The Promise of Paradise

Last week we heard the first word from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." This week we hear of one of the criminals who heard this cry. Earlier, this criminal reviled Jesus along with the rest of the mob (Matt 27:44; Mark 15:32), but now, acknowledging that he is receiving just punishment for his own sin, he turns to Jesus and asks that he might remember him when he comes into his kingdom. Jesus' response is truly astonishing and promises the criminal even more than he asked for– "Truly I say to you, today, you will be with me in paradise."

What joy Jesus must have had in receiving a repentant sinner into his kingdom, even here on the cross. How that thief must have marveled at the gates of paradise being opened to him, even here on his cross. He has nothing to offer, no past record to take pride in, no earthly future to make promises of improvement about… nothing. And it's here, with nothing in his hands to bring, that he is in the ideal place to seek favour from the one who will 'remember our sins no more'. Each of us are in the same place, with nothing to offer God, nothing to give, and the same promise is made to us– 'Today you will be with me in paradise,' where we can walk in the Spirit, with the Father, on account of the Son's atoning death.