Never Too Late: Jesus & The Thief

Summary

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The Jesus Podcast: “Never Too Late: Jesus & The Thief”

Podcast Host: Zach (Pray.com)
Air Date: June 6, 2026
Episode Theme:
A rich, dramatized retelling of the crucifixion through the lens of the two thieves, exploring the depths of Jesus’s forgiveness, the nature of grace, repentance, and the assurance that it is never too late for redemption.

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Episode Overview

This episode brings listeners to the foot of the cross, offering a masterful blend of storytelling and theology focused on Jesus’s crucifixion alongside two thieves—Dismas and Gestas. Through immersive narrative and biblical insights, host Zach (from Pray.com) explores how the encounter between Jesus and the repentant thief, Dismas, powerfully reveals the heart of the Gospel: forgiveness, even in the final moments of life.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Descent into Darkness: The Thieves’ Backstory

• Dismas and Gestas stand before Pontius Pilate, accused of grave crimes—robbery, conspiracy, and murder.
• Dismas is wracked with genuine remorse and regret for his actions. In contrast, Gestas remains defiant and bitter about their fate.
• Quote (Pontius Pilate):

  "A quick death would be too merciful for you." (04:37)

2. Judgment and Hopelessness

• Pilate sentences the thieves to crucifixion at Golgotha, “where dogs gnash at your ankles and crows peck at your eyes.” (06:30)
• Dismas’s internal monologue reveals a broken, guilt-ridden spirit, consumed by self-loathing and awareness of the pain he caused.
• Gestas, in contrast, openly mocks the process, bitter and angry at God and Rome alike.

3. Encounter With Jesus

• On their way out, Dismas glimpses Jesus and recalls his previous indifference to Jesus’s message. A seed of recognition and longing is planted.
• Gestas mocks Jesus:

  “Some messiah. Rome is still in power and our people are still oppressed. Nothing's changed. You failed, Jesus.” (07:58)

• Dismas’s silent reverence versus Gestas’s open scorn illustrates two distinct ways people respond to Christ.

4. The Climb to The Cross

• Vivid descriptions of the physical brutality: soldiers dragging, taunts from the crowd, and the torturous journey to Golgotha.
• Dismas is overwhelmed by guilt and regret, haunted by the suffering he’s caused innocents—children and women.
• Gestas:

  “It is what I deserve. No forgiveness, no hope.” (11:18)

5. Crucifixion—Shared Agony, Different Hearts

• The thieves are nailed to their crosses. Gestas curses the Roman soldiers while Dismas suffers in silence, his pain reflective and penitent.
• Jesus is crucified between them—crown of thorns, body broken yet spirit unbowed.
• The crowd and Gestas mock Jesus:

  “He saved others. Let him save himself.” (15:13)

• Amid agony, Jesus prays:

  “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they're doing.” (15:39, attributed to Jesus via narrator)

6. A Moment of Revelation and Repentance

• Dismas, deeply moved by Jesus’s forgiveness, recognizes him as Messiah.
• Gestas continues mocking:

  “If you're the Messiah, why don't you get yourself down from here and save us while you're at it?” (16:40)

• Dismas rebukes his companion, displaying the first sign of repentance:

  “Don’t you fear God at all?” (16:52)
  “We are receiving justice for our sins, but this man has done nothing wrong.” (17:06)

• Dismas’s prayerful plea:

  “Jesus, I know I'm getting what I deserve. Please remember me when you enter your kingdom.” (17:33)

7. The Promise of Paradise

• Jesus responds with one of the most powerful assurances in Scripture:

  “Truly my friend, today you will be with me in paradise.” (17:41)

• Dismas is filled with hope and dies with peace, his faith anchored in the grace Jesus offers.

