Luke 23:43

"He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise’" (Luke 23:43).

Comment:

This is one of the 'Seven Last Words' ascribed to Jesus in one or more of the four gospels. No gospel records all seven. This is, of course, the culmination of the Luke story of the two criminals on crosses to Jesus' right and left. One taunts Jesus, selfishly demanding of Jesus that if he really is the Messiah, he get him (the robber) off the cross and back to freedom. The other sees the same situation differently. We're guilty of the crimes for which we are to die, he tells the first criminal; this man has done nothing to deserve this fate. He then asks Jesus simply: "Remember me when you come into your kingdom" (v.42).

It's tempting to think that Jesus is himself granting salvation as a kind of reward, but that's not the point. Jesus is affirming the spiritual truth that the creative process of which we are all a part doesn't end at death. Causes still have effects; choices still have consequences. If we recognize and appreciate ourselves and others as the Christ in this lifetime—as the second criminal clearly does—the positive expressions of that faith will remain with us as our spirit continues its path beyond human limitations. "Paradise" is the kingdom of heaven, which Jesus affirms is within us. If our thoughts are loving and faith-filled, we are indeed 'with Jesus' as we create, experience, and appreciate greater and greater Good.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed