Now, the next thing was, the man was convicted. No man is likely to be
converted until he is first convicted of sin. This thief was
convicted. And what convicted him? He heard no sermon from Christ. The
rulers were then deriding Him. The chief men of His own country had
found Him guilty of blasphemy, and had condemned Him to die the death
of the cross. The chief men of the realm were there wagging their
heads and mocking Him. What was it then that convicted this poor
thief? He had seen Christ perform no miracles; he had heard no
wonderful words fall from His lips; he saw no glittering crown upon
His brow. True, it was written over His cross, "Jesus, the King of the
Jews"; but where was His kingdom? He saw nothing of the Jews paying
homage to Him. The Jews were putting Him to death. There was no
sceptre in His hand. True, He had been crowned a little while before,
but only with thorns, and yet amidst it all this poor thief was
convicted after fear fell upon him.