The converted robber, having seen his situation in the light of truth, in desperation, calls out to Jesus, asking, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." This man had no hope in himself or any other, only Jesus.
Likewise, all believers come to know their desperate need for a Savior, but it may not come upon us as quickly as it did with this thief. There is so much pride in the human heart, so much desire to work our way into God's favor that it can take time for us to see that we are "without strength" (Romans 5:6), "impotent" (John 5:3), and that it is not by works of righteousness which we do, but by His mercy, He saves us (Titus 3:5).
By way of example, the prodigal son left his father's house and squandered away all his resources through wild living and began to be in need. But what did he do, where did he go when he first sensed his need? Did he go back to his father, there to plead for mercy? No, he went to work. "Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs" (Luke 15:15). He sought to redeem himself, to work his way out of his problems. How like so many today who, when they become aware of their sins, begin to do good works or become religious, attempting to redeem themselves. It took further dawning realizations of his need for the prodigal to understand the severity of his situation, and then to return to his father to plead for mercy. And frequently, it is not until we come to the end of our resources that we seek Jesus (Mark 5:26) - just like this thief on the cross.
So, now, we see the thief in his right mind, admitting his wrong, and the rightness of his punishment, and then we see him turning to Jesus for help.
Maybe you do not identify with this thief. Perhaps you acknowledge that you are not all you could be, but you don't see yourself as deserving of death and hell, but what you think does not change the facts. The Bible says that "the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither can it be" (Romans 8:7). And "there is no difference: for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:22-23).
Question 3. Have you recognized that you are lost and hopeless to change on your own? Do you see your need for Jesus to save and sanctify you? Please share.
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Earlier, we said that when the Holy Spirit works in our hearts, we come to a correct understanding of not only ourselves as sinners but also of Christ as Savior. Now let’s take note of what this changed thief believed about Jesus.
First, he believed that Jesus was sinless.
Question 4. According to Luke 23:38-43, what did the thief say that evidenced his understanding of Jesus’ sinlessness?
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