TODAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE

Jesus is crucified on a hill in between two thieves who, I imagine, were screaming with pain, asking for mercy, and watching how Jesus responded to the slander of bystanders.  How Jesus carried Himself spoke to the heart of one of the thieves.

Slowly read and reflect on what follows…

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Two others, criminals, were led out to be executed with him at a place called “The Skull.” There all three were crucified—Jesus on the center cross, and the two criminals on either side.

And the soldiers gambled for his clothing, throwing dice for each piece. The crowd watched. And the Jewish leaders laughed and scoffed. “He was so good at helping others,” they said, “let’s see him save himself if he is really God’s Chosen One, the Messiah.”

The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink—of sour wine. And they called to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself !”

A signboard was nailed to the cross above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

But the other criminal protested. “Don’t you even fear God when you are dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn’t done one thing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

And Jesus replied, Today you will be with me in Paradise. This is a solemn promise.

Luke 23:32-43 (TLB)

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Imagine See yourself as one of the two thieves watching Jesus as life oozes out of you.  What regrets would haunt you?  Do you identify with either of them?  The one that taunts Jesus to do something…or the one who asks Jesus to remember him...

Action Take a moment to thank Jesus for His grace to the thief, recognizing that same grace is extended to you now.

Ask Jesus Where am I experiencing the consequences of my own bad decisions?  How would You speak into my pain?  Let me experience Your kindness the way you replied to the second thief’s awareness of who You are.  Show me Your kingdom -- the place of Your rule and authority in my life.

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