This post is part of The Seven Words of Jesus series.
“Amen I tell you: Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Words of an unbreakable promise—a promise of salvation spoken to a dying man who knew he deserved nothing but the horrible punishment he was currently facing as a criminal and a thief. He was right where he was supposed to be. He was getting what he deserved.
But the man on the cross next to him . . . He didn’t deserve this. He didn’t deserve the shame, the agony, the bitter torment. He didn’t deserve to die.
How much did this thief know about Jesus? How much had he heard or seen with his own eyes? Scripture doesn’t say. It doesn’t even tell us this man’s name. But his request to the dying man hanging on a tree next to him is pretty telling, isn’t it?
“Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).
No awkward hesitation from our Savior, no in-depth list of requirements for gaining entry to heavenly bliss, and no uncomfortable questions about how well this man had lived his life. Jesus simply answered him, “Amen I tell you: Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Today. As simple and sure and certain as that.
How could Jesus promise this man paradise? How can he promise us the same thing?
Because while Jesus certainly didn’t deserve the shame, agony, and bitter torment, he scorned the shame and endured the agony and bitter torment for our sake. He welcomed the punishment we deserve because he knew it would bring us peace with God. Jesus was right where he needed to be so he could tell this dying man, so he could tell you and me:
I will remember you. I will never forget you, nor will I ever leave you. On the day you die, the moment you close your eyes for the final time, you will be with me in paradise forever.
This dying man, this thief, spent his final moments in this world next to our Savior, comforted by his words of salvation. The same is true for you and me, dear Christian. He is always with us.
“Amen I tell you: Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
On you, my King, depending, I’m rid of all my sins! My final day here ending, my first in heav’n begins. As you have truly spoken, in paradise I’ll be, with you in bliss unbroken—you will remember me.
(CW 436:2)
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Scripture references come from the Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version. Click here to learn more about this translation.
© 2021 Michael D. Schultz, admin. Northwestern Publishing House
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Alex Brown is the marketing and content copywriter at Northwestern Publishing House. He has his Master of Divinity degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and enjoys reading, writing, and spending time in God’s creation.
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