And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This repentant thief saw Jesus not just as a dying man, but as the King who would return in glory. He asks to be remembered "in" his kingdom, not just when he enters it, pointing to a profound faith that the suffering Jesus would reign supreme. This humble plea reveals a deeper understanding of Christ's kingship than many of his own disciples grasped at that moment.
And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Hanging on crosses beside Jesus, two criminals initially joined the crowd in mocking Him, but one had a sudden, profound change of heart. This moment captures the desperate plea of a dying man who, even in his final hour, recognized Jesus as King and believed He would establish a kingdom, asking only to be remembered when that day came. This extraordinary faith stands in stark contrast to the disbelief all around, offering a glimmer of hope and a radical perspective on who Jesus truly is amidst His suffering.
Imagine the scene: Jesus is dying, stripped of everything, mocked by the crowds and even the other criminal beside him. Yet, one man's eyes see beyond the suffering.
This thief's request isn't casual; it's a profound declaration of faith in the face of death and despair.
Seeing the King
While others saw a defeated man, this criminal saw Jesus as King. He recognized Jesus' true identity, even when his own disciples had faltered and fled. His words, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,' show an astonishing belief that Jesus' kingdom was real and that Jesus would, in fact, establish it.
Trust in the Dying King
His faith was radical because it trusted in a King who was currently dying. He didn't ask for a miracle to save him from the cross, but for remembrance within the future kingdom. This shows a deep understanding that Jesus' power wasn't diminished by his current suffering, but that he was the source of salvation and eternal life.
What do you ask for when you know your life is ending? This thief's request is incredibly simple, yet deeply significant.
The thief didn't ask for wealth, status, or even immediate release. His plea was for something far more precious: not to be forgotten by Jesus in his eternal kingdom.
The Essence of Remembrance
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'Remember me' isn't just about recalling a name. In biblical terms, it signifies active favor, inclusion, and care. He's asking Jesus to acknowledge him, to grant him a place, and to bestow upon him the blessings of his kingdom.
Contentment in God's Plan
This prayer highlights a beautiful humility. He trusts Jesus implicitly, asking only for inclusion. He leaves the details of his place and future entirely in Jesus' hands, demonstrating a complete surrender to God's sovereign plan.
History is filled with firsts – the first to fly, the first to climb Everest. But who was the first to truly grasp Jesus as King?
This repentant thief holds a unique place in the New Testament narrative. He exemplifies a faith that went beyond even Jesus' closest followers at that moment.
A Higher Understanding
Many scholars note that some ancient texts render the thief's words as 'Jesus, remember me in your kingdom' rather than 'into.' This distinction suggests he understood Jesus' reign wasn't just a future event, but a present reality of divine authority he could access even in death.
A Lesson for All
His faith stands as a powerful testament that genuine repentance and belief can come at any time, even in the last moments of life. It shows that God's grace is available to those who turn to Him, offering hope and demonstrating that no one is beyond His reach. This thief's confession was the first public acknowledgment of Jesus' kingship amidst His greatest humiliation.
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.
The thief's confession of Jesus as King, even in His suffering, highlights a profound understanding of the spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom, distinct from earthly power, which even many of Jesus' disciples struggled to grasp at the time.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry and Teaching
During his public ministry, Jesus preached about the Kingdom of God, attracting large crowds and a diverse group of followers, including disciples and, at times, those on the fringes of society.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion
Jesus was arrested, tried by Jewish and Roman authorities, and ultimately condemned to be crucified outside Jerusalem. This event occurred during the Passover festival.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus with Two Malefactors
Jesus was crucified between two criminals, a common Roman punishment for heinous crimes. This shared suffering and public spectacle set the stage for the thief's remarkable confession.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Prayer for His Executioners
While on the cross, Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." This act of profound mercy may have influenced the other thief.
c. AD 30-33
The Thief's Plea to Jesus
One of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus, witnessing the events and perhaps Jesus' prayer, turned to Him with the request, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Promise to the Penitent Thief
Jesus responded to the thief's plea with the assurance, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise." This was a powerful affirmation of faith and forgiveness at the point of death.
This Psalm speaks of God's steadfast love enduring forever, which echoes the thief's plea for remembrance, implying a hope for God's enduring mercy even beyond death.
Matthew 25:34-40Jesus speaks of welcoming the righteous into his kingdom, fulfilling the thief's hope that Jesus, as King, would remember and include those who turn to Him.
Philippians 3:20-21This passage describes our citizenship being in heaven and Christ's power to transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body, reflecting the thief's belief in Christ's future kingdom and resurrection power.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57This passage highlights the ultimate victory over death through Christ's resurrection, assuring believers that even in death, God provides the victory and remembrance, aligning with the thief's prayer in the face of his own mortality.
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 saw Jesus not just as a dying man, but as the King who would return in glory. He asks to be remembered "in" his kingdom, not just when he enters it, pointing to a profound faith that the suffering Jesus would reign supreme. This humble plea reveals a deeper understanding of Christ's kingship than many of his own disciples grasped at that moment.
Hanging on crosses beside Jesus, two criminals initially joined the crowd in mocking Him, but one had a sudden, profound change of heart. This moment captures the desperate plea of a dying man who, even in his final hour, recognized Jesus as King and believed He would establish a kingdom, asking only to be remembered when that day came. This extraordinary faith stands in stark contrast to the disbelief all around, offering a glimmer of hope and a radical perspective on who Jesus truly is amidst His suffering.
Hanging on crosses beside Jesus, two criminals initially joined the crowd in mocking Him, but one had a sudden, profound change of heart. This moment captures the desperate plea of a dying man who, even in his final hour, recognized Jesus as King and believed He would establish a kingdom, asking only to be remembered when that day came. This extraordinary faith stands in stark contrast to the disbelief all around, offering a glimmer of hope and a radical perspective on who Jesus truly is amidst His suffering.
"And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”" — This repentant thief saw Jesus not just as a dying man, but as the King who would return in glory. He asks to be remembered "in" his kingdom, not just when he enters it, pointing to a profound faith…
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Last reviewed October 2026