DO NOT PRAY PRAYERS THAT LACK FAITH—AND NEVER BLASPHEME GOD

“And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’”

Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Welcome to this time of Bible study.

As we know from Scripture, Jesus was not crucified alone at Golgotha. Two criminals were crucified alongside Him—one on His left, the other on His right. Their presence beside Jesus reveals something profound: that even in His suffering, Christ was among sinners, identifying with the brokenness of humanity.

What shocked many observers, then and now, was the idea that someone claiming to be the Savior of the world would Himself be hanging on a cross, enduring shame and agony. To the natural mind, it seemed contradictory and confusing. And indeed, each of the two criminals had something to say to Jesus.

THE FIRST CRIMINAL: PRIDEFUL AND MOCKING

Luke 23:39 (KJV)
“And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, ‘If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.’”

The first criminal mocked Jesus. His words—“If you are the Christ…”—were not a humble plea but a taunt. That very phrase was a form of blasphemy. He doubted and dishonored Christ, demanding a miracle not out of faith, but out of arrogance.

This mirrors many people today who are in the depths of hardship and suffering but confront God with blame rather than humility. They say things like:

“If God is real, why am I suffering?”
“If God loves people, why doesn’t He help His own followers first?”

These statements, though they may sound like cries of desperation, often come from hearts hardened by pride and unbelief. Without reverence or repentance, such people cannot expect a response from the Lord. As with the first thief, Jesus gave him no answer.

Isaiah 66:2b (ESV)
“But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”

THE SECOND CRIMINAL: HUMBLE AND REPENTANT

In contrast, the second criminal had the same circumstances—nailed to a cross, in pain, facing death—but a completely different heart posture. He recognized the justice of his punishment and the innocence of Christ.

Luke 23:40–41 (ESV)
“But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’”

This man showed humility, reverence, and a deep awareness of his sin. Rather than asking to be saved from the cross or from temporary suffering, he asked for eternal life.

Luke 23:42–43 (ESV)
“And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’”

He did not ask Jesus for deliverance from his earthly pain. He didn’t beg to be returned to his family, his business, or his former life. He simply asked to be remembered in Christ’s kingdom. That’s true faith—trusting Jesus not just with this life, but with the life to come.

A MODEL OF TRUE PRAYER

This second thief teaches us that what matters most is not whether our earthly situation changes, but whether our soul is right with God. His prayer was focused on eternal things, and that’s why Jesus responded.

So many today pray only for material things—money, healing, jobs, relationships. But the most important prayer is for salvation. When that is settled, everything else follows in God’s perfect timing.

Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

If you are struggling, suffering, or confused, do not let your hardship turn into complaint or blasphemy against God. Recognize that your suffering may be the result of sin, brokenness, or even a test of faith. But whatever the reason, come to Jesus humbly, asking for eternal life and a new heart.

WHAT TO DO NOW

If this message has touched you, it’s not by accident. Christ still loves you. You may be suffering today, hanging metaphorically on your own “cross,” but God is giving you the chance to respond like the second thief.

Pray with humility:
“Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I accept the consequences of my sins, but I ask for your mercy. I believe you died for me. Even if my life does not improve outwardly, I ask you to give me eternal life. Save my soul. I surrender my life to you today.”

If you pray this sincerely, the Holy Spirit will fill you with peace and new life. Your desires will change, your mind will be renewed, and you will begin to experience joy that is not dependent on your circumstances.