Redeemed Failures, Day 16: The Thief on the Cross – When It’s Almost Too Late

Luke 23:39–43

Two criminals were crucified alongside Jesus. Both began the day mocking Him, joining the chorus of insults from the crowd. But as the hours passed, one of them fell silent. The other kept taunting, demanding that Jesus prove Himself by saving them all from death.

The quiet thief finally spoke. His words cut through the jeers: “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong” (vv. 40–41). In that moment, he saw what the other could not: his guilt was real, God’s judgment was just, and Jesus was innocent.

Then came a request as small as it was profound: “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

Faith at the Eleventh Hour

Luke records this scene not simply as a poignant moment, but as the clearest portrait of what saving faith looks like. The thief’s words combine repentance and trust. He admits his own guilt without excuse. He believes Jesus is a King whose reign extends beyond the grave. And he entrusts himself entirely to Christ’s mercy.

Jesus answered immediately: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” No delay. No probation. No unfinished business. “Today” meant that very day his soul would enter God’s presence. “Paradise” recalled the garden of Eden and anticipated the renewed creation promised in the Scriptures (Gen. 2; Rev. 2:7).

A Redeemed Failure

This man had wasted his life. He was guilty of crimes worthy of the death penalty, likely a rebel or violent thief in the eyes of Rome. His legacy was fixed, his hands nailed, his record unchangeable. Yet in the final hours, grace found him. Jesus took a man moments from hell and welcomed him into eternal life.

It’s a reminder that no life is beyond Christ’s reach. The thief could do nothing to earn favor. He could not make restitution, perform good works, or prove his sincerity through service. His salvation was entirely by grace, received through faith in the crucified King hanging beside him.

An Encouragement

For anyone who feels the door has closed, this story insists otherwise. Christ’s patience extends to the very end. And for those who trust Him, there is no “too late.”

For those of us who know Him, the lesson is just as urgent. We are called to hold out the gospel to those others might write off. The thief’s conversion tells us that no one is past saving until they draw their final breath, and even then, the Savior is mighty to save.

Protestant reformer John Calvin called the Penitent Thief “no greater example of salvation by free grace” in all of Scripture, a living proof that eternal life is given not to the deserving but to those who trust Christ alone. His story remains a lasting testimony to God’s mercy that can redeem even the most wasted lives.

Enjoy all 31 devotionals in the Redeemed Failures series here —stories of grace, second chances, and the God who still restores.