Luke 23:42
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Luke 23:42
The criminal’s request—“Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom”—expresses a simple, profound faith. He recognizes Jesus in a way that transcends visible power: a belief that Jesus has authority and a future in God’s saving plan. The term “Lord” signals reverence, and “remember me” is a plea for inclusion in the coming Kingdom. This request occurs in the midst of crucifixion, underscoring the reach of grace that crosses social and ethical boundaries.
This verse emphasizes the patient, inclusive mercy of Jesus. It demonstrates that salvation can come through a humble, heartfelt appeal—no grand ceremony required. It also points to the nature of God’s Kingdom as future-oriented and accessible to the humbled. Luke connects this moment to the broader theme of the Kingdom breaking into the present reality through Jesus.
We can imitate the thief’s posture: a simple, honest plea for mercy and a longing to belong to God’s future reality. In practice, this may translate into daily reminders to depend on Jesus, to welcome his perspective into decision-making, and to extend grace to others who are vulnerable or overlooked. If you’ve felt distant from faith, this verse encourages you to come to Jesus with a sincere, simple petition rather than a perfect resume of good deeds.
Cross-References: Luke 18:13-14; John 3:16-17; Philippians 4:6-7