Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.
Because I’m a worship leader, people often want to meet me after a concert for a picture, an autograph, or simply to shake my hand and thank me.
Luckily, I am an extrovert; I love people, and crowds give me energy. However, even I have my moments when I am too tired to fulfil my role as worship leader, and I have to tell people, “I’m sorry, not now.”
While Jesus is on the cross, bruised, beaten and dying from excruciating pain, the two criminals who were crucified next to Him start talking. The first one mocks Jesus, saying, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” (Luke 23:39). Yes, Jesus is indeed the Messiah (meaning ‘anointed’), at least he got that part right!
But the other criminal shows more respect and asks Jesus to remember him when He comes into His Kingdom (Luke 23:42).
Now if I were Jesus (and thank goodness I’m not!), I’d probably not feel very Messiah-y in that moment. I’d probably think I have some other things on my mind right now than to be the savior.
But not Jesus, because He is the Messiah. It’s not a leadership role He fulfills, or a responsibility He’s taken upon Himself, it’s who He is. He is the anointed savior prophesied long ago.
Even in His darkest hour, nothing can stop Him from saving the one who wants to be saved and tells him:
Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. – Luke 23:43 NIV
If there was ever a time more justified for Jesus to say, “Please, not now,” it was while He was dying on the cross.
But if Jesus wasn’t too hurt, exhausted or broken while He was on the cross to save a sinner, there will never be a reason for Him not to listen to you.
Talk to your Savior today, He’s ready for you, always!
