Luke 23:42-43
And he said, “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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This thief's request wasn't just a simple "remember me," but an astonished recognition of Jesus' kingship, even in apparent defeat. He boldly calls Jesus "Lord" when even the disciples had abandoned him, seeing the King in the midst of suffering and mockery.
Jesus is hanging on the cross, mocked by the crowds, the soldiers, and even the other criminals crucified alongside Him. While one thief joins the chorus of scorn, the other suddenly turns to Jesus, recognizing Him not just as a suffering man, but as a King. He asks Jesus to remember him when that Kingly reign finally arrives.
This dying thief, hanging next to Jesus, makes one of the most astonishing requests in the Bible. What does his simple plea reveal about his understanding of Jesus?
This man, in his final moments, doesn't just see a suffering criminal beside him. He sees a King. His request, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom," is packed with faith:
He doesn't ask for riches, power, or even an immediate escape. What does his specific, humble request tell us about what truly matters?
The thief's prayer is remarkably simple and profound. He doesn't demand a specific place or role in Jesus' kingdom. His plea is one of:
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.
paradeisos · Greek Noun
A term of Persian origin used in the New Testament to describe the abode of the blessed dead, representing the presence of God and the state of eternal joy and rest for believers immediately following death.
The desperate plea of the dying thief, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,' is profound because it happened during Jesus' own agonizing crucifixion. It shows a radical faith recognizing Jesus' kingship amidst utter shame and suffering, a stark contrast to the mockery from soldiers and leaders.
c. AD 30— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified between two criminals outside Jerusalem, an event of immense political and religious tension.
c. AD 30
Mockery of Jesus
Roman soldiers and Jewish leaders mock Jesus, highlighting the contrast between his suffering and any claim to kingship.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness
Jesus prays for his executioners, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,' demonstrating profound mercy.
c. AD 30
Jesus entrusts Mary to John
Even in his final moments, Jesus shows care for his mother, entrusting her to the care of his disciple John.
This passage echoes the thief's faith by describing how God highly exalted Jesus and gave Him a name above all names, highlighting Jesus' ultimate Kingship that the thief recognized even from the cross.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57The thief's request to be remembered 'when you come into your kingdom' finds its ultimate answer in these verses, which speak of victory over death and sin through Christ, assuring believers of an inheritance in God's eternal kingdom.
John 19:26-27Jesus' own actions in entrusting His mother to John immediately before this thief's plea show His deep care and fulfillment of relationship, providing a model for the kind of remembrance the thief desperately sought.
Matthew 25:34-40This passage describes Jesus welcoming the righteous into His kingdom, saying 'whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,' which parallels the thief's humble request to be remembered, acknowledging Jesus as King.
2 Timothy 2:12-13While the thief’s prayer was for remembrance in Christ’s kingdom, this passage speaks to the faithfulness required to reign with Christ, reminding us that even though God is faithful, our response to Him matters.
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 thief's request wasn't just a simple "remember me," but an astonished recognition of Jesus' kingship, even in apparent defeat. He boldly calls Jesus "Lord" when even the disciples had abandoned him, seeing the King in the midst of suffering and mockery.
Jesus is hanging on the cross, mocked by the crowds, the soldiers, and even the other criminals crucified alongside Him. While one thief joins the chorus of scorn, the other suddenly turns to Jesus, recognizing Him not just as a suffering man, but as a King. He asks Jesus to remember him when that Kingly reign finally arrives.
Jesus is hanging on the cross, mocked by the crowds, the soldiers, and even the other criminals crucified alongside Him. While one thief joins the chorus of scorn, the other suddenly turns to Jesus, recognizing Him not just as a suffering man, but as a King. He asks Jesus to remember him when that Kingly reign finally arrives.
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In a moment of utter darkness, with Jesus seemingly defeated and dying, a criminal finds faith. How is this possible, and what does it teach us?
This encounter is a powerful testament to faith's ability to blossom even in the most unlikely circumstances:
c. AD 30
Darkness over the Land
A supernatural darkness falls over the land for three hours, signifying the gravity of the moment.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Death
Jesus cries out and breathes his last, an event that shocks the Roman centurion and causes the temple veil to tear.
c. AD 30
Resurrection of Jesus
Three days later, Jesus rises from the dead, validating his claims and the hope of his kingdom.
"And he said, “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.”" — This thief's request wasn't just a simple "remember me," but an astonished recognition of Jesus' kingship, even in apparent defeat. He boldly calls Jesus "Lord" when even the disciples had abandoned…
