Introduction

Jesus was crucified between two thieves. One of the thieves mocked Jesus, but the other thief rebuked him. 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" (Luke 23:42-43). In this sermon, we will explore Jesus' second word on the cross and learn about salvation.

Lesson

The second word of Jesus on the cross is directed to one of the thieves crucified with him. Let's analyze Jesus' second word on the cross, as described in Luke 23:43, to understand the message of salvation.

I. The Request (Luke 23:42):

First, let's consider the request made by the thief. He said to Jesus, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). The thief, who was being justly punished for his crimes, acknowledged his own sinfulness and recognized Jesus as the true Savior. He humbly asked Jesus to remember him when he entered his kingdom.

We can relate to the thief's request. Like him, we were once rebels against God, deserving punishment for our sins. However, through God's grace, our hearts were changed, and we realized that Jesus is the Lord of Glory. We too cried out, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

Lesson

II. The Response (Luke 23:43):

Let's now examine Jesus' response to the thief's request. Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). Jesus promised the thief that he would be in paradise, which is another word for heaven. Despite his life of sin and rebellion, the thief would spend eternity in heaven because of his trust in Jesus.

Moreover, Jesus assured the thief that he would be with him in paradise that very day. There was no purgatory or limbo; the thief, who had no opportunity for good works, went straight to paradise to be with Jesus for all eternity.

This response from Jesus applies to us as well. When we trust in Christ as our Savior, we immediately receive the promise of eternal life in heaven with Jesus. There is no delay or intermediate state. All who trust in Christ will be transported into his presence in paradise the moment we die. What a glorious hope we have!

Conclusion

It is remarkable that Jesus' last words about salvation were spoken to a wretched criminal dying on a cross. Instead of choosing a great saint or apostle, Jesus extended his promise of salvation to a sinner. This demonstrates his incredible condescension and shows that he came to save all sinners.

Let us take comfort in the fact that even though we may not be prophets, apostles, or martyrs, there is still a place for the greatest of sinners in heaven. Just like the thief, we were rebels against God, but through God's grace and mercy, when we look to Christ and ask him to remember us, he responds with the same assurance: "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Amen.

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