Read: Luke 23:32-43
Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise. (v. 43)
Our reading today opens, in part, with this simple but profound statement: “there they crucified him” (v. 33). For a first-century audience, it needed no further explanation. Anyone under the thumb of Rome would know immediately what this meant. That crucifixion was a common occurrence in the Roman world in no way diminishes its pain, its agony, and its humiliation.
Victims of crucifixion were known to scream curses at their executioners or beg for mercy or both. To offer forgiveness was unheard of and unthinkable. And yet, that is exactly what Jesus did: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (v. 34). Even on the cross, Jesus teaches us that his Father’s kingdom is not about curses or hatred, but about love and forgiveness.
Surrounding him were two thieves. In that moment, one of them learned this lesson, and one of them didn’t. The one who didn’t blasphemed Jesus (v. 39). His hardened heart prevented him from believing, even at the moment of death. But the one who did believe rebuked the other and, in a great display of faith, asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus entered his kingdom (vv. 40-42). And with that, Jesus makes a promise to this thief (v. 43), and it’s the same promise he makes to you and to me: our faith in him, and that faith alone grants us entry into eternal paradise with him.
As you pray, ask Jesus for renewed faith and thank him for his promise of eternity.
About the Author
Lou Bury is the pastor at Downers Grove Community Church in Illinois. He has the pleasure of serving the Lord alongside a congregation committed to being “the hands and feet of Jesus in the community.” He and his wife Judy have two adult children and two granddogs.