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Theological Reflection and Practical Application

Host Zach Unpacks The Gospel Message (20:11–24:59):

• Repentance: The story spotlights the necessity of admitting one’s sins and turning to Jesus for forgiveness.
• Nature of Grace: Jesus doesn’t merely remember Dismas; He invites him into eternal life. This “scandalous” grace is available to all who turn to Christ.
• Messiness and Beauty of Redemption:

  “The gospel is messy because life is messy. But it's beautiful, just as life is beautiful.” (around 24:40)

• Never Too Late:

  "It's never too late to turn to Jesus. Wherever you find yourself in life now, you can call upon his name and he will answer you." (24:50)

• Quote (Isaiah 53:5, as cited by Zach):

  “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we were healed.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Description | |-----------|------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:37 | Pontius Pilate | “A quick death would be too merciful for you.” | | 07:58 | Gestas | “Some messiah. Rome is still in power... You failed, Jesus.” | | 11:18 | Gestas | “It is what I deserve. No forgiveness, no hope.” | | 15:39 | (Narrator quoting Jesus) | “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they're doing.”| | 16:52 | Dismas | “Don’t you fear God at all?” | | 17:06 | Dismas | “We are receiving justice for our sins, but this man has done nothing wrong.” | | 17:33 | Dismas | “Jesus, I know I'm getting what I deserve. Please remember me when you enter your kingdom.”| | 17:41 | Jesus | “Truly my friend, today you will be with me in paradise.” | | 24:40 | Zach (Host) | “The gospel is messy because life is messy. But it's beautiful, just as life is beautiful.”| | 24:50 | Zach (Host) | “It's never too late to turn to Jesus. Wherever you find yourself in life now, you can call upon his name and he will answer you.”|

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Important Timestamps

• 00:00 – Opening prayer on the promise of paradise.
• 04:37 – Pilate’s judgment and the thieves' backstory.
• 07:53 – Confrontation with Jesus; Gestas mocks, Dismas reflects.
• 10:13–13:00 – The road to Golgotha and crucifixion.
• 15:39 – Jesus prays for forgiveness for his persecutors.
• 16:40–17:41 – The exchange between the thieves and Jesus’s promise of paradise.
• 20:11–24:59 – Host’s reflection: the steps of repentance, meaning of the Gospel, and the never-too-late message.

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Flow & Tone

The episode masterfully blends dramatized narrative with heartfelt theological reflection, maintaining a tone that’s both reverent and deeply empathetic. It captures the raw human emotion of guilt, despair, hope, and redemption. The portrayal of Dismas' repentance and Jesus’s forgiving response serves as an entry point for listeners to examine their own lives and the meaning of grace in Christianity.

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Final Takeaway

“Never Too Late: Jesus & The Thief” is a compelling reminder that no one is beyond redemption. The episode assures listeners that the heart of the Gospel is about grace for the undeserving, hope for the hopeless, and assurance that—at any moment, even in the darkest hour—it’s never too late to turn to Jesus.

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Recommended for:

• Believers seeking encouragement in grace
• Anyone questioning if forgiveness is available for them
• Listeners interested in dramatic, scripture-based storytelling

Memorable Conclusion:

“It's never too late to turn to Jesus. Wherever you find yourself in life now, you can call upon his name and he will answer you.” (24:50)

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Transcript

[Narrator]

Jesus said to him, assuredly I tell you today you will be with me in paradise. Heavenly Father, in the shadow of the cross we find profound hope. Our hearts swell with gratitude for the mercy and forgiveness that flow from your throne. Even in our most undeserving moments, we humbly come before you, acknowledging our sins and the countless times we fall short of your glory. With contrite hearts we ask for your forgiveness, trusting in your endless grace and love. Lord, let this promise of paradise not just be a place, but a state of being, your presence for wherever Jesus is, there is paradise. May our lives reflect the depth of our gratitude as we walk in your ways seeking to bring your kingdom here on earth. Help us to hold fast to the hope of eternal life with you, rejoicing in the assurance that we are forever yours in Jesus name, Amen.

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[Narrator]

praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast epic stories created to awaken your imagination and inspire your faith. Stick around to hear another story inspired by the Gospel, where a worthless thief finds forgiveness and paradise in his final moments. If this podcast has brought value to your faith, we'd love it if you left a review and shared it with a friend. We want the story of Jesus to be known throughout the world, because when Jesus story is told, lives are transformed.

[Pontius Pilate]

Justice Endimus the crimes brought against you are grave. You've stolen jewels from Caesar's war chest. You've robbed his royal guard of supplies, murdered his subjects, and attempted to conceal your crimes by sowing conspiracy among his servants. The weight of your crimes are severe. A quick death would be too merciful for you.

