Jesus himself did not try to convert the two thieves on the cross; he waited until one of them turned to him

Jesus himself did not try to convert the two thieves on the cross; he waited until one of them turned to him

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German theologian and pastor who was known for his strong faith and commitment to social justice. He was also a key figure in the resistance against the Nazi regime during World War II. Bonhoeffer's life and teachings were deeply influenced by his understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

The statement "Jesus himself did not try to convert the two thieves on the cross; he waited until one of them turned to him" can be seen as a reflection of Bonhoeffer's own approach to faith and evangelism. Bonhoeffer believed that true conversion and transformation of the heart could not be forced or coerced, but had to come from a genuine encounter with the living Christ.

In his book "The Cost of Discipleship," Bonhoeffer emphasizes the importance of grace and the call to follow Jesus in a radical and authentic way. He writes, "Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession... Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate."

Bonhoeffer's understanding of grace and discipleship is reflected in the story of the two thieves on the cross. Jesus did not try to convert them through persuasive arguments or coercion, but he waited patiently for one of them to turn to him in genuine repentance and faith. This act of grace and mercy on the part of Jesus demonstrates the transformative power of God's love and the invitation to all to come and follow him.

Bonhoeffer's own life and witness also exemplified this radical call to discipleship and faith. He was willing to risk his own life in order to stand up against the evil and injustice of the Nazi regime, and he ultimately paid the ultimate price for his convictions. Bonhoeffer's example challenges us to consider what it truly means to follow Jesus and to live out our faith in a world that is often hostile to the message of the gospel.