The Thief’s Last Request

The sermon centres on the thief’s last request to Jesus on the cross, emphasizing the transformative power of grace. Despite the thief’s criminal past and lack of religious observance, Jesus promised him paradise, illustrating that salvation is a gift of grace, not earned through works. The thief’s faith, evident in his recognition of Jesus’ kingship, contrasts with the mockery of the other criminal. The narrative underscores the simplicity and efficacy of faith, suggesting that even a humble, heartfelt plea to Jesus can lead to eternal life. Mark Knowles encourages listeners to embrace this grace, regardless of their past.

Outline

The Thief’s Last Request: Introduction and Context

• Mark introduces the topic of the thief on the cross, emphasizing the importance of the story between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday.
• The scene is set with three crosses, three dying men, and a final conversation that changes everything.
• Mark highlights the criminal’s remarkable prayer to Jesus, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
• The first truth shared is that it’s never too late for grace, as the thief had no time for good works or opportunities for baptism but was promised paradise by Jesus.

The Faith That Sees What Others Miss

• Mark discusses how the thief saw a king where others saw a defeated man, emphasizing the extraordinary faith of the thief.
• The thief’s simple prayer, “Remember me,” is available to everyone, regardless of past failures or wandering.
• The invitation to everyone is to remember the thief’s message that grace is outrageous and that Jesus receives us as we are.
• The thief’s prayer opens the gates of heaven, and salvation is received by grace through faith, not by works.

The Atmosphere of Golgotha and the Criminals’ Responses

• Mark describes the chaotic scene of crucifixion at Golgotha, a public execution ground and rubbish tip, meant to be a warning to those who challenged Roman authority.
• One criminal mocked Jesus, while the other rebuked the mocker and acknowledged his own guilt and Jesus’ innocence.
• The thief’s profound understanding of Jesus led him to make his request, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
• Jesus’ response, “Truly, I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise,” highlights the outrageous generosity of God’s grace.

The Thief’s Faith and Jesus’ Response

• Mark emphasizes that the thief’s faith was rewarded, and salvation cannot be earned but is a gift of God.
• The thief’s life of crime and lack of religious background did not hinder his acceptance into paradise.
• Jesus’ promise to the thief is a testament to the truth that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works.
• The thief’s faith saw beyond the suffering of Jesus to his sovereignty, and this should challenge us to see Jesus for who He truly is.

The Simplicity of the Thief’s Prayer

• Mark highlights the simplicity of the thief’s prayer, “Jesus, remember me,” and the profound impact it had.
• The thief’s prayer was not eloquent or formal but came from a broken and believing heart.
• God is drawn to honest hearts, and the thief’s prayer demonstrates that God is not looking for impressive words but for genuine faith.
• The thief’s prayer is still a valid one, and Jesus continues to answer it today.

Jesus’ Heart on Display

• Mark reflects on Jesus’ response to the thief’s prayer, emphasizing Jesus’ personal promise, “Today, you will be with Me in Paradise.”
• Jesus’ promise is a testament to His heart, even in His greatest suffering, He reached out to the lost and saved the thief.
• Jesus’ love and grace are demonstrated through His response to the thief, showing that He has grace for each of us.
• The invitation is to come as we are, bring our failures and doubts, and simply ask Jesus to remember us.

The Invitation to Faith and Grace

• Mark concludes by inviting everyone to imagine the scene of the two criminals and their different responses to Jesus.
• The difference between the two criminals was their response to Jesus, and the same choice is available to us today.
• Grace is freely given to anyone who calls on the name of Jesus, regardless of their past or current situation.
• The invitation is to come as we are, bring our broken past, and simply ask Jesus to remember us, knowing that He will answer.