The Robber on the Cross

(Christ Crucified between the Two Thieves (The Three Crosses) by Rembrandt - found here)

“The profession of faith of the robber crucified with Christ is one of the most extraordinary events recorded in history. It is difficult to imagine anything so unlikely. When this robber looked at Jesus, he saw One who was apparently a criminal, condemned by His own people and the Roman authorities, dying now on a cross, reviled and mocked by all but a few helpless friends in a little group nearby. Yet he professed his belief that Jesus was the Messiah and begged Him to remember him at the time of His glorious return in His Messianic kingdom...He could see that Jesus was not dying like a criminal. He noted His silence, patience, and goodness. He heard Him address God familiarly as His Father and ask pardon for those who had crucified Him. All this helped to prepare him for the very special divine grace that alone could account for his sudden conversion...”

~Ralph Gorman