" I assure you, today you will be
with me in paradise.”
Jesus here illustrated the extravagant generosity that
the cross represents, he blesses a sinner, by promising literally a garden of
pleasure to share with Him. Jesus is responding to one of the crucified
criminals who rebukes the other for his bitter cursing against Jesus. This
guilty man who knows his sin appeals to Jesus in faith to remember him when he
enters his kingdom. The agony of crucifixion has enabled this man to have very
clear spiritual insight. He understands more than anyone around him that Jesus
death is not the end. There will be justice, there will be a kingdom where
Jesus has authority.
Jesus as he did
throughout his life nurtures such an expression of faith. Everyone would have
condemned this man as a guilty criminal deserving death for his crimes. Jesus
saw him as a man of faith in need of forgiveness and assurance. This man
would not have to wait long to receive eternal blessings, today you will be
with me in paradise. The robber only asks in desperation to be remembered
hoping perhaps for some kind of blessing,
Jesus in his extravagant mercy assures him of
paradise with Him that very day.
Are we ready to nurture the faith of those who
are far from God? Are we spending our lives preparing to be with Jesus forever?
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