Holy Week Devotional: Perspective of Paradise
“And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise’” (Luke 23:42-43 ESV).
It’s Easter week—Holy Week. This week, we remember Jesus’ final days here on earth. Namely, His crucifixion and resurrection.
Often, we might think about Jesus’ final breaths on the cross and picture Him alone. Drawn away from the crowds, hanging above the masses. But in those final moments, Jesus was not alone.
Who Was with Jesus on the Cross?
“Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left” (Luke 23:32-33 ESV).
There were two men who hung next to Jesus and suffered alongside Him. They both felt the pain of the nails on the cross, knew they were sentenced to die, and saw Jesus beside them—bleeding, tortured, and taunted.
Both were under the same circumstances and saw the same Jesus. But they had two completely different reactions.
“One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, ‘Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong’” (Luke 23:39-41 ESV).
Perspectives of the First and Second Criminal
The first criminal saw Jesus and saw lack. He was hurting. He saw Jesus hurting and asked, “Why don’t you stop this? Why don’t you use your power to do something?”
The other criminal saw Jesus and saw love. He knew his own choices had led to his circumstances. But he knew Jesus, and His death, offered something much greater than life on earth.
“And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise’” (Luke 23:42-43 ESV).
Which View Do You Have?
Which criminal are you? When you stare at Jesus hanging on the cross, do you see lack? (“Lord, why isn’t this going right?” “God, why don’t You do something about this, that, or the other?” “Jesus, why are You not using Your power?”) Or do you see love? (“God, You have given me the greatest gift imaginable—You died for me.” “You are in control, always, and You have a perfect plan through this.” “Lord, thank You for the gift of eternity. No matter what happens in this life, I know You will one day welcome me home into Your perfect paradise.”)
One criminal saw Jesus’ suffering and jeered, joining in with the crowds and following the lies he had been told, ignoring his own sins and selfishly focusing on what he wanted. The other saw Jesus’ suffering and held himself accountable, asking for forgiveness and knowing the greatest gift he could ever receive was right there, hanging right beside him, suffering along with him.
Two people, two perspectives.
Which one are you?
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Cathe Laurie is the founder and director of the Virtue women’s ministry. She is also a featured speaker on The Virtue Podcast, at Harvest events, and the author of As I See It. You can find her weekly articles here on harvest.org.
