Today You Will Be With Me In Paradise

 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” - Luke 23:43.

                 The second Word of God on cross spoken by Jesus is a word of assurance. Jesus was crucified on the cross between two thieves. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left - Luke 23:33. Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors - Isaiah 53:12.   

                One of the thieves blasphemed Jesus whereas the other thief was saved on the cross. Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? - Luke 23:40. The other thief had the fear of God. He knew that Jesus was dying for him and recognized that Jesus is sinless.  And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong - Luke 23:41.

            The dying thief recognized that Jesus is the Savior. He asked Jesus to remember him when he comes into His kingdom. He believed in a future life and in judgment. The thief said to Jesus, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” - Luke 23:42. Jesus promised the thief that he would be in paradise and offered him the eternal life on the cross. The faith of thief about Jesus as Savior and his supplication to Jesus is amazing. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast - Ephesians 2:8,9.                                                  

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We thank You for the gift of salvation You have offered us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.