Proper 29: Gospel, Luke 23:27-43

Luke 23:27-43

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). Sweet words indeed. But in the context of the event during which they are spoken … not so nice. The event, that is. The darkness of the event makes the words all the sweeter. But, have we really considered the power of the spoken words of Jesus here? Jesus is not just suffering a horrible death. Jesus is exalted on His throne; the throne of His cross. And His announcement to the condemned man at His side is a royal proclamation, a pardon. And it carries immense weight.

The dying criminal has distanced himself from the man hanging on the other side of the Savior through His God-given repentance. Now his words manifest the reality of that repentance and the trust He has placed in his dying King. And the man’s plea, “Jesus, remember me” (v. 42).

The word remember takes me back to the upper room where Jesus tells His disciples that they are to come to the feast of His table in remembrance of Him. No mere mental step back. Remembering to a Jew meant much more. To remember is to have a participation in. “Remember me “ means, think of me yes, but take to heart all that I am without You and what I need from You. “Jesus, remember me.”

A bloody dying King. A justly condemned criminal crying for mercy. The King grants pardon. Dear Lord, Your Word is so very good. The man who hung next to you knows it. And so do we.