Finding Paradise On a Cross

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”  Luke 23:39-43

According to the prophet Isaiah, the messiah would be “numbered among the transgressors.”

And so it was that Jesus was crucified between two criminals, one on his left, the other on his right.

The contrast between the two criminals could hardly be greater. The first had no fear of God and no sense of personal guilt. He joined the jeering crowd and “hurled insults” at Jesus.

The second was of a different mind. He reproved the cruelty of his companion and acknowledged Jesus’ innocence. Then turning to Jesus, he offered these words: “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.” For this simple act of faith he gained entrance to paradise.

What a picture of the redemptive power of the cross! Like the thief we, too, are in need of God’s forgiveness. Like the thief whose hands and feet were nailed to the cross, we, too, are incapable of offering any good works to atone for our sins. And like the thief we, too,  if we commend ourselves without reserve to mercy of Christ, will discover paradise on a cross.