Jesus' second words are directed to the repentant thief who asked for mercy. As long as we have breath, it is never too late to turn to Christ for pardon and reconciliation with God. Jesus' death on the cross reverses the curse of sin and restores Paradise for the lost children of Adam and Eve. God's mercy frees us to love and to forgive as Jesus did. Jesus was crucified for his claim to be King.
Kingship seems antiquated in a democratic society where everyone is treated equal and free.
God at first did not want to give his people Israel a king. Because He alone was their King and they needed no other. The Jews understood that the Messiah would come as king to establish God's reign for them. They wanted a king who would free them from tyranny and foreign domination. Many had high hopes that Jesus would be the Messianic king.