[Jael]

Yes, learning is fun. But paying for your crime, as a common theif, is not what Jesus was speaking of. :-)

[JesseShurun]

Umm, let's unwrap the package. The thief, was he immediately taken up into heaven-- after all the Lord could have sent him, tout suite. Or did he hang there, suffering with and alongside of the Lord, and share in the crucifixion? What an ineffable honor! His sins were forgiven, no punishment was even due him, was there?