“…today you will be with me in paradise!”
23rd March 2008
Often the story about the other criminal who was being crucified along with Jesus slides into vigorous debates about what happens after one dies, or where Jesus went when He died.
In some of the gospel accounts, we read that the people around Jesus’ cross were all mocking and taunting Him, including the two criminals being crucified at His side. Luke tells us one of the criminals stopped and rebuked the other. He turned to Jesus and asked, “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)
On Easter Sunday morning, while reflecting on this interaction between Jesus and the criminal, I was struck with an insight I have not noticed before. As I reflected on what Jesus told the criminal, I became aware that the Scriptures were silent about the death of the criminal. I had assumed that he died on that same day, yet historical accounts tell us that Read the rest of this entry »
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