Luke 23:40Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let us not disregard this thief; let us not hesitate to regard as our teacher one whom our Lord held worthy enough to be the first to enter paradise. We should examine each of his statements carefully to grasp the significance of the cross.

Christ did not call him as He did Peter when He said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matt. 4:19), nor offer the promise He gave to the twelve, stating, "You also shall sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matt. 19:28). Remarkably, He did not exchange a single word with him. There were no miracles to witness—no resurrection of the dead, no exorcisms, nor the calming of the sea. Christ made no mention of judgement or hell, and yet the thief boldly acknowledged Him amidst the cacophony of accusations from the other thief. This second thief, also crucified alongside Christ, fulfilled the prophecy that He "was counted among the evildoers" (Isaiah 53:12). While the Jewish authorities mocked the glory of Christ, the truth remained evident, shining all the more brightly through the obstacles placed in its path.

Witness the two thieves; both condemned and suffering for similar crimes, yet their destinies diverged dramatically. One entered the kingdom of heaven while the other descended into Gehenna. The same applied to the disciples; Judas conspired betrayally while the others were prepared to serve, inquiring, "Where do you command us to prepare the Passover for you?" (Matt. 26:17). In this instance, one thief curses while the other worships; one blasphemes while the other glorifies Christ and chastises the blasphemer, reminding him, "Or do you not fear God? ... we are justly condemned because we have received the due reward for our actions" (Luke 23:40-41).

Observe the thief's audacity! Even amid suffering, he displays courage and faith. While enduring the agony of the crucifixion, he not only retains his composure but selflessly seeks the salvation of another, becoming a teacher on the cross by rebuking the other thief: "Do you not fear God?" He draws attention away from earthly judgement, pointing to a righteous, invisible Judge. He urges the other to recognize that what is visible often misrepresents divine truth, for in earthly courts, the innocent face condemnation while the guilty are often freed from accountability, manipulated by ignorance or corruption.

Yet, God's heavenly court operates differently. His judgement is pure and illuminating, devoid of darkness or bias. In urging the other thief to acknowledge the true nature of judgement, he elevates him above the corrupt human assessments. "Look there," he implies, "and do not side with the flawed earthly judges. You can receive true judgement through faith."

Consider the wisdom of the thief. From the cross, he embraces the truth and boldly speaks not only for himself but also attempts to lead the other thief to redemption. He reinforces the truth of his situation, asking, "Are you not condemned along with me?" This reinforces the understanding that to vilify Christ while in mutual condemnation is hypocrisy. He invokes the truth that "Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Matt. 7:1) to remind the other of their shared fate.

What is significant here is the thief's affirming declaration. He clarifies that they await the same punishment, acknowledging their guilt: "We are justly condemned, for we have received the due reward for our deeds" (Luke 23:41). His defense of the Lord reveals a deep understanding of justice, positioning himself as a witness to the truth. He stands in contrast to the accusations hurled by those surrounding them, embodying repentance and faith on the cross, thus reflecting the transformative power of the cross on a soul once viewed as castaway.

In contrast, the Jewish people recognized Caesar, the leader of foreign nations, as their sovereign. The recognition of a temporal kingdom faded with its demise; however, those who professed the True King, in alignment with the promise of that kingdom, gained entry into a paradise of solace. While the acknowledgment of Caesar led to the destruction of their city, the Gentiles who embraced the Lord’s kingdom were granted the resurrection and eternal life of their bodies. “If Thou art the Christ, save Thyself and us.” The Lord chose not to respond to this request to come down from the Cross; instead, He sought to elevate the one situated at His right who believed in Him, for it is easy to draw disciples through miraculous acts. Yet, a greater reality unfolded: it was the truth of the Lord that turned the scoffer into a worshiper. Thus, the apostle declared, “the weakness of God is stronger than men” (cf. 1 Cor. 1:25). Through the apparent weakness of the Cross, the Lord has conquered all nations. Embrace the Cross with all your strength, that the strength of the Crucified may be extended to you. For those who do not reach out to His Cross will not partake of His feast; and those who, having been invited as the hungry, come to Him indulged will be excluded from His table. Do not allow yourself to be filled, nor approach the Son’s meal in such a state, lest He direct you to depart unsatisfied. “Remember me, O Lord, in Thy kingdom.” This plea came from one who, seeing with the eyes of faith, recognized the honor of the Lord amidst shame and discerned glory in place of humiliation, declaring, “Remember me.” For with what is now made manifest through the nails and the cross, he had not forgotten Thy kingdom and Thy glory, which are to be revealed in the end times and remain hidden for now.

