Who was the thief on the cross? Let’s answer that question.
Two Thieves Hung on Crosses With Jesus
Guilty as Charged
They hung two guilty thieves on crosses on either side of Jesus (Luke 23:33). Initially, both robbers reviled Jesus, mocking Him and His fate:
“He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with Him also reviled Him” (Mark 15:31-32). You can read “Why was Jesus crucified?” for more help in understanding how much Jesus loves you.
However, as their crucifixion dragged on, one of them reconsidered:
“But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, seeing you are under the same sentence? And we indeed, justly. For we are receiving the due reward of our deeds. But this Man has done nothing amiss” (Luke 23:40-41).”
One Thief Believed in Jesus
Which Thief?
When people ask about the thief on the cross, they usually mean the thief who changed his heart. We think that’s who you’re asking about. So, we’ll focus on him.
His Name Was Dismas
His Name
According to the non-Biblical Gospel of Nicodemus, his name was Dismas (Demas). The Catholic church recognizes this man as a saint (St. Dismas).
His Position
Tradition says that Dismas was the thief on Jesus’ right side. The right side was more honored.
Ironically, two of Jesus’ disciples had asked Jesus for the chief seats in His Kingdom:
“Then James and John … came to Him (Jesus), saying, “Teacher, we want that whatever we may ask, You would do for us…. Grant us to sit, one at Your right hand and the other at Your left hand, in Your glory” (Mark 10:35-37).
Little did they know what they asked, as these two robbers would hang at Jesus’ right and left side, nailed to a cross.
What Crime Had He Committed?
His Crime
We know him as a ‘thief.’ A thief commits a crime against property. But the word the Bible uses for his offense means ‘robber,’ a robber commits his crime against a person.
But neither of those offenses was a capital offense. Jesus wasn’t guilty of a capital offense, either. Pilate had Jesus’ crime inscribed on His cross: This is Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.
His Sentence: Death!
The Jews were under Roman rule, so they didn’t have the authority to put someone to death. So, the Roman charge was sedition: Jesus claimed to be a king, which was a threat against Caesar:
“The Jews cried out, “If you release this Man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar!” (John 19:12).
Since sedition was Jesus’ ‘crime,’ it’s likely the charge against the other two was similar. But we don’t know enough details to know for sure.
Was the Thief on The Cross a Jew?
His Background
He was Jewish and knew of Jesus’ ministry, at least as an outsider. Like other Jews, he must have watched Jesus and heard His claims:
***He knew Jesus was innocent.
***He knew Jesus saved others by healing and restoring their lives.
***He must have known Jesus claimed to be the Messiah.
***He knew Jesus was the Son of David, the rightful Davidic heir to rule in God’s future Kingdom.
Outside the Kingdom
Yet, like most of the Jewish nation, he had rejected Jesus’ claims. Before they nailed Dismas to the cross and up until he rebuked the other thief, he was an unbeliever, outside the Kingdom of God.
Then, suddenly a light dawned. The Roman Centurion, responsible for overseeing the men’s crucifixion, watched Jesus closely, and based on Jesus’ words and testimony, he concluded:
“Truly, this Man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39).
With Jesus in Paradise
With Jesus in Paradise
Like the Centurion, Dismas watched and listened to Jesus’ godly suffering and testimony and concluded the same.
“Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:42-43).
Dismas died that day shortly after the Roman soldiers broke his legs to prevent him from raising himself up to take in breaths:
“The soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him” (John 19:32).
His Ticket
Despite his past — the thief had no time or ability to do good works — he simply believed in Jesus and entered ‘Paradise’ that day.
The Gospel writers invite us to the same conclusion based on their testimony about how Jesus lived, taught, died, and rose again. Jesus is the Son of God who died to save the world so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Who Was the Thief on the Cross?
Summary
This robber, probably named Dismas, hung on a cross at Jesus’ right hand.
He and the robber on Jesus’ left initially reviled Jesus.
Dismas, suddenly aware of Jesus’ innocent suffering, asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His Kingdom.
Jesus promised Dismas that he would be with Jesus that day in Paradise.
Please watch the Great News Video on this page to hear more about going to Heaven when you die.
