Never Too Late, Never Too Wicked

Luke 23:35-43

Is anyone too bad or sinful to be saved?  Is it ever too late to get saved? These are questions that many people ask at one time or another.  As Scripture teaches, the answer to both questions is a resounding NO! In our passage today from the Gospels, Luke gives an account that shows that no one is too wicked that the Blood of Jesus cannot cover their sins, and that it is never too late to turn to Jesus, either.

As our Scripture reading begins, Jesus has been crucified, and many of the onlookers were mocking and scorning Him (vs. 35-37).  When men were crucified, often the reason for their execution was written on a placard and hung on the cross. This was done for Jesus, as well, and Pilate had “This is the King of the Jews” written (vs. 38).  This sign was meant to be sarcastic. Here was someone the Jews had rejected and cruelly executed, and the sign calls Him their king!? Yet in a few short moments He would be coming into His Kingdom. He is the King of the Jews, the Gentiles, and the universe.

Not only did the crowds gathered around the cross hurl mocking insults at Jesus, but initially both criminals crucified with Him reviled Him, just like the religious leaders and others did (Mark 15:32).  However, as some time passed, one of the criminals began to have a change of heart. He observed Jesus hanging there, praying for those who were putting Him to death, for those who rejected and mocked Him.  That was certainly not the usual response for people who were executed! Perhaps this man had at an earlier time heard a bit about Jesus, maybe even heard Him teach. This criminal looked at Jesus and looked at himself.  His conscience convicted him, and he repented.

As he spoke to the other criminal, he admitted that they both had done things that deserved the punishment they received, but Jesus had done nothing wrong (vs. 40-41).  The man then turned to Jesus and asked that He would remember him when He comes into His kingdom. The criminal knew that Jesus was not a mere man, but was divine, and would reign as King forever.  He must have believed that Jesus held the power of life and death, and that the inevitable death that was upon them in a matter of moments would be temporary, and Jesus would come to His kingdom.

What was Jesus’ response to this condemned criminal?  Did He say that it was too late? Did He say that the man was too wicked?  No! Jesus promised this dying criminal that he would be with Him in heaven (vs. 43).  This man did not have a chance to do any good works. He could not go and get baptized, or give a lot of money to the church or charities.  He couldn’t start treating his family right, volunteer at a homeless shelter, work with the boy scouts, or teach Sunday School. There was no opportunity for any good works.  He was literally moments from death. Yet Jesus did not tell him, “Sorry, too late for you, buddy!” Even in His own misery and agony, Jesus had mercy and love for others, and He forgave and accepted this man.

This dying thief had more faith than most all of the disciples did at that moment.  All of them, except John, had fled and gone into hiding. Their hopes of Jesus’ kingdom were shattered.  This man, as he was dying, and knowing the crucified Jesus would also die soon, acknowledged that Jesus would come to His kingdom.  At that moment, it sure didn’t look like there would be a kingdom. Yet he believed, and that belief, not any good deeds, saved him.

This man pleaded with Jesus for mercy.  He knew he had no hope but divine grace, and that the dispersing of that grace lay in Jesus’ power.  Did the criminal deserve to be forgiven? No. None of us do. God’s grace saves us, not our merit. Jesus turned to him and affirmed that man’s salvation.

Our deeds do not save us, as that man’s life clearly showed.  Our faith in Christ does. No one is too wicked that the Blood of Jesus cannot avail for him.  Also, it is never too late to accept Jesus as Savior. As long as there is breath, one can be saved.