When Jesus was to be crucified at Calvary, two robbers were also led with him to be put to death. The two thieves were hung one on the right hand, and the other on the left and Jesus in the middle. The people and the rulers, mocked Jesus but he prayed for them asking the Father to forgive them (Luke 23:32-37; John 19:18). How did the Penitent Thief express his faith?
When the other thief which was on the cross beside Jesus shouted saying “If thou be Christ, save thyself and us”, the Penitent Thief rebuked him saying “[do you not] fear God”? He defended Jesus by explaining that their own condemnation was “indeed justly; for [they] receive the due reward of [their] deeds”, unlike Jesus who had done no wrong (Luke 23:39-41). In humility, he asked the Lord Jesus to remember him when he entered into his kingdom; and Jesus answered saying, “today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43-46).
This faith expression of the Penitent Thief could manifest in cases where out of the fear of God and a convicted conscience, a sinner repents from their past in hope for eternal life through Christ.
4. GUIDANCE TO ENHANCING HUMBLE FAITH
