God of the Ever-Open Door

Easter is a time when, as Christians, we reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus and the enormity of what He has done to restore us to a right relationship with God. And it’s all by God’s grace, not through works.

For me, the importance of these things is revealed in the story of the thief crucified next to Jesus. The story is told in Matthew 27:38-44 and Luke 23:39-43.

We can sometimes be guilty of over-complicating our faith. But the story of the thief on the cross strips it right back to the truth that we are saved by grace alone. Both thieves crucified with Jesus initially mock Him just like the crowd and the religious leaders. But the repentant thief recognises his sinfulness and acknowledges Jesus. He rebukes the other criminal:

‘“Don’t you fear God…. since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”’

And then he says: ‘“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”’

And in doing just that, the repentant thief is saved. A thief who had woken up that morning destined for hell has his destiny changed with a simple plea to the Saviour: “Jesus, remember me.”

The story of the thief on the cross shows us that salvation is a gift. The repentant thief has no time for good deeds. He cannot repay those he had stolen from, help the poor, be baptised, make amends for his crimes. He doesn’t have a sophisticated faith. All he can do is look to Jesus and ask for mercy. And that’s enough.

The story also shows us that nothing we have done is so bad as to be unforgiveable. The repentant thief is under a death sentence. So, his crime must have been serious. Yet, Jesus forgives him merely because he acknowledges his sinfulness.

Ultimately, the story shows us there is always hope. It shows us that for those who do not yet believe, it is never too late. Even for those in this life’s “last chance saloon,” God will never shut the door to His salvation.

This simple story has to be the greatest example of a spiritual encounter anywhere in the Gospels. Here, we see two men discussing eternity as they are slowly being asphyxiated. It’s not the place you would plan to have such an encounter. But God does. Indeed, He has planned this very moment before the beginning of time. It is not a coincidence but part of His eternal plan to rescue this man.

Here, we see Jesus’ atonement and evangelism working together. Jesus has been appointed to die for the sins of the world but, at the same time, He is bringing good news to this man. It is the gospel enacted and the gospel proclaimed in the same moment. And it shows us there is no limit to what Jesus will do to draw us to Himself. He is enduring the unendurable on the cross yet going all out to get the good news to this one man (and, by analogy, to everyone) so that He might take him to paradise with Him.

And, for that, I say “Thank You, Jesus.”