He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Jesus is hanging, dying on the cross. He’s hanging between two criminals. One of them is mocking him – if you’re so great, save yourself. But the other criminal suggests that the two are being condemned and sentenced to death for what they actually did, whereas Jesus, he explains did nothing to warrant this torture and execution. He asks Jesus to remember him, when Jesus gets to his Kingdom. Jesus responds that today, that criminal will be with him in paradise.
Even hanging to die, Jesus shows compassion for his fellow condemned. You will be with me in paradise. These men probably did something much more violent than being an enemy of the state and church. Instead of judging that he was better than these common criminals, Jesus explains they’ll be with him.
Instead of mollifying his own right-ness, or his exceptional-ness, Jesus takes this opportunity to be incredibly empathetic – to feel what they’re feeling, and to share a vision of God’s love and paradise. He gives them comfort and puts them on par with him – we will all go to paradise today.
Tonight I’m wondering why I ever need to appear better or more right. I’m struck by Jesus’ complete lack of self-needs, but rather his ultimate self-giving-ness. What an amazing and instant way to show God’s love, to be kind and empathetic when it’s least expected
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