Luke 23:42
And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Luke 23:42
And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This repentant thief's prayer focuses not on when or how Jesus will rule, but on simply being remembered by Him. He expresses profound faith, believing Jesus is a King even in death and will establish a kingdom, trusting that Jesus' remembrance of him will bring blessing, no matter how distant that future kingdom might be.
Jesus is being crucified between two criminals, and while one joins the crowd in mocking him, the other, in his dying moments, cries out to Jesus, asking to be remembered when Jesus comes into his kingdom. This profound act of faith from a dying thief, recognizing Jesus' kingship even in his shame and death, stands in stark contrast to the scorn of the religious leaders and crowds. It's a powerful moment of desperate hope in the face of utter despair, right before Jesus himself breathes his last.
Imagine being in the worst possible situation, facing death, and yet seeing something no one else does. This thief did just that.
While Jesus hung between two criminals, mocked and scorned, one of them saw beyond the suffering to a future kingdom.
Seeing Beyond the Shame
A Glimpse of Glory
What do you ask for when you have nothing left to lose? This thief's prayer is incredibly humble.
The thief didn't ask for a pardon, a comfortable death, or even immediate entry into paradise. His request was simple yet profound.
Content with Remembrance
A Kingdom Apart
Understand the original words
basileia · Greek Noun
A royal term referring to the sovereign rule or reign of God, which Jesus inaugurated in his ministry and will consummate in his return. It denotes the sphere of God's authority and the blessings of his covenant presence.
This thief's bold request, made in the shadow of crucifixion, shows an astonishing faith in Jesus' identity as King, even when Jesus appeared utterly powerless and defeated.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry in Jerusalem
During his public ministry, Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God in and around Jerusalem, attracting large crowds and facing opposition from religious leaders.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion
Jesus is arrested, tried by Jewish and Roman authorities, and sentenced to crucifixion. This event is the immediate backdrop for the thief's plea.
c. AD 30
The Thief's Plea on the Cross
One of the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus cries out to him, recognizing his kingly authority and asking to be remembered.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Death and Burial
Jesus dies on the cross and is buried in a tomb, fulfilling prophecy and concluding the earthly phase of his ministry.
c. AD 30
Just as the thief acknowledged Jesus' future kingdom, this passage describes God exalting Jesus to a supreme position, ensuring all creation will one day confess His lordship.
1 Corinthians 15:20-23The thief's faith looked forward to Christ's resurrection and kingdom; this passage confirms Christ's resurrection as the 'firstfruits,' guaranteeing the resurrection of those who belong to Him.
John 3:16The thief's desperate plea reflects the 'whosoever believes' principle here, showing that even in his last moments, faith in Jesus grants eternal life.
Matthew 25:31-40The thief asked to be remembered when Jesus comes in His kingdom, and this passage assures us that Jesus will remember and vindicate those who show kindness, even to 'the least of these,' implying He will surely remember a soul in faith.
pooleLuke 23:42: "And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom."
See Poole on "Luke 23:34"
clarkeLuke 23:42: "And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom."
Lord, remember me, etc. - It is worthy of remark, that this man appears to have been the first who believed in the intercession of Christ.
This repentant thief's prayer focuses not on when or how Jesus will rule, but on simply being remembered by Him. He expresses profound faith, believing Jesus is a King even in death and will establish a kingdom, trusting that Jesus' remembrance of him will bring blessing, no matter how distant that future kingdom might be.
Jesus is being crucified between two criminals, and while one joins the crowd in mocking him, the other, in his dying moments, cries out to Jesus, asking to be remembered when Jesus comes into his kingdom. This profound act of faith from a dying thief, recognizing Jesus' kingship even in his shame and death, stands in stark contrast to the scorn of the religious leaders and crowds. It's a powerful moment of desperate hope in the face of utter despair, right before Jesus himself breathes his last.
Jesus is being crucified between two criminals, and while one joins the crowd in mocking him, the other, in his dying moments, cries out to Jesus, asking to be remembered when Jesus comes into his kingdom. This profound act of faith from a dying thief, recognizing Jesus' kingship even in his shame and death, stands in stark contrast to the scorn of the religious leaders and crowds. It's a powerful moment of desperate hope in the face of utter despair, right before Jesus himself breathes his last.
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This thief made history with his prayer. He was the first to call Jesus 'Lord' in a way that truly mattered.
In a moment of ultimate crisis, this thief offered a prayer that echoes through the ages, establishing a precedent for all believers.
A New Title for Jesus
Hope in Despair
The Resurrection of Jesus
Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus is raised from the dead, demonstrating his victory over death and confirming his divine claims.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Post-Resurrection Appearances
Jesus appears to his disciples and others over a period of 40 days, instructing them and preparing them for their mission.
c. AD 33
The Ascension of Jesus
Jesus ascends into heaven, promising his disciples that he will return to establish his kingdom fully.
"And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”" — This repentant thief's prayer focuses not on when or how Jesus will rule, but on simply being remembered by Him. He expresses profound faith, believing Jesus is a King even in death and will es…