name and ask for forgiveness:

“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13 NKJV)

In the thief’s final moments, he could have resigned to the shame, guilt and weight of his crimes. Yet, he chose to believe with his dying breath, that he could boldly ask for forgiveness. Imagine the joy and relief of hearing Jesus promising him eternity in paradise? That same grace is available to us today.

The price has been paid, not with corruptible things, but with the incorruptible blood of Christ.

Will you accept His gift of salvation today?

“And when, before the throne, I stand in Him complete, Jesus died my soul to save, my lips shall still repeat. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe” – Elvina Mable Hall

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