[Narrator]

Dismas could barely keep himself standing. His knees shook with shame and fear. Tears streamed down his beaten and bruised face. Gastas, however, was far less remorseful. He spat on the floor and growled,

[Gestas]

it don't come close to what Caesar's stolen from us.

[Narrator]

Pilate leaned over his desk and pounded his fist.

[Pontius Pilate]

Your punishment is execution by crucifixion. A fitting fate for worthless men.

[Narrator]

Dismas gasped. Pilate's words were a ton of bricks laid on his chest. His heart sank and his mind raced with regret. He wasn't a hardened and spiteful man like Gestas. He had fallen into the wrong company, made poor judgments, and spiraled into a life of sin. He would have never sought this life out for himself, but people rarely plan to be murderous thieves and criminals. Even still, perhaps the pain of crucifixion would be less severe than living with his guilt.

[Gestas]

Adonai, please forgive me.

[Pontius Pilate]

There is no God where you are

[Narrator]

going, pilate jabbed with an impassive, callous tone.

[Pontius Pilate]

You will be taken to Calvary, the place you people call Golgotha where dogs gnash at your ankles and crows peck at your eyes. Pray all you'd like, but only one God rules that mountain. And his name is Caesar. The one you robbed.

[Narrator]

Suddenly there was a knock on the door. A servant entered and bowed.

[Gestas]

Lord Pilate, Jesus of Nazareth has returned from Herod's palace. Shall I bring him in?

[Pontius Pilate]

Yes. But first get these ingrates out of my sight. Strap the crosses to their backs.

[Narrator]

Dismas and Gestus were dragged by their beards. Outside, as Dismas was leaving, he caught a glimpse of Jesus. Even in the face of judgment, his eyes were relentless and unyielding. Dismas had heard Jesus preach many times. The words spoken by the shore still reverberated in his mind. He ignored those calls for repentance. He spat at the idea of the Messiah being a weak and lonely carpenter from Nazareth. Yet in this brief space in time, Dismas didn't see a humble carpenter. The moment was interrupted by Gesta's irreverent curses.

[Gestas]

There's the man who claimed to be the Messiah.

[Narrator]

He spat on the ground and continued.

[Gestas]

Some messiah. Rome is still in power and our people are still oppressed. Nothing's changed. You failed Jesus.

[Narrator]

We've all failed. The guard struck Gestas on the jaw to shut him up. Dismas looked back and watched Jesus enter the court of Pilate with his head held high.

[Zach (Podcast Host)]

Who do you say Jesus is? How we answer this question is a decision of life and death. Paul tells us in Romans 3:23, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. In Romans 6:23, he says, the wages of sin is death on our own. We will face the penalty of death for our transgressions. But if we know Jesus to be the Savior sent from heaven, we can find hope and freedom from sin and the promise of eternal life. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast, a year of stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love and the glory of God's truth. I'm Zach, your host from pray.com after his trials before Pontius Pilate and Herod, it was finally time for Jesus to be punished, though unfairly, with no real crimes to convict him. For the people's anger was enough for Pilate to condemn Jesus to death on the cross. Crucifixion was Romans evidence that they had mastered the craft of torture. Jesus was beaten, spat upon, and then strapped to a wooden beam. He was sent to carry this burden to the place of his execution, where he would be hoisted up just high enough for the spectators to see him, but not so high that he didn't look into the very eyes of those who were mocking him. For years, he had only poured out love and tender care for the lost, hurting and the broken. He preached peace and lived a life that modeled it. A man without faults now hung in shame to die the death of a sinner. While the Jews may have thought they finally got the best of Jesus, we know Jesus wasn't forced into this moment as he obeyed his heavenly father. Jesus willingly hung on the cross to fulfill the word of God and accomplish his incredible plan to save the world. And although Jesus was righteous, dying a sinner's death, he was beside two thieves, two people who deserve to die. Two people who represent two different postures when faced with the Savior of the world.

[Gestas]

Don't let these dogs see you cry, demis. They want you to break.

[Narrator]

Gesta struggled against the leather straps binding him to the cross. The two men marched up the jagged path leading to the mountain called Skull. The splintered crosses were secured to their backs, digging into their skin. Gesta shouted at the soldiers, cursing them and Caesar. Dismas, however, remained silent. His tears fell upon the rocks below. They were tears of pain and regret. He knew that this was precisely what he deserved. He had lived a worthless life, lurking on the roadside to rob Roman merchants, lenders and officials. He became a violent and spiteful man. But he knew innocent people were hurt in his wake. The screams of children and helpless women still echoed in his mind.

