What Did Jesus Say to the Thief on the Cross -- and Why is It So Important?

There were two criminals crucified with Jesus. What did Jesus say to one of them?

The Bible says that, when Jesus was crucified on the cross for our sins, there were two other men crucified at the same time with Jesus. They were robbers, and one was on the right of Jesus and one on the left.

Initially, it appears that both of them were hurling abuse at Jesus. But then, one of the robbers began rebuking the other, and said "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in your Kingdom!"


Why is this so remarkable? This was a thief that Jesus was speaking to, who was justly condemned for his actions. Yet when the thief expressed faith in Jesus, even in the last hours of his life, Jesus forgave him and said he would be with Him in Paradise that very day.

This gives tremendous hope for all of us! We are all sinners, yet as we reach out in faith to Jesus as our Savior He will forgive us our sins!