Luke 23:41
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
Luke 23:41
The criminal who speaks now admits their guilt and that their punishment is deserved: “we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds.” This confession is a key moment of contrition within Luke’s account. It contrasts with human rationalization and self-justification that often accompany suffering. The statement acknowledges a moral order: consequences follow choices. It also underscores that Jesus’ innocence is the exception to the rule.
This verse seeds the doctrine of justification by faith, recognized through a penitential heart. The request or acknowledgment of their own guilt aligns with the broader biblical witness that salvation comes not from good works but from repentance and faith in the crucified Messiah. The innocence of Jesus becomes the platform for grace to be extended to the guilty.
We must be honest about our own guilt before God. This is not meant to condemn but to free: acknowledging sin opens the door to mercy. In daily life, this can translate into confession in prayer, transparency in relationships, and a willingness to receive forgiveness. Practically, when you mess up at work or at home, own your fault, seek restoration, and trust that grace covers your deficiency through Christ.
Cross-References: Romans 3:23-25; Isaiah 53:5-6; 1 John 1:9