And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” - Luke 23:43.
This is the second Word of God spoken by Jesus on the cross. 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.
Both thieves insulted Jesus at first, but later the thief on the left repented as he identified Jesus as Savior. In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him - Matthew 27:44. 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?. And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong - Luke 23:40,41.
The thief who repented at the last moments of his life asked Jesus to remember him when he comes into His kingdom. The thief said to Jesus, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” - Luke 23:42. Jesus promised the thief that surely he will be in paradise with Him today. And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” - Luke 23:43. Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need - Hebrews 4:16. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” - Romans 10:13.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, We thank You for Your gift of salvation for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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