43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:43
There is a history of teaching which I have recently became fond of. Around Easter, many ruminate over what is referred to as the “Seven Words of Jesus” on the cross. The term “words” here are better described as “phrases”. These were the statements of Jesus during the passion and many find them to be especially powerful during Easter week. Currently, I am reading Seven Last Words by James Martin and it has sparked in me a more concentrated focus during this Holy Week.
Through the cross, we are saved from the absurdity of life. Much of what happens day to day passes without particular explanation or reason. How many sleepless nights we spend in the echo of ‘why?’. Not only is the solution to our eternity found in the shade of Calvary, but the key to a meaningful life is found here as well. Such moments are now fueled by grace.
Paradise is more than heaven when we die
The paradise promised here is the redemption of life – of its limits and doubts. Here, Jesus is speaking to a criminal drawing his last breath. Little is known about this criminal, but his example has given many hope. An undeserving criminal, who feels the weight of earthly justice bearing down on him, is recognized and redeemed by a radical savior. His story reminds us of the true breadth of limitless salvation. We live in a time of grace, where not only our death is given purpose, but our sin, struggles, and sufferings are redeemed for some greater good. Everyday absurdities like conversations and decisions are given a jolt of meaning by a paradise promised. There is now no failure.
The summation of the life of Christ can be found in His understanding. As fully human and fully God, He can now relate to the uncertainty of the everyday. He knows what suffering feels like. He knows loss. He knows humiliation. The God we lament to, knows the anguish we feel because He too has lived as we have. He is not only sympathetic, but empathetic. He lived a simple life and died a sinner’s death. He faced the challenges of obscene suffering and found paradise on the other side. As with the example of the criminal redeemed next to Him, we see that in the midst of His own pain, Jesus serves others humbly. It is this pain that gives the criminal hope. While we certainly would never fault Jesus for ignoring others in His immense pain, He is still found with time and patience for those who call on Him.
Much of life can seem meaningless, even hopeless at times. This vision of paradise we see on the cross, is an ultimate escape from the sinner’s life. This is the union of the temporal and the eternal. Our last breath unites us to a God without limit, and while our current existence is found on this side of paradise, our moments are now redeemed by moments of everyday graces.
Because He died, I can face my struggle
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Lord, thank you for redeeming all of our todays. There is so much we do not understand. So much we doubt. Please give us the humility necessary to follow you into the great unknown. Grant our lives purpose and meaning. Help us to bring a little paradise down to serve others. We thank you for your death that unites us to you in both suffering and salvation. When suffering comes, may we face it with dignity. Give us a paradise mindset knowing the victory is yours. Amen
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