Never Too Late: Jesus & The Thief

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Jesus said to him assuredly, I tell you to day you will be with me in paradise. Looke twenty three forty three. Heavenly Father, in the shadow of the Cross, we find profound hope. Our hearts swell with gratitude for the mercy and forgiveness that flow from your throne. Even in our most undeserving moments, we humbly come before you, acknowledging our sins and the countless times we fall short of your glory. With contrite hearts, we ask for your forgiveness, trusting in your endless grace and love. Lord, Let this promise of paradise not just be a place, but a state of being in your presence. For wherever Jesus is, there is paradise. May our lives reflect the depth of our gratitude as we walk in your ways seeking to bring your kingdom here on earth. Help us to hold fast to the hope of eternal life with you, rejoicing in the assurance that we are forever yours in Jesus' name. Amen, thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast Epic Stories, created to awaken your imagination and inspire your faith. Stick around to hear another story inspired by the Gospel, where a worthless thief finds forgiveness and paradise in his final moments. If this podcast has brought value to your faith, we'd love it if you left a review and shared it with a friend. We want the story of Jesus to be known throughout the world, because when Jesus' story is told, lives are transformed. 00:02:05 Speaker 2: Justice Endemus. The crimes brought against you, our grave. You've stolen jewels from Caesar's war chest. You've robbed his royal guard of supplies, murdered his subjects, and attempted to conceal your crimes by sowing conspiracy among his servants. The wit of your crimes are severe. A quick death would be too merciful for you. 00:02:31 Speaker 1: Dismus could barely keep himself standing. His niece shook with shame and fear. Tears streamed down his beaten and bruised face. Gustus, however, was far less remersal. He spat on the floor. 00:02:49 Speaker 3: And growled, it don't come close to what Caesar has stolen from us. 00:02:53 Speaker 1: Pilot leaned over his desk and pounded his fist. 00:02:57 Speaker 2: Your punishment is execution by crucifer, a fitting fate for worthless men. 00:03:03 Speaker 1: Dismus gasped. Pilot's words were a ton of bricks laid on his chest. His heart sank and his mind raced with regret. He wasn't a hardened and spiteful man like Guestus. He had fallen into the wrong company, made poor judgments, and spiraled into a life of sin. He would have never sought this life out for himself. But people rarely plan to be murderous, thieves and criminals. Even still, perhaps the pain of crucifixion would be less severe than living with his guilt. 00:03:47 Speaker 3: And an, I, please forgive me. 00:03:51 Speaker 2: There is no God where you are going. 00:03:54 Speaker 1: Pilot jabbed with an impassive, callous tone. 00:03:57 Speaker 2: You would be taken to Calvary, the place you people call gold Gotha, where dogs nosh at your ankles and crows peck at your eyes. Pray all you'd like, But only one god rules that mountain, and his name is Caesar, the one you robbed. 00:04:17 Speaker 1: Suddenly there was a knock on the door. A servant entered and bowed. 00:04:22 Speaker 3: Lord Pilate. Jesus of Nazareth has returned from Herod palace. Shall I bring him in? 00:04:28 Speaker 2: Yes, but first get these ingrads out of my sight. Strapped the crosses to their. 00:04:34 Speaker 1: Backs, Dismus and Guestus were dragged by their beards outside. As Dismus was leaving, he caught a glimpse of Jesus, even in the face of judgment. His eyes were relentless and then yielding. Dismus had heard Jesus preach many times. The words spoken by the shore still reverberated in his mind. He ignored those calls for repentance. He spat at the idea of the Messiah being a weak and lonely carpenter from Nazareth. Yet in this brief space in time, Dismus didn't see a humble carpenter. The moment was interrupted by Guestus irreverent curses. 00:05:21 Speaker 3: There's the man who claimed to be the Messiah. He spat on the ground and continued, some Messiah Rome is still in power. Then our people are still oppressed. Nothing's changed. You fail, Jesus, We've all failed. 00:05:36 Speaker 1: The guard struck Guestus on the jaw to shut him up. Dis must look back and watched Jesus enter the court of Pilate with his head held high. 00:05:48 Speaker 4: Who do you say, Jesus is How we answer this question is a decision of life and death, Paul tells us in Romans three twenty three, for all have sent and fallen short of the glory of God. In six twenty three, he says, the wages of sin is death. On our own. We will face the penalty of death for our transgressions. But if we know Jesus to be the savior sent from heaven, we can find hope and freedom from sin and the promise of eternal life. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast, your story showcasing the depth of Christ's love and the glory of God's truth. I'm Zach, your host from pray dot Com. After his trials before Ponscious Pilot inherit, it was finally time for Jesus to be punished, though unfairly, with no real crimes to convict him for. The people's anger was enough for Pilot to condemn Jesus to death on the cross. Crucifixion was Roman's evidence that they had mastered the craft of torture. Jesus was beaten, spat upon, and then strapped to a wooden beam. He was sent to carry this burden too the place of his execution, where he would be hoisted up just high enough for the spectators to see him, but not so high that he didn't look into the very eyes of those who were mocking him. For years, he had only poured out love and tender care for the life herting in the broken he preached peace and lived a life that modeled it. A man without faults now hung in shame to die the death of a sinner. While the Jews may have thought they finally got the best of Jesus, we know Jesus wasn't forced into this moment, as he obeyed his heavenly father. Jesus willingly hung on the cross to fulfill the word of God and accomplish his incredible plan to save the world. And although Jesus was righteous dying a sinner's death, he was beside two thieves, two people who deserved to die, two people who represent two different postures when faced with the savior of the world. 