(1) The thief who regretted (John 12:6). Oh, the advantages Judas had! Jesus selected him to be an apostle, and his peers trusted him as the treasurer. He observed many of Jesus’ sermons and miracles (Matthew 11:5). Yet it was Judas who betrayed Christ for money. His betrayal turned to regret, but rather than seeking forgiveness, he hanged himself (Matthew 27:3–5). Repentance means more than feeling sorry for a wrong. It is the desire to change and do better (2 Corinthians 7:10).
(2) The thief who was replaced. It was customary to release a prisoner at the Passover. Thus, Pilate offered the crowd either Jesus or Barabbas. They requested the notorious murderer and robber rather than Jesus (Matthew 27:15–16; John 18:40). Barabbas had someone else (Jesus) take his punishment for him. Barabbas could say that Jesus died in his place. Of course, we can say it, too (2 Corinthians 5:20–21).
(3) The thief who rebelled. At first, both thieves crucified spoke against Christ (Matthew 27:41–44), but only one kept on doing it (Luke 23:39). This thief remained impenitent because he forgot God, ignored death at hand, and justly deserved what he was receiving (Luke 23:40–41). He died in a state of rebellion in spite of the rebuke and repentance of the other thief and a Savior close at hand.
(4) The thief who repented. This thief had a change of heart. In his agony, he looked to the Savior and admitted his sinfulness and Jesus’ innocence (Luke 23:40–42). His repentance did not bring escape from death, but it did bring relief and fellowship with Jesus in the next life (v. 43). He did what the Lord wanted him to do, and in that sense, he is an example to us.
All of us are represented by one of these thieves. Have you let Jesus down? Have you allowed Jesus to take your place? Are you rebellious? Have you repented? Which are you?
—Gary Puryear