Christ's immediate forgiveness toward the robber is a reflection of the rapidity of his conversion. This may assist in clarifying the distinction found in the Gospel accounts. Matthew and Mark mention two robbers who spoke ill, whereas Luke describes one who spoke ill and one who sought mercy. Possibly, both were initially in rebellion, but one experienced a swift transformation. It is not shocking that the One who offered mercy to those who mocked Him would instantly forgive such guilt.

We can also consider that the Gospel writers may have chosen to use plural language instead of singular. For instance, in Psalms, we read: The kings of the earth rose up, and the princes conferred together (Ps. 2:2), but in Peter’s account in Acts, it specifically mentions Herod and Pilate who conspired against Christ (Acts 4:27). This nuance can also be seen in Hebrews, where it states: They wandered about in goatskins, were sawn apart... and conquered the mouths of lions (Hebrews 11:37, 33). However, it is known that only Elijah wore such clothing, only Isaiah was sawn in two, and only Daniel emerged unscathed from the lions (4 Kings 1:8; Dan. 6:16-23).

The transgression of the Jews in crucifying the Savior of all as a common criminal is abhorrent! In a profound way, Christ embodies the role of the Prudent Robber. He ensnared the devil to reclaim his lost dominion. The two robbers can represent the two sinful nations that were symbolically crucified with Christ in baptism. Their contrast signifies the diversity among believers, with one positioned at the right and the other at the left. The derision they shared foreshadows the temptations that would arise concerning the Cross, even among the faithful.

A multitude of his offenses suddenly became clear, as if he were facing the judgment of his own conscience. "What lies ahead?" he pondered, imagining a shameful end followed by hell and its agonies. This awareness of consequence should have deterred him from sin, but he ignored the voice of his conscience when it initially reproved him for wrongful thoughts and actions; over time, that voice weakened, silenced by sinful habits, while the fear of human judgment failed to restrain him from wrongdoing. Who is to blame for this? Only himself. He began to recognize the weight of his sins and iniquities on his soul. The wisdom of God declares, "Because I have called and you refused, I will also laugh at your calamity" (Proverbs 1:24, 26). Now, this divine warning has become a reality for him. The judgment of men mirrors that of God’s for his evident transgressions. Yet, does the gaze of a human judge perceive all that lies within me? There are countless misdeeds he overlooks in my open actions! Moreover, many other sinful acts linger in my past. I am burdened by transgressions that my conscience deems wrong, yet civil judgment may not deem them as such. I have sinned beyond measure before the Truth of God, who now holds my life in death's grip. My soul is heavy and filled with dread in the presence of the Almighty. "Do you not fear God, knowing you too stand condemned?" This indicates that the compassionate thief believed it unjust for himself and his fellow convict to deride Jesus Christ, given that they too were guilty. He questioned, "How can I condemn Him when I am a sinner myself?" If I lack the right to judge another in any circumstance, how much less can I do so now, while facing my own condemnation? I am under divine scrutiny, God's righteous indignation weighs heavily upon me due to my wickedness. What kind of judge am I? The torment I endure on the cross arises from compassion; how could I possibly intensify the suffering of another whom I know to be innocent? Moreover, do I have the right to judge? I bear countless sins that I have yet to acknowledge, and it’s all too easy to overlook their filth! I must stand accountable for my actions at the threshold of death, which looms ever closer. However, will I be held responsible for the sins of others? If I am questioned, it may be because I have led someone astray, failed to speak a word of wisdom, or neglected to offer kindness. Thus, I must introspect regarding my impact on others. Neither my circumstances nor my character grant me the authority to judge another. Consequently, the second sentiment that filled the heart of the repentant thief was humility and self-reproach, keeping him from judging anyone else.

