Why the Thief on the Cross Had Greater Faith than Most of the Disciples

When we discuss the thief on the cross, we typically focus on the validity of his sincere "deathbed conversion." He clearly confessed his sin and believed in Jesus and God's Kingdom (Luke 23:39-42).  

But recently I’ve been thinking about the thief's incredible faith. Let me explain: 

✔ When Jesus was arrested, the disciples deserted Him (Mark 14:50).

✔ Peter disowned him (Matthew 26:69-75).

✔ Women were present at the crucifixion, first standing at a distance, later moving close to the cross with John (Mark 15:40-41; John 19:25-27). However, they still didn’t expect Christ to be resurrected (Mark 16:3). 

✔ When Peter and John reached the empty tomb, Scripture says, “They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead” (John 20:1-9).  

✔ Even after others had seen Him risen, Thomas doubted (John 20:24-29).

✔ The two disciples on the Emmaus Road were confused (Luke 24:13-35).

✔ Even at the ascension, some of the disciples doubted (Matthew 28:16-20).  

It was hard for those who'd walked with Jesus to believe in His supernatural resurrection. 

But the thief looked upon the dying Jesus, who was being mocked as a fake, and he believed in Christ before Christ's resurrection. 

That was incredible faith!!

May we have such faith when things seem hopeless and when the world mocks our Lord. 

 💛💛💛

I encourage you to read about another aspect of this story: What Christ's Promise to the Thief Revealed.

I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE.

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