“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise’” (Luke 23:43).
Jesus was not the only one who was crucified on Good Friday. Two criminals were also crucified, one on each side of Jesus. Luke records that one of the criminals joined in the mockery of Jesus. “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’” (Luke 23:39). It is hard to grasp that kind of response by someone going through the same ordeal.
The other criminal had a different response. “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’” (Luke 23:40-41). He confessed his own guilt and acknowledged his penalty was just. He somehow realized that Jesus was innocent.
He then makes a bold request. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). It is amazing, first of all, that Jesus even responded because all the physical and emotional pain He was going through. But He does as He gives His second “cross word” when He says, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). This is a great illustration of the truth that salvation is by grace through faith. This man did not deserve salvation. He was in a hopeless situation. His request was a desperate plea for mercy and grace he did not deserve and did not earn.
Jesus’ words to the dying criminal conveyed a promise of the forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal life. It did not change the criminal’s immediate circumstances. He was going to die via crucifixion, but his soul was comforted with the assurance of forgiveness and salvation.
Today, I thank my Lord Jesus Christ for dying on the cross for me. I have received the forgiveness of my sin and the assurance of eternal life. The Bible affirms the fact the I can have 100% assurance of eternal life. “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).
The two criminals represent two choices. You can choose to receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord. In doing so by faith, you receive the assurance of eternal life. You can choose to reject Jesus as your Savior and Lord. In doing so, you remain in your sin and have the assurance of eternal death – separation from God for eternity. It seems like a no-brainer decision to me!