Today You Will Be With Me In Paradise
Today You Will Be With Me in Paradise
A Reflection on Jesus’ Famous Last Words
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt completely unworthy—like you didn’t belong, like you had nothing to offer? Imagine, for a moment, standing before Jesus in that state. No track record of faithfulness, no time to prove yourself, nothing to show for your life except mistakes and regret. What would you say?
This is where we find the thief on the cross.
Two criminals hung beside Jesus, one on His right and one on His left. Luke tells us that one of them hurled insults at Jesus, joining the mockery of the crowd. But the other—broken, guilty, and painfully aware of his own unworthiness—spoke words that have echoed through history: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).
And Jesus’ response? “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
What a stunning display of grace! This man had no opportunity to make amends for his sins. He didn’t have a chance to live a righteous life or perform good deeds. All he had was a desperate faith, a plea for mercy—and that was enough.
A King Who Welcomes Sinners
Jesus spent His ministry among the outcasts, the sinners, and the broken. He was accused of being a friend of tax collectors and drunks. And now, in His final moments, He is once again among the guilty, taking His place between two criminals. Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled: “He was numbered with the transgressors and made intercession for them” (Isaiah 53:12).
And yet, even in the midst of suffering, Jesus offers hope. He doesn’t turn away the desperate plea of a dying man. He doesn’t set conditions or require proof of worthiness. He simply welcomes him: “Today you will be with me.”
More Than a Place—A Person
It’s easy to fixate on the word “paradise” and wonder what heaven will look like. But notice what Jesus emphasizes: “You will be with me.” The promise of eternity is not just about a perfect place—it’s about a perfect Person. Heaven is not primarily about golden streets or mansions; it’s about being with Jesus.
Paul echoes this truth in Philippians 1:23 when he says, “I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far.” For those who trust in Him, death is not the end—it is the beginning of being fully with the One who loves us.
Where Do You See Yourself?
As we hear this story, it’s worth asking: Where do we see ourselves?
Are we like the first thief, demanding proof of God’s power, questioning why He doesn’t fix our problems the way we think He should? Have we ever cried out in anger, “God, if You are real, why aren’t You saving me from this?”
Or are we like the second thief, humbly acknowledging our sin and recognizing Jesus as King? Have we reached the point where we say, “Jesus, remember me”—not because we deserve it, but because we know He is our only hope?
The Invitation Still Stands
The promise Jesus made to the thief on the cross is the same promise He offers to us today. It is not about what we have done, but about who He is. We don’t earn our way into His kingdom; we simply ask, and He welcomes us.
As Alistair Begg humorously puts it in a well-known sermon illustration, imagine the thief arriving in heaven. An angel stops him and asks, “On what basis are you here?” The thief shrugs. “I don’t know.” Confused, the angel calls a supervisor. “Are you clear on the doctrine of justification by faith?” The thief shakes his head. “Never heard of it.” Finally, the angel asks, “Then why are you here?” And the only answer the thief can give is this: “The man on the middle cross said I can come.”
That is the heart of the gospel. It is not about what we bring to the table. It is not about how much we understand or how well we perform. It is about Jesus. He is the One who invites us.
A Call to Trust
So where do you stand today? Have you asked Jesus to remember you? Have you surrendered your life to Him? The promise remains: Those who trust in Him will be with Him.
This Lent, as we prepare our hearts for Good Friday and Easter, let’s reflect on this incredible truth. Let’s surrender our pride, our doubts, our attempts to earn our way, and simply come to Jesus as we are. Because when we do, we can hold onto the hope that one day, we too will hear His words:
“Today you will be with me in paradise.”