[Gestas]

It is what I deserve. No forgiveness, no hope.

[Narrator]

He was angry at himself. He hated who he had become. He cursed under his breath and gritted his teeth.

[Gestas]

Blast it all. That's the spirit.

[Narrator]

Gestus cheered. The thieves were brought to the summit, where storm clouds swirled violently like birds of prey. The soldiers held Dismas down to the cross. Stretching his limbs with a rope, they took metal spikes and placed them on his wrists and ankles. Dismas looked away, but one of the soldiers turned his head, forcing him to watch. The soldier struck the stakes with hammers, driving them deep into his flesh. Dismas screamed in agonizing pain.

[Gestas]

Oh, God. Oh, God, make it stop.

[Narrator]

No gods here, the guards replied. They raised the cross, shifting all of Dismas body weight onto his punctured wrists and ankles. He couldn't breathe unless he pushed himself up, causing even more pain to shoot through his body.

[Gestas]

May God's judgment be upon you, Roman dogs.

[Narrator]

Gesta shouted, spitting blood from his mouth. He held his head back and thrashed against the Pain.

[Gestas]

It should be you hanging up there, not us.

[Narrator]

Dismas listened quietly. He didn't share Gestus spite. All his hatred was turned inwards. Each jolt of pain was a reminder of his sins. He prayed earnestly for a quick death, although he knew it wouldn't come. Hours passed, and the storm above swirled violently. Dismas quivered from dehydration and blood loss, but each time he tried giving up, the pain would wake him up again. The Romans were indeed masters in the craft of torture. Dismas looked down the hill. A mob had formed on each side. A mob had formed on each side of the path, shouting and cursing at a figure marching up the hill. The man had been so severely scourged that Dismas could barely see his face. But as he came closer, Dismas could see it was Jesus of Nazareth. His beard had been partially torn and a crown of thorns. Thorns dug into his skull, causing blood to cover what was left of his face. He reached the summit with thousands of scoffers and mourners behind him. They took large metal stakes in hand and drove them into his wrists and feet. He cried out in pain, and everyone watching winced at the sight of it. Slowly and painfully, Jesus was then raised for all to see. Between Dismas and Gestas, the name carved into the wood below him was King of the Jews, a king suspended between two criminals. As he hung between heaven and earth. His enemies gathered below, reveling in his suffering.

[Gestas]

He saved others. Let him save himself.

[Narrator]

They spat. Gestus joined them in laughter. Their words were venomous, meant to mock and ridicule. Yet Jesus love for them remained steadfast. With labored breath, he whispered a tender prayer to the Creator.

[Gestas]

Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they're doing.

[Narrator]

Those words, whispered to God, reached the ears of Dismas. He looked over at Jesus in awe. This man, scarred by the hatred of these people, prayed for their forgiveness. It was at this moment Dismas saw Jesus for who he truly was. Jesus was no mere carpenter. He was exactly who he claimed to be, the Messiah. And if he could forgive the people crucifying him, perhaps Dismas could also receive forgiveness. The moment of revelation was interrupted by Gestus. With blood dripping from his chin, he spat and yelled, come on now, if

[Gestas]

you're the Messiah, why don't you get yourself down from here and save us while you're at it?

[Narrator]

Some Messiah you are. Dismas shook his head and shouted, don't

[Gestas]

you fear God at all?

[Narrator]

His breath labored and painful. Gesta ceased his mockery and listened. Dismas knew he deserved punishment for his crimes, but Jesus had done nothing wrong.

[Gestas]

We are receiving justice for our sins, but this man has done nothing wrong.

[Narrator]

His jaw quivered and his voice nearly failed as he begged Jesus for forgiveness. He thought about Jesus words again. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Perhaps it was closer now than ever for Dismas.

[Gestas]

Jesus, I know I'm getting what I deserve. Please remember me when you enter your kingdom.

