In this story the thief had met Yashua/Jesus before he was sentenced to die on an execution stake.  Even though Yashua said nothing to him directly, he was impacted by the living witness of the Son of Man.  This troubling encounter followed him to the cross where he recognized Yashua as the third man on the execution stake.  In his mental agony he is finally forced to confront his demons and cry out for mercy from the Son of God.  Yashua, the Prince of Peace, suffering His own pain, ministers the peace that passes all understanding, assuring him of a place reserved for him in the Heavenly Kingdom.  The thief’s confession of faith was not too late.  It is not too late for you either.  Accept your Savior’s free gift of eternal life today, there might not be a tomorrow.