Jesus’ second saying from the Cross was “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” While this is a testament to the assurance of being in the presence of Christ, when we believe, as did the penitent malefactor, who recognized Jesus, not just as a man on the Cross, but as the Lord and King who shall return to reign, it is important to not overlook two key words in this saying. The words are “with me”. The penitent thief was given one of the greatest blessings that man can ever experience, which was to be with Christ Jesus.
Points to ponder:
Jesus’ name was prophesied to be called Emmanuel, meaning God with us (Matthew 1:23) and here we see that not only was God (Jesus) with man, but now because of Jesus’ redemptive act of Salvation being fulfilled on the Cross, man could be with God. In other words, Emmanuel was on the Cross and man was given the assurance of being with him – with God. If you believe in Jesus and you accept him as Lord and King, you can hear Jesus saying “Verily I say unto thee, Today, shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Do you hear his voice?
Luke 23:39-43 (KJV)
39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss [INNOCENCE].
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord [DIVINITY], remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom [KINGSHIP].
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)
2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
