The character of 'Jackson' was played by actor, Gerald Gordon.

Jackson's character simply represented a different kind of thief ... one who takes your life. Even though he was portrayed as a hit man ... who killed people for a living, he also recognized who Jesse was. He was also the one who asked to go with Jesse ... as he himself hung from the cross dying. Why do you think Jesse said; "This day you will be with me in paradise?" No one in the theater heard Jackson ask Jesus to forgive him.

RESULT: It was astonishing to find out how many people felt that God (Jesus) knows your heart and that even though words aren't spoken ... He knows whether or not you are sincere. His character hit a lot of people square in the heart and they felt if Jesus could forgive him, He could forgive them.