The Penitent Thief (for viola and harp) String Duet - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.1039821

The Penitent Thief is based on the encounter between Jesus and the “penitent thief” on the cross, as told in Luke 23:39-43: “One of the thieves who hung by Jesus was hurling abuse at him…But the other thief answered, rebuking him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? We indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve;
but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!” And Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

This piece tells the story from the perspective of the “penitent thief,” focusing on his spiritual transformation throughout this brief but powerful dialog with Jesus, right before death. Although the passage does not detail the man’s inner thoughts, it is easy to imagine that hearing “Today you will be with me in Paradise” from Jesus, in such a helpless moment, had a profound impact on him. Ultimately, the “penitent thief’s” story encapsulates an experience very relatable for many Christians around the world, including myself: that of a broken and lost soul finding hope for salvation in Christ who died for their sins. In this piece, I depicted the story as follows:

On the cross, the “penitent thief” is overcome with despair. Facing shame and death, he yearns for salvation. His mood shifts between quiet reflection and frantic outbursts. He glances at Jesus beside him – blameless but giving His life for the sins of many. He believes Jesus is his only hope and cries out, “Remember me when You enter into Your kingdom!” Moved by the man’s belief and humility, Jesus responds: "Today you will be with me in Paradise.” Jesus gives him a glimpse of Paradise, and for a moment the “penitent thief” feels hopeful. Fear and doubt begin to creep in, and he wrestles with himself. Then, for a moment, the scene falls silent. As the moment of death approaches, the man desperately casts his fear and doubt aside and clings to Jesus’ promise. He is suddenly overcome with joy, embracing salvation. Finally at peace, the man gazes upward, gives one last feeble breath, and his soul departs.

The piece is continuous without break but organized into six sections, each depicting a pivotal point in his spiritual transformation:
- Despair, crying out: “Jesus, remember me…”
- Jesus’s promise: “Today you will be with me in Paradise”
- Glimpse of Paradise
- Fear and doubt
- Joy, embracing salvation
- Final breath, departing.