Reflections on Our Saviour’s Seven Words from the Cross – Word Two: Forever

“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
(Luke 23:43)

The love of Jesus on the Cross is so incredibly displayed in the words he speaks about or to those who are around him as he dies on the Cross. Here, he finds one more lost sheep he can gather, one more lost child he can welcome home, saying these words in response to the request of one of those crucified with him to remember him when he comes into his kingdom. In addition to the incredible love, note the incredible authority that Jesus is taking upon himself here, even as he is dying on the Cross. He promises this man (the import of the words, “Truly I tell you”) that by calling out to him like this, whatever barriers existed between him and God have been broken down for all eternity! Jesus promises him the joy of being forever home with him. No more wonderful words to a person have ever been spoken.

Reflection: Jesus seeks me in my lostness, so that I may know the joy of being found forever.

The theme of salvation is emphasized in Luke’s description of the events that took place at the foot of the cross. He was taunted three times about salvation. He was challenged three times to save Himself from the cross. … All those who taunted Jesus on the cross were convinced that salvation meant liberation from the cross. Although they may not have fully realized it, all these taunts were demonic in tone. In chapter 4 of his Gospel, Luke tells us that just before Jesus began His ministry, He was tempted by the devil on three different occasions with these words, “If you are the Son of God …” At the end of His earthly ministry and life, He heard again these similar mocking words, “If you are the King of the Jews …” Thanks be to God that Jesus did not come down from the cross to save Himself, for if He had, we would all be lost.

(Ron Corcoran, Jesus, Remember Me, pages 31-32)