The Adam Redeemed Podcast · 2026-10-21 · 1 min
Why did Jesus save the thief on the cross?
Because the thief recognized who Jesus was and turned to Him. He wasn't baptized, gave nothing to the poor and had no time to fix his life, but he repented and believed, and Jesus told him, "Today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). Salvation is a gift you receive, not a record you build.
What happened on the cross
Two thieves were crucified next to Jesus. One mocked Him. The other said, in effect, "I know who you are. Don't forget me when you come into your kingdom." He knew he didn't deserve to be next to the Son of God.
What he didn't do
He didn't get baptized. He didn't give to the poor. He didn't say the right prayers. He had done nothing but wrong, so much that he was dying for it.
What he did do
He recognized who Jesus was, accepted Him in his heart and repented of what he had done. That is what we are called to do, and that is what gives us eternity with God.
What it means for you
Jesus was about to enter paradise, and that thief was coming right behind Him. We all have the same opportunity, today.
Questions people ask
Did the thief on the cross go to heaven?
Yes. Jesus told him, "Today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43).
Do you have to be baptized to be saved?
The thief on the cross wasn't, and Jesus still promised him paradise. Salvation comes from turning to Jesus and trusting Him.
Is it too late for me to come to God?
The thief came to Jesus in his last hours. As long as you're breathing, it isn't too late.
Watch the full episode: Who is Jesus, really?
Full transcript
From YouTube's captions; small mishearings are possible.
0:00When Jesus hung on that cross, there were two thieves next to him on crosses next to him. They were all hung up there ready to die. Both those thieves started talking to Jesus. One of them said, "Do not forget me when you enter heaven. I know who you are basically." He recognized this was a son of God next to him and he was not worthy to be up there next to the son of God. Jesus, what does he respond to the first thief? He says, "Surely you will be with me in paradise." This guy next to him did everything wrong. And this dude, he didn't get baptized. He didn't give to the poor. He didn't say the Hail Mary or the Our Father. No, he recognized who God was and he accepted him in his heart for who he was
0:46and asked and repented of what he had done. That is what we are called to do and that gives us eternity with God. Just as he said to this thief who did nothing but wrong in his life, he said, "Surely you will be with me in paradise." And Jesus was about to be in paradise and that thief was coming right behind him. We all have the same opportunity.