LENT 2025 – PART THREE

WITH ME IN PARADISE

 Jesus’ seven last words, as they are traditionally called, refer to the statements the four gospels record him saying while he hung on the cross on Good Friday. In this week’s Lenten meditation, we will ponder the third words of Jesus.

 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him, “Aren’t you the Christ? 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, “I tell you the truth. Today you will be with me in paradise.”

 Jesus was not afforded the dignity of a private death but was one of a group to be executed that day. In this scene, we find him hanging between two men who are described in various words: criminals, evildoers, and thieves. In the passage from Luke, we are made aware that this was a public execution. Until fairly recently, public executions were kind of an entertainment spectacle and community event. While soldiers divided up his personal belongings, others laughed at him and mocked him. Taken the atmosphere of the public hanging, one would expect these thieves to join in the mockery and one does, but the other does not. In fact, the second one rebukes the first criminal. “Don’t you fear God,” he wants to know, understanding that all people are accountable to God and that they themselves will soon face the judgment of a holy God.

 He then turns to Jesus with a profound request: Remember me when you come into your kingdom! In the midst of the disciples having deserted Jesus, the mockery of the religious leaders, soldiers and the public, this criminal on the cross expresses a remarkable faith. John Calvin wrote a beautiful commentary: “I don’t know if there was ever, from the foundation of the world, a more rare or memorable example of faith. This thief suddenly penetrates more deeply than all the apostles upon whom the Lord himself had spent so much effort. He adores Christ as King on the gallows tree, celebrates his reign in the fearful and unspeakable loss, and proclaims him the author of life in the hour of dying.”

 I cannot help but wonder if he overheard Jesus just a few verses earlier, when he said, Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing. Irrespective of how the Spirit of God got inside this criminal, it softened his hardened heart; therefore, he could see Jesus as a King with a coming kingdom.

 To this remarkable statement of faith, Jesus replies: Today you will be with me in paradise! The thief doesn’t get baptized, he doesn’t receive communion, he cannot go out and turn his life around or turn over a new leaf and reform himself. He is nailed, literally, to a cross. He cannot move his hands or his feet. All he can do is turn to Jesus and that he does. To him Jesus gives this wonderful assurance – the eternal comfort and hope of heaven.

 May the faith of the penitent thief be a profound reminder to us to never write anybody off. God does change hearts, and he does it all the time.

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