Instead, let us attentively consider what the Crucified One, unmoved amidst His sufferings and torment, replies to the prayer of the most wretched of sinners; through the exercise of his newfound faith, He transforms even the hardest heart, softening it, redeeming it, and making it deserving of the most magnificent promise: "Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise to-day!" How can this be, O Jesus? Cherubim with fiery swords guard the gates of Paradise against entry, yet You promise access to this thief! Indeed! I am the Lord of the Cherubim, and even hell and its torments submit to My command. Yet, which monarch, as he enters his realm, would include a scoundrel by his side, or permit a subject to share his triumphal chariot? Nevertheless, this is precisely how our grand King conducts Himself. When He enters His kingdom, He brings with Him one who was previously a criminal, yet now has become one whose presence sanctifies the holy dwelling rather than defiles it, enhancing its glory; for the splendor of heaven lies in its King, who is both powerful and merciful, capable of enabling even the unrighteous to partake in the untainted joys of Paradise. Thus, when He called tax collectors and sinners to His royal gathering during His ministry, He demonstrated His ability to transform and sanctify them, making them deserving of the highest accolades and rewards - much like a doctor whose skill shines brightest when healing ailments deemed incurable. Ultimately, what remarkable act did this thief perform to receive such special attention from the Savior and, in an instant, transition from the cross to the comforts of Paradise? Just one word suffices to illuminate this mystery, this unparalleled act of grace: humble confession! The thief acknowledges his guilt and deserving of death, boldly proclaiming before all the innocence and divine nature of the Supreme King, whom the ignorance of the people condemned: "We are condemned righteously; for we have received what is justly due for our actions, but He has done nothing wrong." Through this declaration, all conditions of the law are met, which, according to the prophet, promises forgiveness of sins: "Thou shalt speak thy iniquities before, that thou mayest be justified" (Isaiah 43:26). Not merely one sin, but his entire life stands as testimony against him; and it is only after earnestly confessing his wrongdoings, and openly declaring his faith in Jesus Christ, that he has the boldness to plead, "Remember me, O Lord, when Thou comest into Thy kingdom." Learn from this the rewards of confession; do not yield to despair regarding yourselves; contemplate the boundless mercy of our God, and strive earnestly for the healthy transformation of your character.

In an effort to appease the crowd and the leaders, they approached Him, offered Him sour wine, and challenged Him, saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.’ He describes the inscription above the cross as being displayed in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew. Furthermore, regarding the ridicule from the two criminals being executed alongside Christ, Luke exclusively shares that one of them derided the Lord, while the other rebuked his companion and turned to Jesus with a heartfelt request, demonstrating profound faith in Him as the Messiah and Lord who would return to establish His kingdom. In response, the Lord assured him, ‘Today you will be with Me in paradise.’

The crucifixion of Christ did not lead him to waver in his faith; he still maintained that Jesus was indeed the King of Israel, who would eventually restore His dominion. In a moment of repentance, and driven by his faith, the thief confessed his deserving condemnation and did not complain about the judgment against him. He simply implored Jesus to remember him when He entered His kingdom, saying, "Remember me, Lord, when You come into Your kingdom." When the centurion of Capernaum expressed his belief that Jesus could heal his servant with just a word, Jesus remarked, "I have not found such faith in Israel" (Luke 7:9). Now, witnessing the unshaken faith of the thief amid the agony of the cross, one might think Jesus could also reflect, "I have not found such faith in My apostles!" He then assured the thief, "Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise." The term paradise, deriving from Persian, signifies a garden. In hot climates, a lush garden provided a tranquil place of rest, and thus, the abode of the righteous in the afterlife was also likened to such a paradise. The realm of the dead for Jewish souls was known as Sheol, divided into two sections: one appointed for the righteous, known as paradise or Abraham's bosom, and the other for the wicked, referred to as hell. By forgiving the repentant thief, Christ assured him that on the very day of his death, his soul, released from sin by faith, would join the souls of the righteous, and He spoke of paradise in a manner that the thief could comprehend as his destination on that day. Luke, the evangelist, recounts the hostile remarks of one thief against Jesus while the other intervened. However, Matthew and Mark indicate that both thieves reviled Him (Mark 15:32). This apparent contradiction is easily resolved; it is clear that the repenting thief could not simultaneously revile Christ and affirm his faith. Therefore, it is acknowledged that one thief mocked Jesus. Luke uniquely shares how one thief calmed the other, turned to Christ, and received a response from Him. Matthew and Mark mention the robbers in the context of those who mocked Jesus but did not highlight the individual exchanges. They were certainly aware of the mockery from one of the thieves and, in common fashion, used the plural form, stating that "the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him."

Witnessing the incredibly gentle and forgiving visage of the Crucified, the best within him was awakened, leading him to turn towards Jesus and exclaim with earnestness: "Remember me, O Lord, when Thou comest into Thy kingdom." To this heartfelt plea from the penitent thief, the previously silent Christ responded instantly, declaring: "Truly I say unto thee, now shalt thou be with Me in Paradise."