The Passion and the Resurrection · Luke 23
“Today Shalt Thou Be with Me in Paradise”
Two criminals are led out with Jesus. At the place called the Skull, they crucify them, one on the right and the other on the left, and Jesus says: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” The rulers scoff: “He saved others; let him save himself!” The soldiers mock him too, and above him are the words: “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals hurls insults at him: “If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.” But the other rebukes him: “Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; … but this man hath done nothing amiss.” Then he says to Jesus: “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” Jesus answers him: “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
What happens
- Two criminals are crucified with Jesus Luke 23:32–33
- “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” Luke 23:34
- Rulers and soldiers mock: “Save thyself!” Luke 23:35–37
- One of the criminals hurls insults at Jesus Luke 23:39
- The other rebukes him: “this man hath done nothing amiss” Luke 23:40–41
- “Remember me”—“To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” Luke 23:42–43
Who is in this story
The lesson
Salvation is a gift of grace received by faith, right up to the last breath: this man has no works to present and no time to do any, but he admits his guilt, sees a king in Jesus, and entrusts himself to him. Jesus’ answer comes down to one word: “today.”
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Quick quiz on this story
What does Jesus promise the criminal who says to him, “Remember me”?
To the prayer “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom,” Jesus answers, “Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42–43
According to Luke, what does Jesus say right after being crucified?
No sooner is he crucified with the two criminals than Jesus says, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” His executioners then divide his clothes. Luke 23:33–34
What does the repentant criminal say about Jesus?
The criminal rebukes his companion: “we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.” Luke 23:40–41
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.