On the cross, Jesus prays, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke’s account of the crucifiction is not like Mathew’s or John’s. Luke sets out to show us that Jesus is a forgiving Lord who even as he died has the power to reconcile man to God. Jesus asked the Father to forgive those who were killing him, and yet the rulers… sneered (Luk 23:35) the soldiers… mocked (Luk 23:36-37) and one of the two criminals being crucified alongside Jesus insulted Him (Luk 23:39). 

In that same hour the other criminal on a cross beside our Lord, rebuked the other saying ,don’t you fear God (Luk 23:40) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom Pro 9:10, suddenly this criminal has gained wisdom, he recognises that the reward for his crime is just, “the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23). He knew what the reward for his work was, he was a criminal he was known only by that name. But it was time to change as he was at deaths door and the only way out is through Christ. 

So he looks to Jesus and says, Lord, (1Co 12:3) acknowledging him to be the Messiah, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, his Lord. He said “Remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom” (Mat 16:28) for this man had not only faith in the kingdom of Christ, as being of a spiritual nature, and not of this world. His is faith exceeded that of the apostles themselves, who were looking for, and expecting a temporal kingdom. 

This man was not only without all doubt, or scruple, about Christ’s entering into His kingdom and glory after death, but he had knowledge of, and faith in His second coming. He desired that he might be remembered by Christ, be shown favour, and share in the glories and happiness of Salvation. This was great faith indeed to be exercised on Christ at a time such as this was, when he was under the greatest reproach, while he was being insulted and derided by all sorts of people; and forsaken by his own apostles, suffering a shameful punishment, and now, dying. Prayer has power to transform, to change, to reconcile man to God. 

Truly this man was saved in the nick of time by the prayer of our Saviour Jesus Christ, “today you shall be with me in paradise.” There was no delay, this man was the first to receive Salvation through the cross.