“But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘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.’” — Luke 23:40–41
Scripture is full of imperfect people who have been shown compassion, grace, mercy, and love by God. He has taken their situations—their flaws and their sin—and turned them into a display of His glory. In the New Testament, He often used those very imperfections to confront the pride of the Pharisees, highlighting the humility and repentance He desires.
These stories are powerful reminders for people like us. We know our own brokenness. Our flaws often weigh on us, sometimes leading to guilt, shame, or fear. But redeemed and transformed by the blood of Christ, we are given a tremendous opportunity to respond in faith to what God has done in us.
I’ve been reflecting on some lesser-known individuals in Scripture who, though not as renowned as Moses, Daniel, or Paul, still point powerfully to the grace of God. One such man was crucified beside Jesus. While one criminal mocked Him, the other recognized Him as Savior. Luke 23 recounts the scene: in his final moments, this man cried out to Jesus for mercy and hope.
“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’
Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” — Luke 23:42–43
What comfort that must have been to a man condemned to die. Even in his final hours, Jesus extended grace.
Jesus still saves and transforms. Here was a dying man who came to faith on what we would call his “deathbed.” Not everyone will have that moment of clarity at the end of life—another reason why it is urgent to seek the truth of God now. In the chaos of life, we may feel distant from God, but those are the very times we should draw near to Him.
We’ve read before of Jesus healing and restoring those who were unworthy, desperate, and humbled. And the message hasn’t changed.
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12
Ready to be sharpened like iron?