MESSAGE FROM SUNDAY AUGUST 9, 2026

Today you will be with me in paradise

Luke 23:33–43

There are moments in life when a single sentence can change everything. A doctor’s diagnosis can change a family’s plans. A judge’s sentence can change one’s future for someone and their family. A word of forgiveness can heal years of pain. A prophetic word can change the course of life.  But on the cross, that day, Jesus speaks a sentence that changes all of eternity for all of us: “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

Point 1 – Jesus is found around the guilty – Jesus’ mission was about peace and repentance, about God’s reconciling the world unto Himself – 2Cor 5:19:  in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them. In this scene, who surrounds Jesus? By God’s design, Jesus is placed among the guilty and condemned and I believe it displays the impact of God’s eternal heart – the true picture of humanity’s reconciliation where its needed most!

And wouldn’t it be in Jesus’ rights to remind that thief for the reason the thief was on a cross in the first place? No, it’s not Jesus’ intent ever to remind you and me of our sin. No the accuser of the Brethren, Satan himself, does a good enough job of reminding you and I of our sins. No this encounter is about everyday life, it’s constantly about reconciliation and forgiveness .

2. The Voices Around the Cross Reveal the Human Heart

The ruler’s sneer. The soldiers mock. One criminal in fact, insults. Their words all circle around the same challenge: “Save yourself.”  Jesus if you are really the Christ, if You are really the chosen one, Your really the King, then surely, come down from the cross. Such is human arrogance. Give us a show Jesus! Arrogance which just shrouds suppressed fear , fear that entered in the first paradise – the garden of Eden.

The temptation to say “save yourself” is still with us, isn’t it?  We are often told to protect ourselves first, preserve our comfort, defend our pride, and avoid costly love. But the cross tells a different story. Jesus does not come down off the cross, because His love for you and me holds Him there.

3. The Repentant Criminal -Simple Prayer – Saving Faith

In that moment, I truly believe the thief comes to grips with his circumstances – You can hear it between the lines, hear his thoughts …Im on my way out – the end for me is getting near. And he comes to grips with the truth about himself and deaths screeching halt of life in this world and the foresight of eternity …eternity.. .. and the truth about Jesus’ kingdom offer for him. And asks a simple prayer – Remember me!

That prayer is not polished, it’s blunt and full of hope and full and faith. Jesus’ response to the prayer – Today you will be with me in paradise”.

Takeaways:

1. this passage calls us to humility. How true is the writing in 2Chronicles 7:14 that echoes at this moment – if anyone humbles themselves and prays and seeks my face and turns from their wicked ways, then I , I shall, I shall hear!
2. this passage calls us to hope. Where is your hope today. I hope it isn’t misplaced. Some people believe they are too far gone, too late, too stained, or too broken. I want to make it clear, my friends, Luke 23 says otherwise. The dying criminal had no time to build a record of good works, no time to repair every wrong, no time to prove himself worthy of heaven
3. this passage calls us to trust Christ’s promise. Jesus does not merely offer a place; He offers Himself. The greatest word in the promise is not only “paradise,” but “with me.”

Today, turn to Christ. Today, trust His grace. Today, receive His promise for now “You will be with me.”

Wayne Morgan