New Testament
Luke 23:42
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Then he said, "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
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And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
What Luke 23:42 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus acknowledges Him as Lord and pleads for remembrance in His kingdom. This moment highlights the criminal's faith in Jesus despite his dire circumstances. He recognizes Jesus' authority and the hope of eternal life, showing that even in the last moments of life, one can turn to Christ for salvation. The request to be remembered signifies a desire for a relationship with Jesus and an understanding of His kingship. This interaction illustrates the theme of grace, as Jesus responds to the man's faith with a promise of paradise, demonstrating that redemption is available to all, regardless of their past. It emphasizes the importance of faith and repentance, even at the end of life, and reassures believers of Jesus' mercy and willingness to save those who seek Him sincerely.
How to apply Luke 23:42 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek Jesus in our lives, no matter our past mistakes. It reminds us that it's never too late to turn to Him for forgiveness and to trust in His promise of eternal life. We should share this hope with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Crucifixion (Luke 23:26–43)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 23:42
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 23:42 teach about faith?
Luke 23:42 illustrates that faith can emerge even in the most desperate situations. The criminal acknowledges Jesus as Lord and expresses a desire to be remembered in His kingdom, showcasing a profound belief in Jesus' authority and promise of salvation. This teaches us that faith does not depend on our circumstances but on our recognition of Jesus' power and grace.
How does Jesus respond to the criminal in Luke 23:42?
In response to the criminal's plea, Jesus assures him, 'Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.' This response highlights Jesus' willingness to offer forgiveness and salvation, regardless of one's past. It emphasizes the theme of grace, showing that redemption is available to anyone who sincerely seeks it, even at the last moment of life.
What is the significance of asking to be remembered in Luke 23:42?
The request to be remembered signifies a desire for a personal relationship with Jesus and an acknowledgment of His kingship. It reflects the criminal's faith and hope for eternal life, indicating that he understands Jesus' authority and the promise of His kingdom. This moment underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as Lord and the transformative power of faith.
Can we find hope in Luke 23:42 for our own lives?
Yes, Luke 23:42 offers hope by reminding us that it is never too late to turn to Jesus for forgiveness and salvation. Regardless of our past mistakes, we can seek Him sincerely, just as the criminal did. This verse encourages us to trust in Jesus' promise of eternal life and to share this hope with others who may feel lost or unworthy.
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