The Promise of Paradise

LUKE 23:32-33, 39-43

This text contains Jesus’ promise of paradise to one of two criminals dying beside him: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” The emotional tone of this passage is mixed. One criminal dies in his sins — hardened and scornful — while the other is saved to the uttermost. In Jesus’ hour of greatest agony, rather than saving himself, he grants a sinner’s petition and opens to him the gate of life. This is nothing short of pure grace to a man who had no time left on earth to “repay” Jesus. Yet, this is the good news of the gospel that Jesus extends today to even the vilest of sinners. He alone is our hope!