Luke 23:43. And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
On the day Jesus was crucified two others were crucified on either side of him. Both were condemned criminals, both enemies of the state, both began the day in mockery of Christ. But as that Good Friday progressed, one of those two men softened. He changed. He humbled himself before the Lord Jesus as he witnessed the majesty and glory of Christ on that shameful tree.
These two men represent two responses to Jesus. One mocking, one asking for mercy. “Save yourself, and us!” was the cry of the mocking thief. Rather than fearing God, he rejects God’s instrument of salvation. Rather than trusting in the innocence of Jesus, he assumes his guilt. Rather than seeing the cross as the means to an end, he sees it as the end alone. He can’t understand that Jesus’ death is just the beginning of his reign as the Savior-King of the world. This is Christ’s inauguration, not just his execution.
The second man, however, somehow gets it. His is not only a humble response, but also a response of great faith. Let’s look at the entire exchange between Jesus and this humble man:
Luke 23:39-43. 39One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
The second criminal separates himself from Jesus so that he can be close to Jesus. He recognizes his own guilt and Jesus’ innocence – this man has done nothing wrong. Whether or not he understood the full implications of this statement we may never know. But he knew that Jesus was righteous. That he is the King over a Kingdom. That he held the power to decide who enters that kingdom. That this kingdom was beyond this life. That eternal life was possible. And that Jesus was likely to show mercy to any who call on his name no matter what their crime in this life.
This dying thief might be the first to understand that the cross is the necessary first step to the enthronement of Christ. He saw the crown of thorns on Jesus’ head and the purple robe on his back. He heard the sentencing of Pilate and read the titulus above his head – “King of the Jews” it said. He heard Jesus pray for the forgiveness of his executioners. And then something clicked. He realized that this man was not in the same category as him. And so he begged for mercy – remember me when you come into your kingdom.
And then Jesus responded with far more than he could ask or imagine. The thief asked for mercy at the future judgment. But Jesus declares much more grace – TODAY you will be with me in Paradise.
There’s no way that this criminal expected such an immediate blessing. But this is what the resurrection of Jesus offers to us – salvation now. Not later. Not someday. Every blessing is ours in Christ TODAY. Paradise starts now.
Paradise means garden, the garden of God. The new creation. The future kingdom. The restoration of Eden. We don’t have to wait for the Kingdom of Christ to begin, we are already with Jesus in his Kingdom today. The resurrection of Jesus makes our future with Christ so sure and so secure, sealed by the Spirit of Promise, that we can claim our place in Paradise even before we literally get there.
Christian, this is all of grace!
What good deeds did this thief perform? Which sacraments did he receive? How many sacrifices did he offer? How many aisles did he walk down?
None. Just a cry for mercy that was answered beyond all he could hope or imagine. A man who had never done a single thing for Jesus walking into the presence of God arm in arm with Christ. Is this the same resurrection grace you’re living in?
You: Are you experiencing Paradise today? Explain your answer.
You in Christ: Are you still trying to earn your forgiveness and your place in Paradise? How might your life look different if you began to simply receive Christ’s grace?
Christ in you: Jesus didn’t just offer this criminal forgiveness; he also offered reconciliation. Do you need to offer someone reconciliation today?
Prayer: Father, you have brought me into Paradise with you. Teach me to live there in every moment. Amen.
To Live is Christ 