What does Mark 15:32 mean?
The claim of the chief priests and the scribes is disingenuous. God works in human history in different ways. Whether faced with the direct contact He had with Adam and Eve, the specific Law He gave Moses, or the reality of Jesus sitting on a throne during the millennial kingdom, there will always be those who reject God's authority and offer of grace. The scribes of Jerusalem saw the miracles of Jesus and accounted them acts of Satan (Mark 3:22). In three days, the priests will hear that Jesus is raised from the dead. For the next forty, they will hear that He is traveling around to encourage His followers (Acts 1:3). But instead of believing, they will persecute Jesus' followers (Acts 4:1–3; 5:17–18, 40; 6:8–15; 7:54–60).Mark cuts short the story of the two thieves, as does Matthew (Matthew 27:44). Scholars believe Luke got his information from Jesus' mother Mary, who stands at the base of the cross, at least for a while (John 19:26–27). Luke records that although the two thieves start by harassing Jesus, one has a change of heart (Luke 23:39–43). He rebukes his associate, pointing out that while they deserve their fate, Jesus is innocent. Then, in a stunning act of faith, he says, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). Jesus responds, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43).
In two short verses, Luke gives us a treasure-trove of theology. First, this event makes blatantly obvious that any claim that someone must be baptized to be saved is wrong. The thief isn't baptized, and Jesus still affirms his eternal destiny.
Second, it debunks the idea that there are other doctrinal views necessary for salvation other than sincere submissive faith in Christ—this thief knew little other than whom to turn to for forgiveness.
Third, the claim that after death our souls "sleep" until judgment is also wrong. We don't know the exact sequence of events upon the death of a believer, but Jesus is clear that the first stop is paradise, with Him. Whether this means a holding-spot for a while or a time jump straight to the Bema Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10–12) isn't revealed. But when we die, we will see Jesus. The thief's actions may have earned him a horrible death, but his faith gives us great gifts of assurance and comfort.
