It was not only religious and military people who mocked Jesus on the cross; one of the two criminals joined in.  His heart was as hard as the others.  Although he 'asked' to be saved, the request was not with faith but disbelieving cynicism.  He had no respect for the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. But the other criminal was different. His words revealed a different sort of heart; soft to the truth, realistic about his own sin and objective about the sinless character of Jesus Christ.
 
Firstly, he revealed himself as a God-fearer. He knew he was accountable to God.  Secondly, although the offender admitted that he had done wrong, he did not minimise his guilt, or question the rightness of his death sentence.  Thirdly, he identified that Jesus Himself had done nothing wrong.  Fourthly, he recognised Jesus as the King who would be vindicated and rule over His kingdom in God's heaven.  After those confessions of faith, he simply asked that Jesus would not forget Him the other side of death.  Unlike the mockers who wanted Jesus far away from them, this man wanted to be near the Saviour.  Christ's answer was unambiguous: ‘You certainly will be with me!’  His repentance and faith in Jesus was enough.
 
Of all those who believed in Jesus during His earthly ministry, this convict's conversion is an important model.  It shows that we do not have to be 'good enough' but rather 'honest enough' ... admitting our sins, honouring Christ in His sinless sacrifice and asking Him to be the Ruler over our lives for ever (view www.crosscheck.org.uk).  Those who honour the truth are honoured by God; and those who refuse to honour Him now, cannot expect the honoured welcome into heaven that the penitent thief was promised (1 Samuel 2:30).

That is why evangelism is so essential, irrespective of lifestyle, age or culture.  While there is breath, it is never too late to tell of Jesus and encourage our friends and family to come to Jesus.  However bad the past may have been, Jesus will always receive those who choose to repent and honour Him.  Today may be the day to reconsider all the 'hopeless cases' you know ... to pray that their hearts may be turned and that you will have courage to introduce them to Jesus.