The Jesus Podcast

Episode: Never Too Late: Jesus & The Thief
Host: Zach (Pray.com)
Date: October 29, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of The Jesus Podcast delves into the powerful and redemptive story of Jesus and the "good thief" (traditionally known as Dismas) during the crucifixion. Through masterful narrative and reflection, the show explores themes of guilt, repentance, and the life-changing grace Jesus offers—even in one's final moments. With vivid storytelling and theological insight, the episode illustrates how no one is beyond redemption and that it is truly never too late to turn to Jesus.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: The Thieves’ Judgment (02:04 – 05:46)

• Pontius Pilate pronounces a harsh judgment on Justus and Demas (thieves, also called Dismas and Gestas), highlighting the gravity of their crimes.
  • "A quick death would be too merciful for you." — Pontius Pilate [02:56]
• Dismas displays deep shame, regret, and fear. Inwardly, he prays for forgiveness, acknowledging his life of wrongdoing.
  • "Adonai, please forgive me." — Dismas [03:47]
• Gestas responds with defiance, showing no remorse.
• Pilate mocks their faith, stating there is "no God where you are going," setting up a contrast between divine mercy and earthly judgment.
  • "There is no God where you are going?" — Pontius Pilate [03:51]
  • "Only one god rules that mountain, and his name is Caesar, the one you robbed." — Pontius Pilate [03:57]

2. The Path to Golgotha: Contrasting Characters (10:12 – 12:52)

• Dismas and Gestas are forced to carry their crosses. Gestas resists and curses his captors, while Dismas is overcome with sorrow.
  • "This is what I deserve. No forgiveness, no hope." — Dismas [11:17]
• Vivid depiction of the agony and humiliation as Roman guards nail the thieves to their crosses.
• Dismas's pain is both physical and spiritual, his thoughts haunted by the innocent victims of his crimes.

3. Seeing Jesus: Mockery and Revelation (12:52 – 17:31)

• Jesus is crucified between the two thieves. He is severely beaten, mocked, and presented with the sign "King of the Jews."
• Despite his suffering, Jesus utters a prayer of forgiveness for his persecutors:
  • "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they're doing." — Jesus (narrated) [15:18]
• Dismas, witnessing Jesus's compassion, experiences a moment of revelation—realizing Jesus is indeed the Messiah.

4. The Thief’s Transformation and Jesus’ Promise (16:51 – 17:40)

• Gestas continues to mock Jesus, but Dismas rebukes him:
  • "Don't you fear God at all? We are receiving justice for our sins, but this man has done nothing wrong." — Dismas [16:51–17:05]
• In a voice fraught with emotion, Dismas turns to Jesus, seeking mercy:
  • "Jesus, I know I'm getting what I deserve. Please remember me when you enter your kingdom." — Dismas [17:31]
• Jesus offers one of the most profound promises in scripture:
  • "Truly my friend, today you will be with me in paradise." — Jesus (narrated) [17:40]
• Dismas experiences hope and peace in his final hour, a symbol of the transformative power of grace.

5. Theological Reflection: It’s Never Too Late (21:41 – 26:31)

• Zach (host) deeply unpacks the story’s spiritual significance:
  • The story is a parable of the Gospel—good news contrasted with the reality of sin and deserved judgment.
  • Repentance, even at the last moment, opens the door to grace. Dismas first acknowledges his sin, then turns to Jesus for mercy.
  • "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." — Zach [22:10]
  • The humility of the thief—simply asking Jesus to remember him—contrasts with demands for salvation or entitlement to grace.
• References to prophecy (Isaiah 53:5) highlight that Jesus took on humanity’s punishment, making grace available for all.
  • "He was pierced for our transgressions... by his wounds we were healed." — Zach quoting Isaiah [24:04]
• The cross is portrayed as both an instrument of Roman cruelty and God’s ultimate act of redemption. Jesus’s sacrificial death brings hope even through agony.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dismas’ desperate prayer:
  "Adonai, please forgive me." — Dismas [03:47]

• Pilate’s cold retort:
  "There is no God where you are going?" — Pontius Pilate [03:51]

• Jesus prays for his persecutors:
  "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they're doing." — Jesus (narrated) [15:18]

• Dismas’s confession and plea:
  "We are receiving justice for our sins, but this man has done nothing wrong." — Dismas [17:05]
  "Please remember me when you enter your kingdom." — Dismas [17:31]

• Jesus’ promise of grace:
  "Truly my friend, today you will be with me in paradise." — Jesus (narrated) [17:40]

• Host’s summary on the gospel's power:
  "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." — Zach [26:23]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Pontius Pilate judges the thieves: [02:04 - 05:46]
• Dismas and Gestas on the road to Calvary: [10:12 - 12:52]
• Crucifixion and Dismas’s revelation: [12:52 - 17:31]
• Dismas seeks forgiveness; Jesus’s response: [17:31 - 17:40]
• Host’s Gospel Reflection: [21:41 - 26:31]

Tone and Storytelling

The episode is cinematic, blending dramatic narration with tender, compassionate theological reflection. Dialogue is raw and deeply human, especially as Dismas wrestles with his guilt and ultimate hope. The host, Zach, speaks with conviction and empathy, making the message accessible to both longtime Christians and the spiritually curious alike.

Takeaways

• Redemption is for everyone: No matter the depth or tenure of one’s sins, it is never too late to seek forgiveness and turn to Jesus.
• Repentance precedes renewal: Like Dismas, acknowledging one’s faults is the first step toward receiving grace.
• Jesus’s promise endures: Christ’s offer of paradise extends to all who humbly call on his name, even in their final moments.
• The Gospel’s clarity: The story powerfully distills the essence of Christianity—sin, repentance, grace, and new life.

Whether you are familiar with this biblical account or hearing it for the first time, this episode offers an emotionally resonant, theologically rich perspective that illustrates the boundless reach of divine mercy and the ever-present possibility of new beginnings in Christ.