From foe to follower ∙∙

From foe to follower ∙∙

The thieves who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words. – Matthew 27:44

Luke 23:39-41

 39 One of the thieves who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!”

 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?”

 41 “And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”

Shifting Perspectives: The Power of Transformation

How can we alter our perspectives? What is needed to change our beliefs? Our perspectives are not static; they are subject to change. We can let go of even our most deeply-held views. In fact, opposition can transform into acceptance.

The Nature of Belief and Change

For years, studies on confirmation bias have shown that we tend to recognize and remember information that aligns with our pre-existing beliefs. This tendency reinforces our views, making them feel unchangeable. However, while we may hold tightly to our perspectives, they are not always fixed.

Often, we justify situations in which we feel trapped, not just by adapting to them, but by changing our mindset. As Claudia Hammond notes, we subconsciously seek reasons to convince ourselves that a particular stance or viewpoint is acceptable.  

Perspective Transformation at the Crucifixion

Imagine the scene at the crucifixion. A crowd gathers, filled with smug satisfaction, gloating, and hurling insults at the Lord Jesus Christ. The soldiers gamble for His clothes, casting dice to divide them, fulfilling the prophecy of Psalms 22:18. The air is thick with denial, animosity, and hatred.

During these moments, people o scream in anguish, cry out in overwhelming pain, or lash out at their tormentors. Words full of anger, hatred, or despair fill the air. Some may curse God in their pain, while others might desperately beg for mercy in their last moments.

But the Lord Jesus Christ responds in a way that defies all human expectations. He does not cry out for rescue or revenge. Instead, He prays, not for Himself, but for others. His focus remains on the needs of those around Him, including those who are tormenting Him.

A Prayer of Forgiveness

In the midst of unimaginable pain and suffering, Jesus prays for mercy and forgiveness for His enemies. He recognizes their ignorance and pleads with the Father on their behalf, Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”

This act of selfless love and grace profoundly demonstrates the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.

The Thief’s Transformation

Among the onlookers and scoffers, one thief crucified alongside Jesus begins to insult Him. However, something miraculous happens. The other thief, who had also been mocking Jesus, suddenly stops, and his heart is transformed. Luke records his amazing words, Luke 23:40-41: “But the other answered, and rebuking him said, ‘Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’”

In an instant, the thief shifts from being an accuser to a defender, from a skeptic to a believer, from a foe to a follower. He recognizes his own guilt and acknowledges the innocence of Jesus. What caused this sudden change?

The Power of Christ’s Love

The love and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ sparked the thief’s transformation. Even in His final moments, Jesus displayed a calm, noble demeanor, focused on the salvation of others. His prayer for forgiveness and His divine presence opened the thief’s eyes to the truth: Jesus was not an ordinary man. He was the Messiah, the Son of God.

The thief’s newfound faith led him to reach out to Jesus in repentance and hope. He boldly requests in Luke 23:42, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!”

Faith That Saves

The thief had no opportunity to carry out good deeds or demonstrate his faith through actions. However, his faith was sufficient. Faith is the response of the human heart to the truth we recognize. The thief acknowledged and believed that Jesus was the Messiah, and in that moment, he entrusted his future destiny to the Savior.

As Geldenhuys explains, “Undoubtedly, Jesus’ prayer that the Father should forgive His enemies had made a tremendous impression on this man. Observing Jesus’ demeanor and personality, he realized that He was no ordinary man but the Holy One. Faith was born in his heart.”

A Lesson in Perspective

The story of the thief serves as a reminder that transformation is always possible. Even in our darkest moments, God’s grace can open our eyes and change our hearts. It’s never too late to turn to Him in faith and repentance.

REFLECT & PRAY

Are there beliefs or perspectives in your life that need to change? Is it possible to open your heart to the truth of God’s love and grace? Consider the words of Job, Job 42:5-6: “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore, I retract, and I repent in dust and ashes.”

Father, encourage and strengthen me to accept Your truth. Remove my stubborn heart and the erroneous beliefs it harbors. Help me to see You clearly and to trust in Your love and guidance. I want to be Your servant.

INSIGHT

The Thief’s Faith: Small but Sufficient

The thief’s faith was limited. Some might even call it inadequate by human standards. Yet, as small as it was, it was enough. Faith the size of a mustard seed is all it takes to move mountains, and, in this case, to secure eternal salvation.

A Faith Rooted in the Promise of the Kingdom

What was the thief thinking in those final moments? His thoughts were likely influenced by the promises of the coming King and the kingdom of God described in the Old Testament. For centuries, the Jewish people had been awaiting the Messiah, who would establish His kingdom.

Now, as he hung on the cross beside Jesus, the thief confidently believed that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah. He recognized Jesus as the King of the Jews and longed to be part of His coming kingdom.

A Promise of Paradise

The Lord Jesus Christ, in His infinite grace, responded to the thief’s faith with words of reassurance and promise, Luke 23:43, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

The Lord Jesus Christ assured the thief that he would join Him in paradise that very day, not just in some distant future. As Geldenhuys explains, “He will not only remember him one day at His second coming but that he would, on that very day, be with Him in paradise and would partake with Him in the heavenly joy as a redeemed one.”

What Is Paradise?

Paradise is a term that describes the unseen realm where the righteous dead reside after death. It is a place of peace, joy, and rest for those who have trusted in God. In the gospel of Luke, it is called the Bosom of Abraham.

The descriptor Abraham’s Bosom suggests a sense of closeness to the patriarch Abraham. It is a place where the faithful, like Abraham, the father of the faithful, wait for their final destination in the presence of the Father. Jesus states in Luke 16:22, “Now the poor man [Lazarus] died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom.”

Paradise is not the final destination but a temporary dwelling for the righteous until the full realization of God’s kingdom. It is a place of comfort and fellowship, where believers are united in the hope of eternal life.

The Savior of Souls

Who else but the Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God, could save someone from the depths of hell? The thief’s transformation and salvation on the cross stand as a testament to the power of Jesus’ grace and mercy.

In his final moments, the thief recognized Jesus for who He truly was, the Savior of the world. His faith, though small, was genuine. He placed his trust in Jesus, and that trust was enough to secure his place in paradise.

A Lesson in Grace

The story of the thief on the cross reminds us that salvation is not about the quantity of our faith or the works we perform. It is about the object of our faith, the Lord Jesus Christ. Even the smallest amount of faith, when placed in Him, is sufficient for salvation. This is the essence of grace: unearned, undeserved, and freely given by the Savior.

The thief’s story is a powerful reminder that no heart is too hardened for God’s grace. Transformation begins when we open ourselves to His truth and respond in faith. It is never too late to turn to Jesus. His grace is sufficient, His promises are sure, and His love is boundless. Even in our weakest moments, He is ready to welcome us into His kingdom.

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© Dr. H 2025