May 4
We Are Dismas
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.” 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 23:40-43
I’m fascinated by death-bed conversions. Novelist Oscar Wilde, an infamous libertine known for his wild lifestyle, converted just before he died. Others include: Emperor Constantine I, who Christianized the Roman Empire and took the sacraments on his deathbed; “Dilbert” comic strip creator Scott Adams; and perhaps most notoriously, serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, who purportedly converted to Christianity in prison.
However, the very first deathbed conversion to Christianity took place at Golgotha. Dismas, known as the penitent thief, came to be known as the “thief who stole Paradise” in his final moments. Luke’s Gospel is the only one that mentions him, and not by name (he’s not identified as Dismas until the fourth century). While the unrepentant thief—later identified as Gestas—hurled insults at Jesus, Dismas made three significant statements:
- Revere – To the other thief he said, “Don’t you fear God, since you are under the same sentence?” (Luke 23:40)
- Recognize – “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” (v. 41)
- Request – “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (v. 42)
Even though Dismas had led a life worthy of a death sentence, his posture on the cross opened the door to eternity for him—in the literal last few minutes of his life. Man of God, I trust this gives you hope, especially if you do not feel worthy of redemption or your place in heaven. This exchange between the repentant thief and Jesus is the Gospel distilled down to one brief but critical conversation: We realize our position and are humbled—reverently—before God’s throne; we recognize our wrongdoings and repent; we ask Jesus to remember us when He comes into His kingdom.
It is never too late to come to the Cross—or return to it if you’ve journeyed into a far land. What makes Luke 23 one of my favorite chapters in the Bible is the fact that this man—Dismas—did not have to “do” anything to secure His place with Jesus. Judged on his merits, Jesus had every right to say no to Dismas’ request. But Jesus didn’t say know. Without hesitating, He saw the man’s sincerity, His depth of repentance, and responded.
Perhaps you have friends or family members for whom you’ve been praying for years, or even decades. Never stop praying for them—even if they’ve scorned you or God, or have hardened their heart, it’s never too late. Dismas is the proof.
Father, thank You that just like the repentant thief, you extend your grace and mercy to me. Help me to walk in that grace and to never stop praying for those in my life who have not yet come to know You as their Lord and Savior.