A Criminal’s Final Hours
Hanging on a cross beside Jesus was a condemned criminal facing certain death. He couldn’t undo his past. He couldn’t make amends for his crimes. He had no time for religious rituals or good works. Yet in his final hours, everything changed.
Notice what he didn’t ask for. Unlike the criminal on the other side who demanded, “Save yourself and us,” this man didn’t ask to be taken off the cross. He knew he was going to die. Instead, he asked for something far greater: “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Recognizing the King
Even while Jesus hung dying, this criminal recognized Him as King. He saw past the crown of thorns to the crown of glory. He looked beyond the wooden cross to the eternal throne. His statement was an act of faith that defied his circumstances.
Jesus responded with one of the most beautiful promises in Scripture: “Today you will be with me in paradise.”
Not someday. Not after years of penance. Not after proving himself worthy. Today.
A Transformation in Hours
Consider this man’s incredible journey:
- Morning: A condemned criminal with no hope
- Afternoon: A forgiven soul with a promise from the King
- Evening: A resident of paradise
This proves something powerful: It is never, ever too late to change your heart and change your allegiance.
The Power of “Today”
Jesus didn’t say, “Eventually you’ll be with me” or “If you’re good enough, maybe.” He said “today”—immediate, certain, unconditional acceptance based on faith, not works.
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we’ve witnessed countless “today” moments—people who thought they’d gone too far, waited too long, or messed up too badly discovering that God’s mercy is always available.
Your “Today” Moment
Maybe you’re reading this thinking:
- “I’ve made too many mistakes”
- “God could never forgive what I’ve done”
- “I’ve wasted too much time”
- “It’s too late for me”
The thief on the cross proves otherwise. His past didn’t disqualify him. His lack of time didn’t matter. His inability to make things right wasn’t an obstacle. What mattered was his humble heart and his faith in Jesus as King.
Be the Change
At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission is to be the change as Jesus has changed us. We live this through “Just 3”:
Study – Like the thief who listened to Jesus’ words and recognized truth, we study to love and know God more deeply.
Share – We share the good news that it’s never too late, knowing and loving others by pointing them to the King.
Serve – We serve as love in action, grateful for the grace we’ve received.
Don’t Wait
The thief on the cross teaches us that transformation can happen in a moment, but we shouldn’t presume on tomorrow. He had hours left; you might have decades. But none of us knows our timeline with certainty.
If you’ve been putting off surrendering to Jesus, today is your day. If you’ve been running from God, stop running. If you’ve been carrying guilt and shame, lay it down at the cross.
Jesus is still saying “today” to anyone who calls on His name with a humble heart.
The criminal couldn’t climb down from his cross, but he could turn his heart toward the King. You can do the same right now, wherever you are. Acknowledge your need, recognize Jesus as Lord, and ask Him to remember you.
Hope for Every Heart
This story offers hope to:
- The prodigal who thinks they’ve wandered too far
- The broken who believe they’re beyond repair
- The guilty who can’t forgive themselves
- The skeptic who’s finally ready to believe
- The religious who’ve been going through motions without real relationship
It’s never too late to experience the transforming power of Jesus’ love.
