Today in Paradise

A. Last week we heard Jesus’ words from the cross, “Father, forgive them...”

1. These words should make us forgiving… forbearing… faithful.

2. This morning we will hear Jesus’ second words from the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

3. These were words of personal assurance.. and challenge.

Luke 23:39–44 NKJV

39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” 44 Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

It is a Word of Pardon

A. This word was spoken to a man fully aware of his sin.

B. There are many things we do not know about this thief

1. Name

2. Age

3. Crime

C. There was evidence of God working in his heart.

1. He was aware of God’s knowledge of his heart.

2. He became reverent toward God (v. 40)

Luke 23:40 NKJV

40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?

3. He sees himself as guilty (v. 41)

Luke 23:41 NKJV

41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.”

D. This word gives the assurance that sins are forgiven

1. It answered a prayer

2. It was a promise of life from the Lord.

It is a Word That is Personal

A. “With me”

B. The thief cries out for personal salvation.

Luke 23:42 NKJV

42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

C. Lord! Remember me!

1. This was a prayer of faith; “Lord!”

2. He may have never seen a miracle or heard a sermon.

3. He looked at the man next to him and called Him Lord.

4. “Remember me” Expects Him to complete His work.

D. J. C. Ryle, “Surely such faith was never since the world began.”

It is a Word About Paradise

A. “In paradise”

Luke 23:43 NKJV

43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

B. As followers of Christ we will be with Jesus in heaven when we die.

C. Think of the promises and problems solved by this statement.

Eternity is just a step away.

There is no such thing as soul sleep or unconscious state.

Salvation is not by works or religious acts.

As followers of Christ we are going to a much better place.

What does the prospect heaven mean to you?

Conclusion:

A. Jesus wins one more soul to take to glory as He dies on the cross.

We have our petty excuses for not reaching others.

In all the discomfort and agony of the cross, Christ wins one more.

B. Do you have the sure hope of the dying thief?

C. Which thief are you?