Meet Jesus

The Thief on the Cross: When You Think It Is Too Late

A criminal was dying beside Jesus, justly condemned, out of time, with nothing to offer and no chance to make anything right. In his last hour he simply asked Jesus to remember him. Jesus, dying himself, answered, today you will be with me in paradise. No probation, no waiting. That day.

If this is you

If you think you have wasted too much, waited too long, or done too much to be wanted now, this man is your proof otherwise. He had nothing to show and no time left. All he had was a turn of the heart in the last hour, and Jesus counted it as enough.

The story

Two criminals were crucified with Jesus. One mocked him. The other rebuked the first, admitted his own guilt, recognized that Jesus had done nothing wrong, and turned to him with a single plea.

What this shows about Jesus

The thief did nothing to earn it. He could not be baptized, could not turn his life around, could not pay anyone back. He only turned toward Jesus and asked. And Jesus welcomed him immediately and completely. This is the clearest picture in the Gospels that no one is ever too far gone, and it is never too late, as long as there is one breath left to turn.

Frequently asked questions

Who was the thief on the cross?

He was one of two criminals crucified beside Jesus (Luke 23). Unlike the other, he admitted his guilt, recognized Jesus was innocent, and asked Jesus to remember him.

What did Jesus say to the thief on the cross?

Jesus said, 'To day shalt thou be with me in paradise' (Luke 23:43). The man was welcomed immediately, with nothing to offer but a turning of his heart in his final hour.

Does the thief on the cross mean it is never too late?

It is one of the clearest pictures in the Gospels that no one is beyond reach and it is never too late to turn to Jesus. He welcomed a dying man who could do nothing to earn it. Read it in Luke chapter 23.