And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” - Luke 23:43 (NLT)
At this point in the crucifixion Jesus is experiencing physical, emotional and spiritual agony from the sacrifice he is willingly making. Of the two thieves crucified on either side of him one mocked and the other repented. In a moment of clarity one thief realizes he deserves the punishment he is receiving but Jesus hanging a few feet away does not.
His entire life was sinful and evil while Jesus was sinless and pure. They were opposites who walked totally different paths. The thief spent his whole life living for himself and worldly pleasures, only to discover it was all empty.
Not till the end of his life did he find the one who could fill the deepest emptiness of his heart. He had to be stripped of everything and forced to be still on a cross before he could recognize his need. In verse 42 he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom” and Jesus did.
Pause and Reflect
- What are you wanting that causes you to take your eyes off Jesus?
- Reread Luke 23:39-43. Do you ever feel like there are things you can never be forgiven for? How do these verses contradict that belief?
