Mercy Over Judgment: Conversations with Shannon Popkin
Episode 7 – The Second Thief: Perfect Justice and Amazing Mercy
We all know the story of Jesus on the cross. But what if one of the most powerful lessons about judgment and mercy comes from the criminal dying beside Him?
In this episode, we arrive at Calvary with Shannon Popkin and look closely at the second thief – the hardened criminal who begins by mocking Jesus but ends by recognizing Him as King and asking to be remembered in His kingdom.
What changed him? It wasn’t a warning about judgment, nor a chance to prove himself, nor even time to make things right. The thief encountered the mercy of Jesus.
As Jesus endured the ultimate misjudgment – being treated as a criminal despite being completely righteous – He responded not with retaliation, but with mercy. His words, “Father, forgive them,” reveal the astonishing heart of God toward sinners. And that mercy changed the man hanging beside Him.
The second thief saw what almost everyone else missed. While religious leaders, soldiers, and the crowd mocked Jesus, this dying criminal recognized Him as King. He asked for mercy, and Jesus welcomed him.
The cross shows us something we desperately need to remember: God’s judgment and mercy are not opposites. At the cross, we see both. Jesus bore the judgment we deserved so that we could receive the mercy we could never earn. And if we have truly received that mercy, it should change the way we see ourselves, God, and everyone around us.
In This Episode:
- Why Shannon chose the second thief to conclude the biblical stories in Kinda Judgy
- How the cross brings God’s judgment and mercy together
- Why mercy – not judgment – is what softens hardened hearts
- How Jesus responded when He was profoundly misjudged
- The significance of Jesus praying, “Father, forgive them”
- Why repentance matters in receiving forgiveness
- What Jesus’ promise of paradise reveals about God’s heart
- Why receiving God’s mercy should change the way we treat others
Reflection Questions
As you finish this episode, consider these questions:
- Have I truly encountered God’s mercy?
- When I am misjudged, do I defend myself, judge in return, or entrust myself to the One who judges justly?
- Who might I be tempted to judge as undeserving of mercy?
If this episode encouraged you:
- Follow The Sublime Soiree Podcast so you don’t miss the rest of this eight-part series.
- Share this episode with a friend who desires to grow in both truth and grace.
- Leave a rating and review to help more women discover biblical encouragement and authentic conversations.
- Visit You’re Invited Ministries here for information on Shannon Popkin. You also can download some of her free tools here. And visit our full website to learn about our book, speaking events, blog articles, and additional resources to help you grow in your walk with Christ.
