Matthew 27:38-44 (NLT) Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. 40 “Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!” 41 The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. 42 “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him! 43 He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 Even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way.

Luke 23:39-44 (NLT) One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” 40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” 43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” 44 By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock.

A sing expression of faith was heard: the voice of a nameless thief. 

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT) So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Joshua 1:7a3 (NLT) Be strong and very courageous.

Some lessons we all need…

Lesson 1: A lesson in hope. 

Let your hope be renewed. 

Lesson 2: A lesson in conversion.

No changes, no conversion.

Lesson 3: A lesson in humility.

The thief simply asked to be remembered.

Romans 12:3a (NLT) Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. (communion-this do in remembrance of me)

Lesson 4: A lesson in mercy. 

Titus-3:5a (NLT) He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

Psalm 42:5 (NLT) Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!

We have hope because we serve a Lord of mercy.