“Today, you will be with me!” Luke 23: 42&43
What an assurance Jesus offered this thief suspended next to Him on the cross! For this man, condemned for his actions and already experiencing the pain and the physical breakdown of his body, death was imminent. Unlike Jesus, he deserved to die. So, why did Jesus say what He said? What had the man done to merit such a reward from God the Son?
As Jesus hung on the cross, exposed, mocked, and ridiculed by all, even a contemporary. Yet, this man spoke up. Recognizing God in the flesh, he rebuked the outspoken criminal. Defending Jesus, he said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation [as He?!] We are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our crimes; but this man has done nothing wrong…. Jesus, remember me in paradise.”
Confession, repentance, and faith are evident in this man’s words to his counterpart. In a moment, confessing with his mouth that Jesus is Lord, he believed in his heart, and Jesus promised, “Today you will be with me!” The relationship between Jesus and that criminal on the cross was restored in a moment. At that moment, Jesus demonstrated God’s compassion for each of us!
Throughout His days among us, moved by compassion, Jesus’ words connected with the hearts of individuals and multitudes. They needed “good news,” and He freely gave it. Identifying with Jesus’ heart of love, He offers hope, and promises that “Everyone… who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven”!
This is God’s Plan and Jesus’s work. Jesus made this declaration without hesitation. Even within hours of death, and with no time to make restitution, anyone can have a place in eternity. This is good news! Jesus shouldered this man’s damnation, and His eternal judgment determined him to be a man of faith! In a moment, at the cross, they connected in truth.
So it is for you and me, and anyone who trusts Jesus’ Words rather than relying on personal accomplishment and worth. We celebrate this “good news” by commemorating Jesus’ death. Jesus died, and pardon’s my condemnation when I trust Him and accept that He is willing to do so. Believing Him, I will also “be with Him in paradise.”
Luke 23:32-43, John 6:37, Luke 12:8, Romans 10:8-13
Pictured: Pastors from many areas come together with their people to sit under the teaching of their Bishop and denominational leaders for these days of celebration. The Lord’s Supper and washing one another’s feet are important traditions at Easter time. Foot-washing happens first and then Communion. Both are administered to the congregants by the leadership. Depending upon the size of the church, this service can last many hours.