Grace and Works: The Two Thieves at the Cross

The central theme of the Scriptures is how God extends grace to mankind by coming into the world as a man—so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. This is a recurring message throughout the Bible. The captivity and deliverance of the nation of Israel is a type and shadow of grace and works. The story of Jacob and Esau also represents a type and shadow of grace and works. There are many more stories in the Old Testament that convey the same theme. As I continue to learn, I will share more.

The Two Thieves

Luke 23:32–43 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

At arguably the worst moment of God’s human experience, His character still shined. Two guilty thieves were crucified next to the Lord.

Observation 1: Both Were Guilty

The Scriptures don’t provide much background on the two thieves, except the fact that they were crucified. One of them, however, acknowledged their guilt:

Luke 23:41"We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve."

Scripture is clear: all humans have sinned—both inherently and directly. The very moment you think you don’t actively sin is often the moment pride has set in. And pride—whether loud or subtle—is still sin.

Jesus set a standard of righteousness that is impossible to meet through human effort alone. For example:

Matthew 5:28 (NIV)
"But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

We are the thieves.

• Romans 3:23 (NIV) "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
  
• Ecclesiastes 7:20 (NIV) "Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins."
  
• Psalm 51:5 (NIV) "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me."
  
• 1 John 1:8 (NIV) "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us."
   

  Observation 2: One Thief Mocked Jesus

  Luke 23:39 (NIV) "One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: 'Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!'"

That thief was probably in extreme pain. But rather than focusing inwardly on his condition, he chose to mock Jesus. Interestingly, even in his mockery, he seems to acknowledge something unique about Jesus by asking Him to save both Himself and them.

We see this today. Nearly all of humanity believes a man named Jesus lived over 2,000 years ago and that He was revolutionary. But that’s where many stop. As believers, we know He is far more than a historical figure. He is the Creator of the universe. He is God.

 Observation 3: The Other Thief Believed

The second thief acknowledged his own guilt and recognized Jesus’ innocence. More importantly, he displayed faith in Jesus’ identity and kingdom. While we’re not entirely sure if he explicitly recognized Jesus as God, his words—“Don’t you fear God?”—imply a reverence and a belief in something beyond that moment.

He had enough faith to believe that there was a kingdom after that crucifixion.

Jesus Rewarded His Faith

Luke 23:42–43Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

As I said at the beginning, this is the theme of the Scriptures. It is the only theme of the Christian faith. Nothing can be earned from God. The very idea that we can earn something from the Almighty is an insult to His character. All we must do is believe.

Jesus spoke frequently about faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him.

These were two thieves who had spent their lives living in sin and hurting others. But in the final moments of their lives, one believed—and the other did not.

It’s not a question of earning salvation.
It’s not a question of deserving it.
It’s not a question of fairness.

Those are irrelevant.

There is only one question:

Do you believe in Jesus—or not?