JU-119
THE THIEF ON THE CROSS
TODAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE
“The dying man who asked to be remembered — 'Today you will be with Me in Paradise.'”
MEET THE THIEF ON THE CROSS
He had no baptism, no good works, no second chance to live better — only a dying prayer. And Jesus promised him Paradise before sunset.
THE STORY
Two criminals were crucified beside Jesus. One joined the mockery: 'If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.' But the other, with hours to live, saw what rulers and scholars had missed. He rebuked his companion — 'we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong' — and then turned his head to the King dying beside him: 'Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.' No time to be baptized. No good deeds to offer. Nothing but faith. And Jesus answered with the words that have carried a billion deathbeds: 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.' The first person Jesus personally welcomed home was a thief.
SCRIPTURE
PLACES
PEOPLE
FORGIVEN BY
LESSONS
- 1.It is never too late to turn to Jesus — but you're not promised tomorrow.
- 2.Salvation is by faith alone — the thief had nothing else to give.
- 3.One honest prayer reaches further than a lifetime of religion.
PRAYER & REFLECTION
Lord, remember me. I have nothing to offer but my trust in You — and You say that is enough. Amen.
ASK ABOUT THE THIEF ON THE CROSS
Reading about The Thief on the Cross and wondering something? Ask — the Study Assistant answers from Scripture, right here.
COLLECTIBLE
More than a collectible — a conversation starter. Every JUNIVERSE figure comes in packaging with a QR code that opens this very story page, so whoever holds The Thief on the Cross can scan it, hear the story, and meet Jesus. Collect them, gift them, and leave them behind wherever a story needs telling.