“And he was saying, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come into Your
kingdom!’ And He said to him, ‘Truly I say to you, today you will be
with Me in Paradise.’” Luke 23:42–43
He had wasted his life.
The man was condemned—a thief, likely violent, certainly guilty. Crucifixion was Rome’s sentence for the worst of the worst. And this man was nailed beside Jesus, breathing his final breaths.
He had no time left to make things right. No opportunity to change his reputation, repair broken relationships, or prove his sincerity. His choices had led him to the cross. And yet… he looked at Jesus. He believed.
While others mocked, this dying thief recognized the innocent One beside him. “This Man has done nothing wrong,” he said (Luke 23:41). He saw what the crowds missed. And in that final hour, he did what many never do—he humbled himself.
“Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
It wasn’t a perfect prayer. It wasn’t eloquent. But it was real. It was full of faith.
And Jesus answered—not with rebuke, not with conditions, but with grace: “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
It’s never too late to finish well.
This thief will never be remembered for a life of fruitfulness. But he will forever be remembered for a death of faith. And Jesus Himself gave him that honor.
The grace of God isn’t just for the faithful and fruitful. It’s for the desperate. The last-minute. The least expected.
Some finish with years of righteous legacy. Some, like this man, finish in a moment of surrender. And both are welcomed into Paradise—because the One who saves is faithful.
If you feel like it’s too late, take heart. If you feel like too much of your life has been wasted, look again at the One on the middle cross. He still hears. He still saves. And if you turn to Him—even now—you can finish well.
Not because of what you’ve done.
But because of who He is.
Further Reading
Luke 23:43 — “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Romans 10:13 — “Whoever will call on the name of the LORD will be saved.”
Ephesians 2:8–9 — “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Reflection Questions
1. Are you holding onto guilt or shame that keeps you from believing Jesus could still receive you?
2. What does this thief’s story teach you about the nature of grace?
3. Who in your life needs to hear that it’s not too late?
Suggested Prayer\
Jesus, thank You that it’s never too late. Thank You that grace isn’t earned but given. I turn to You again—whether for the first time or the thousandth. Let me finish with faith in You, and enter Your presence in peace.
This devotional is excerpted from Full of Sap and Very Green by D.C. Robertsson.
