On a cross, and only a few short hours to live! He had lived his life and it had been a wicked one. He was no martyr, and he knew it. He fully deserved all he was getting. Then to the wickedness that had caused him to be crucified, he adds the guilt of reviling God's Son! His iniquity could hardly go farther.
But a change takes place. The hardened criminal who has spent a lifetime in sin suddenly becomes a righteous judge, and the first person he judges is himself! What could so quickly move the heart of this criminal and make such a change?
Surely it was the words that fell from the Savior's own lips. "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:3434Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:34). Can you not imagine him exclaiming to himself, "What does He say? 'Forgive them! "Father, forgive them!' Whom can He mean but those who are doing their best to get rid of Him, and cruelly taunting Him while they do it?
"Why then, He must mean me! I have joined with the mockers! Is it possible that there can be grace enough in Him to desire God's forgiveness for a wretch like me, and to use His dying breath in pleading for it? Yet it must be so, for He cries, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.' Oh, how wonderful!
"Never, never could I expect to deserve His favor, but I cannot help desiring it. Such a sinner as I am can never earn it, but I can cast myself on the mercy of such a Savior as He is."
What a reception he got. This dying sinner condemned himself and owned Jesus as Lord. The blessed Lord proved how rich He is to all that call upon Him for He said to the thief: "Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with Me in paradise." Luke 23:4343And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43).
Is not this same blessed Person worthy of the confidence of your heart? "Through this Man (Jesus) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins." Acts 13:3838Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: (Acts 13:38).