00:07:40 Speaker 3: Don't let these dogs say you, cried, Demis. 00:07:43 Speaker 1: They won't yet break Guestas struggled against the leather straps binding him to the cross. The two men marched up the jagged path leading to the mountain called Skull. The splintered crosses were secured to their backs, digging into their skin. Guestas shouted at the soldiers, cursing them, and Caesar. Dismiss, however, remained silent. His tears fell upon the rocks below. They were tears of pain and regret. He knew that this was precisely what he deserved. He had lived a worthless life, lurking on the roadside to rob Roman merchants, lenders, and officials. He became a violent and spiteful man, but he knew innocent people were hurt in his way. The screams of children and helpless women still echoed in his mind. Oh it is what I deserve. 00:08:48 Speaker 3: No forgiveness, no hope. 00:08:53 Speaker 1: He was angry at himself. He hated who he had become. He cursed under his breath and gritted his teeth. 00:09:01 Speaker 3: Blast it all, that's the. 00:09:04 Speaker 1: Spirit, Guestus cheered. The thieves were brought to the summit, where storm clouds swirled violently like birds of prey. The soldiers held Dismus down to the cross, stretching his limbs with a rope. They took metal spikes and placed them on his wrists and ankles. Dismus looked away, but one of the soldiers turned his head, forcing him to watch. The soldier struck the stakes with hammers, driving them deep into his flesh. Dismus screamed in agonizing pain. 00:09:46 Speaker 2: Bad, Oh God, Oh God, make it stop. 00:09:51 Speaker 3: Now, God's are. 00:09:52 Speaker 1: The guards replied. They raised the cross, shifting all of dismus body weight onto his punctured wrists and ankles. He couldn't breathe unless he pushed himself up, causing even more pain to shoot through his body. 00:10:09 Speaker 3: My Gord's judgment be upon you, roaman. 00:10:12 Speaker 1: Dogs, Gustus shouted, spitting blood from his mouth. He held his head back and thrashed against the pain. 00:10:21 Speaker 3: It should be you hanging nothing no Us. 00:10:24 Speaker 1: Dismus listened quietly. He didn't share Guesta's spite. All his hatred was turned inwards. Each jolt of pain was a reminder of his sins. He prayed earnestly for a quick death, although he knew it wouldn't come. Hours passed and the storm above swirled violently. Dismus quivered from dehydration and blood loss, but each time he tried giving up, the pain would wake him up again. The Romans were indeed masters in the craft of torture. Dismus looked down the hill. A mob had formed on each side. A mob had formed on each side of the path, shouting and cursing at a figure marching up the hill. The man had been so severely scourged that Dismus could barely see his face, But as he came closer, Dismus could see it was Jesus of Nazareth. His beard had been partially torn, and a crown of thorns dug into his skull, causing blood to cover what was left of his face. He reached the summit with thousands of scoffers and mourners behind him. They took large metal stakes in hand and drove them into his wrists and feet. He cried out in pain, and everyone watching winced at the sight of it. Slowly and painfully, Jesus was then raised for all to see between Dismus and Guestus. The name carved into the wood below him was King of the Jews, a king suspended between two criminals. As he hung between heaven and earth, his enemies gathered below, reveling in his suffering. 00:12:41 Speaker 2: He saved others, Let him save himself. 00:12:47 Speaker 1: They spat, Guestus joined them in laughter. Their words were venomous, meant to mock and ridicule, yet Jesus love for them remained steadfast. With labored breath, he whispered a tender prayer to the Creator. 00:13:06 Speaker 3: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they're doing. 00:13:12 Speaker 1: Those words whispered to God reached the ears of Dismus. He looked over at Jesus in awe. This man, scarred by the hatred of these people, prayed for their forgiveness. That was at this moment Dismus saw Jesus for who he truly was. Jesus was no mere carpenter. He was exactly who he claimed to be, the Messiah, and if he could forgive the people crucifying him, perhaps Dismus could also receive forgiveness. The moment of revelation was interrupted by Guestus, with blood dripping from his chin. He spat and yelled, come on, now, if. 00:14:08 Speaker 3: You're a messiah, why don't you get yourself down from here and save us while you're ready. Some messiah you are. 00:14:17 Speaker 1: Dismus shook his head and. 00:14:18 Speaker 3: Shouted, don't you fear God at all? 00:14:21 Speaker 1: His breath labored and painful guest has ceased his mockery and listened. Dismus knew he deserved punishment for his crimes, but Jesus had done nothing wrong. 00:14:34 Speaker 3: We are receiving just as our sins. But this man has done nothing wrong. 00:14:39 Speaker 1: His jaw quivered and his voice nearly failed as he begged Jesus for forgiveness. He thought about Jesus' words again, repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Perhaps it was closer now than ever for Dismus. 