[Narrator]

Dismay believed in the kingdom of heaven. He knew that Jesus somehow could still grant him salvation. A brief and warm smile graced Jesus cheeks. He encouraged Dismas and said, truly my friend, today you will be with me in paradise. The words washed over Dismas like rain to a scorched earth. Tears of thankful joy mixed with the blood and dirt below his cross. He continued hanging there for hours, with the joy and hope of paradise getting him through the pain. Dismas died there on that cross, but not before he heard the Messiah yell

[Gestas]

to the heavens, it is finished.

[Narrator]

Dismas closed his eyes and said goodbye to his former self. When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer hanging beside Jesus on a cross, but beholding him on a throne of judgment and grace.

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[Zach (Podcast Host)]

On the day of his crucifixion, Jesus didn't hang alone. Two men, murderous criminals facing judgment for their crimes, hung on his left and his right. While these men could relate to Jesus in their present circumstances, they certainly didn't live a life like Jesus. But in his final Moments of life. One of these men would learn that it's never too late to turn your life around. Though he may have allowed himself to fall into a life of corruption, he made the choice that mattered most, the choice to turn to Jesus. In just a few short verses, the story of the robber on the cross next to Jesus is a beautiful presentation of the Gospel. Do you know what the word gospel means? It means good news. But good news is only good in comparison to bad news. The bad news is in this case, that sin is deserving of death. And we've all sinned against God in ways both big and small. We've done, said and thought things that go against the character of God and have created a distance between he and us. We've missed the mark. We've strayed from God. And a life apart from the giver of life can only mean death. In the Gospel accounts, we learn that both the thieves had initially joined in with the spectators in mocking Jesus. But in watching an innocent man in the same agony he was experiencing, he knew that his fate was completely deserved. The Gospel requires us to admit our sins and understand the price that must be paid for them. But we don't have to allow sin to be the final say over our lives. Jesus ministry was centered around calling sinners to repentance, calling the outcast to be close to God. No matter how far you've turned, no matter how far you've run, Jesus is just a step away. And the thief who finds himself next to Jesus shows us what that looks like. As he rebukes his fellow convict, he physically demonstrates repentance. He speaks one final time to the man that represented his life of sin. But this time with the fear of God in his heart, a deep conviction that his life needed a change, even if it was in its final moments. The events of the story matter. First, this man turns to his companion who is suffering for his sins. And then he turns to Jesus. You see, repentance requires that we look at our sin first and then Jesus second. First, we have to acknowledge that we have lived a life of sin and that apart from Jesus righteousness, we are filthy before God, unworthy of his blessing. But we can turn from our sins and then look to Jesus and ask for forgiveness. That's what this man on the cross does. He turns to his sin. He acknowledges it and acknowledges that he deserves to die. But then he turns to Jesus and begs for forgiveness. When we turn to Jesus, we're turning to the one who can take away our sins and give us new life. This is the heart of the gospel, the good news that Jesus came to bring. Even in the face of death. There is new life in Jesus when we invite him into our lives. The humility of the robber and his action is admirable. All he asks is that Jesus would remember him when he came into his kingdom. No demand for salvation, no strong arming for grace, just a small request that sought out to be a morsel of mercy. But Jesus, seeing the man's heart of genuine repentance, offers him something greater than he even asked. He wouldn't just be remembered by Jesus in his kingdom, he would join Jesus in eternity. The same invitation is made available to anyone who calls upon the name of Jesus. Dismas knew he deserved the fate of execution. The punishment fit the crime. But the gospel that he now clings to in his final moments is scandalous that the punishment indeed fits the crime. But Jesus took the punishment on our behalf. Isaiah 53. 5 says, but he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we were healed. No one deserves it, but everyone can receive it. The brutality of the cross was selected method for God's beautiful plan of redemption. Though death ruled the day on his hill called Skull, Jesus would reign in heaven forever as he crushed the head of the serpent of old and redeemed mankind. The day Jesus died on the cross has become known as Good Friday. A day of pain and agony, torture and mockery. But it preceded something glorious resurrection into eternal life. That was something that Dismas got to enjoy. And it's something that you and I get to enjoy. If we turn to our sin, acknowledge it, but then turn to Jesus and asks that he remembers us, considers us, forgives us and gives us new life. The gospel is messy because life is messy. But it's beautiful. Just as life is beautiful. And guess what? It's never too late to turn to Jesus. Wherever you find yourself in life now, you can call upon his name and he will answer you.

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