Today You Will Be With Me In Paradise

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). In this passage, Jesus is assuring one of the criminals on the cross that when he died, he would be with Jesus in heaven. This was granted because even at the hour of his death, the criminal had expressed his faith in Jesus, recognizing Him for who He was (Luke 23:42).

Luke 23:39-43 (NASB)

39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 “And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when you come in Your kingdom!” 43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

Discussion:

1. What stands out to you in this passage?

2. What questions do you have about this passage?

3. What is the difference between the first criminal and the second criminal?

4. How are the two criminals similar?

5. What is the confession of the second criminal?

6. Which of the two criminals did Jesus die for?

Application:

1. How do you relate to these two criminals?

2. Did the second criminal know a lot about Jesus? Had he been a disciple? A seminary student? Had he grown up in church?

3. How do you confess the Gospel?

4. If today was your last day to live, who do you need to share the Gospel with before you leave this earth?

5. Who's your one?

Prayer:

Pray together for those you know that need to hear the confession of the Gospel. Pray that you would have the courage and that they would have ears to hear the Gospel.