September 1, 2025

The Unlikely Defender

"But the other criminal protested, 'Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die?'"
Luke 23:40

Courage shows up in strange places. A dying thief became Jesus' biggest defender. Religious leaders mocked Him. His own disciples ran away. But this unnamed man found his voice when it mattered most. His words cut through the darkness like truth.

The thief's words hit hard and clear. He didn't just defend Jesus. He told off his buddy for mocking the Son of God. His words mattered because he was suffering too. He knew what they both deserved. But he saw that Jesus didn't deserve this.

What made this thief different from everyone else watching Jesus die? He wasn't smarter than the religious leaders or braver than the disciples. He didn't have inside knowledge or special training. But he had something they lacked in that moment: desperation mixed with honesty. When pride gets stripped away, truth becomes easier to see.

This unlikely defender shows us that God uses broken people for His biggest moments. The disciples who walked with Jesus for three years stayed hidden. The religious leaders who knew Scripture inside out mocked Him. But a dying thief with a criminal record became the voice of truth. Sometimes God's best defenders come from the most unexpected people.

This unnamed hero challenges every believer today. When friends mock your faith, will you speak up? When people at work attack Christian values, will you answer back? When the world tells you to stay quiet, will you find your voice? The thief shows us that defending Jesus doesn't need perfect records.

Godseekers, ask yourself where you need more courage to defend Jesus. Maybe it's at work, in your family, or online. The thief didn't wait for a better time. He didn't look for easier circumstances. He spoke truth when truth was dangerous. Today is your chance to show the same bold faith that turned a dying thief into Jesus' greatest defender.

Prayer

Dear Lord, give me the courage of this unnamed thief who defended You when everyone else stayed quiet. Help me speak up for truth even when it costs me comfort. Make my voice strong when others need to hear about Your love. Make me bold like this dying man who found his greatest moment in defending You. In Jesus' name, Amen.