6 Lessons to Learn from the Crucified Thieves

6 Lessons to Learn from the Crucified Thieves

1. We all deserve eternal death – Like Arrogant and Humble, every person who has ever lived is a sinner.

None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks God. (Romans 3:10-11 ESV)

No matter how society judges the severity of our sin, compared to the holiness of God, we are all violent, hardened criminals. Our sin has earned the death penalty.

For the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23 a ESV)

2. We can do nothing to save ourselves – The humble thief was securely nailed to a cross. He could do nothing. He could not walk down the aisle or be baptized or join the church or perform good works. All he could do was receive Jesus’ gift of eternal life. Humble came with empty hands and a repentant and believing heart.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)

3. Jesus died for every sinner – The two criminals represent the worst of humanity. These evil men violently took what they wanted. No one, no matter how grievous their sin, is beyond the grace of Jesus. He willingly suffered the most brutal of deaths so He could cover the most heinous of sins.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NIV)

4. Only Jesus can save – The arrogant thief mockingly asked Jesus to prove His kingship by saving Himself and the two thieves (Luke 23:39). Jesus could have easily summoned angels to come to His aid (Matthew 26:53-54). But in saving Himself, humanity would have no hope for eternity. Only by staying on the cross could Jesus provide salvation. He was the perfect substitute sacrifice. His death paid our sin debt. That’s why Jesus is the only way of salvation.

And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12 ESV)

5. Neutrality is not an option – There are only two eternal destinations – life with Jesus in heaven or eternal judgment in hell. We cannot sit on the fence. Failing to choose Jesus is choosing to reject Him. Everyone will choose. And that choice directs our eternity. The humble thief chose Jesus and life. The arrogant thief rejected Jesus, thus choosing eternal condemnation.

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. (John 3:18 NIV)

6. Jesus receives humble belief – The humble thief acknowledged his sin. He believed the testimony about Jesus. Jesus was “the King of the Jews” (Luke 23:38), the long-expected Messiah. Humble knew that Jesus’ kingdom was spiritual and eternal, not of this world (John 18:36). And Humble trusted Jesus with his eternity.

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. (Luke 23:42 ESV)

Jesus confirmed Humble’s hope.

Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43 ESV)

Arrogant and Humble lived similar lives on this earth, but their eternal lives are very different. Even now they are experiencing the results of their last choice. Arrogant rejected Jesus, thus choosing eternal condemnation. Humble believed in Jesus and received eternal life. Their choice is every person’s choice. What will you do with Jesus? (For more on this eternal choice, see “How to Know Jesus”)