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“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

Jesus spoke these comforting words, while hanging on the cross, to the criminal next to him during their crucifixion.

We do not know the crimes of the man crucified with Jesus and it’s hard for us to say whether the cruel death by crucifixion was the justice that he deserved. But this criminal realized that in comparison with Jesus, his punishment was justified. For he realized that Jesus deserved none of what he received. Luke 23:40-41

This criminal spoke differently from others around the cross who taunted Jesus. Luke 23:35-39 His response was belief in Jesus’ innocence, a reverence for God and that this Jesus could do something for him. Luke 23:40-42

Belief is difficult. Paradoxically, the Bible tells us we should accept truths about Jesus like that of a child – simple and open-minded. Mark 10:15

The criminal changed from unbelief Mark 15:32 to belief. His acknowledgment of Jesus was all it took for Jesus to utter these wonderful words: “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus emphasized his promise with: it is true, it is a fact, there is no doubt, be assured, because this is the promise to all who believe... We do not know the full meaning of this ideal place called paradise but we do know that Jesus would be there.

For this man, belief in Jesus was the turning point. New life began. His acknowledgment that Jesus was who he claimed to be was enough to remove the judgment of unbelief John 3:18 and enable him to make a fresh start. Romans 8:1 NLT

This is the truth for all who believe in Jesus Christ.

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24

Footnote: The Romans reserved crucifixion for criminals who were slaves, rebels, or other despised criminals and enemies. Condemned Roman citizens were usually not crucified. Therefore it was considered a most shameful and disgraceful way to die.