00:15:00 Speaker 3: Jesus, I know I'm getting what I deserve. Please remember me when you enter your kingdom. 00:15:09 Speaker 1: Dismusbelieved in the Kingdom of Heaven. He knew that Jesus somehow could still grant him salvation. The brief and warm smile grace jesus cheeks. He encouraged Dismus and said, truly. 00:15:28 Speaker 3: My friend, today you will be with me in paradise. 00:15:34 Speaker 1: The words washed over Dismus like rain to a scorched earth, tears of thankful joy mixed with the blood and dirt below his cross. He continued hanging there for hours, with the joy and hope of paradise getting him through the pain. Dismus died on that cross, but not before he heard the Messiah yell to the heavens. 00:16:06 Speaker 3: Itt is finished. 00:16:10 Speaker 1: This misclosed his eyes and said goodbye to his former self. When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer hanging beside Jesus on the cross, but beholding him on a throne of judgment and grace. 00:16:38 Speaker 4: On the day of his crucifixion, Jesus didn't hang alone. Two men, murderous criminals facing judgment for their crimes, hung on his left in his right. While these men could relate to Jesus in their present circumstances, they certainly didn't live a life like Jesus. But in his final moments of life, one of these men would learn that it's never too late to turn your life around. Though he may have allowed himself to fall into a life of corruption, he made the choice that mattered most, the choice to turn to Jesus, and just a few short verses, the story of the robber on the cross next to Jesus is a beautiful presentation of the Gospel. Do you know what the word gospel means? It means good news. But good news is only good in comparison to bad news. The bad news is in this case that sin is deserving of death, and we've all sinned against God in ways both big and small. We've done, said and thought things that go against the character of God and have created a distance between He and us. We've missed the mark. We've strayed from God, and a life apart from the giver of life can only mean death. And the Gospel accounts we learned that both the thieves had initially joined in with the spectators in mocking Jesus, but in watching an innocent man in the same agony he was experiencing, he knew that his fate was completely deserved. The Gospel requires us to admit our sins and understand the price that must be paid for them, but we don't have to allow sin to be the final say over our lives. Jesus's ministry was centered around calling sinners to repentance, calling the outcast to be close to God. No matter how far you've turned, no matter how far you've run, Jesus is just a step away, and the thief who finds himself next to Jesus shows us what that looks like. As he rebukes his fellow convict. He physically demonstrates repentance. He speaks one final time to the man that represented his life of sin, but this time with the fear of God in his heart, a deep conviction that his life needed a change, even if it was in its final moments. The events of the story matter. First, this man turns to his companion, who is suffering for his sins, and then he turns to Jesus. You see, repentance requires that we look at our sin first and then Jesus second. First, we have to acknowledge that we have lived a life of sin, and that, apart from Jesus's righteousness, we are filthy before God, unworthy of his blessing. But we can turn from our sins and then look to Jesus and ask for forgiveness. That's what this man on the cross does. He turns to his sin, he acknowledges it, and acknowledges that he deserves to die. But then he turns to Jesus and begs for forgiveness. When we turn to Jesus, returning to the one who can take away our sins and give us new life, this is the heart of the gospel, the good news that Jesus came to bring. Even in the face of death, there is new life in Jesus when we invite him into our lives. The humility of the robber and his action is admirable. All he asks is that Jesus would remember him when he came into his kingdom. No demand for salvation, no strong arming for grace, just a small request that sought out to be a morsel of mercy. But Jesus, seeing the man's heart of genuine repentance, offers him something greater than he even asked. He wouldn't just be remembered by Jesus in his kingdom, he would join Jesus in eternity. The same invitation is made available to anyone who calls upon the name of Jesus. Dismus knew he deserved the fate of execution, the punishment fit the crime. But the gospel that he now clings to in his final moments is scandalous that the punishment indeed fits the crime. But Jesus took the punishment on our behalf. Isaiah fifty three five says, but he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we were healed. No one deserves it, but everyone can receive it. The brutality of the cross was selected method for God's beautiful plan of redemption. Though death ruled the day on his hill called Skull, Jesus would reign in heaven forever as he crushed the head of the serpent of old and redeemed mankind. The day Jesus died on the cross has become known as Good Friday. A day of pain and agony, torture and mockery, but it preceded something glorious, resurrection into eternal life. That was something that dismiss got to enjoy, and it's something that you and I get to enjoy if we turn to our sin acknowledge it, but then turn to Jesus and asks if he remembers us, considers us, forgives us, and gives us new life. The Gospel is messy because life is messy, but it's beautiful, just as life is beautiful. And guess what, it's never too late to turn to Jesus. Wherever you find yourself in life. Now you can call upon his name and he will answer you.