So the wheel of Our Lord’s ministry turned full circle.  He had begun it by proclaiming, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel” (RSV, Mark 1:15) (our italics).  And now as his ministry reached its close, a companion of its last agonising hours responded to that call by repenting and believing, and was given a place in the company of the King himself.  So by his repentance and faith the robber became the last disciple whom Our Lord made on earth.

That incident is equally instructive about Our Lord himself, and the way in which he dealt with those among whom he moved.  Some, as for example Philip, became his disciples by accepting his direct invitation.  Others, like Simon Peter, were brought to Jesus by those who already knew him.  Others again no doubt responded to and accepted the conditions of discipleship which he put before the general public in his preaching (John 1:43, 40-42; Luke 9:23, 14:26-33).

The robber on Calvary responded partly to Our Lord’s plea of “Father, forgive them…” (NRSV, Luke 23:34), and partly to the tremendous influence which Our Lord himself by his very proximity exerted upon him.