32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. 33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. 36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. 38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:32-43 KJV)
Jesus on the Cross
In these verses we have several key moments from Christ’s crucifixion.
There were two other criminals led with him to be executed. They were likely scheduled to die that day, and the urgency in prosecuting Christ may have been so all three could be executed together. He was crucified at Calvary (Golgotha), a place of shame that also symbolized victory over death. His hands and feet were nailed to the cross, which was then lifted and fastened upright. This was a painful and disgraceful death.
He was crucified between two criminals, as if he were the worst of them. The soldiers divided his garments by casting lots, fulfilling prophecy. The people watched without concern, and the rulers mocked him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself” (Luke 23:35). They derided him as if he were defeated, but he was achieving his greatest victory. The Roman soldiers joined in the mockery, offering him sour wine and taunting, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself” (Luke 23:37).
The superscription above him read, “This is the King of the Jews” (Luke 23:38). Though intended as mockery, God meant it as a declaration of truth. It was written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew—the major languages of learning and power—signifying the gospel’s reach to all nations.
Two remarkable things are unique to Luke’s account. First is Christ’s prayer for his enemies (Luke 23:34): “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Instead of calling for judgment, he interceded for mercy. This fulfilled Isaiah 53:12—“He made intercession for the transgressors.” His words revealed the purpose of his death: to purchase forgiveness for sinners. Even his enemies could find mercy if they repented. Their ignorance was not innocent, but it softened the judgment. Many who participated in his death were later converted (Acts 2:36-41). His example teaches us to pray for our enemies and to seek forgiveness for all.
Second is the conversion of one of the thieves crucified beside him. Though both mocked him at first (Mark 15:32), one had a change of heart (Luke 23:40-41). He rebuked the other thief for insulting Christ, saying, “Don’t you fear God? We are punished justly, but this man has done nothing wrong.” He recognized their guilt, Christ’s innocence, and feared God.
Turning to Jesus, he said, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). This brief prayer expressed great faith. He believed Jesus was a king, that he would rise and reign, and that he had authority to grant mercy. He didn’t ask for position, only to be remembered. His humility and faith were extraordinary, especially considering Christ’s appearance of defeat. This was likely the first prayer he had ever made, but it was heard—and answered.
Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). This was a greater answer than the man had asked. Jesus assured him of immediate entrance into paradise with him. Even in agony, Christ comforted a repentant sinner.
This shows the power of Christ’s grace, saving even a dying criminal. It does not encourage delay in repentance, for this man’s case was unique. He had no previous offer of salvation and was converted in the final moments of life by an extraordinary act of mercy. His change of heart was deep and sincere, seen in his confession, rebuke of sin, and trust in Jesus.
Christ’s response reveals much. First, he was going to paradise himself—not to the place of torment, but to the place of rest and joy. This assured his followers that the Father accepted his sacrifice. He passed through death into glory.
Second, penitent believers go immediately to be with him. Heaven is paradise—a place of joy and peace—and the presence of Christ is its greatest blessing (John 17:24). There is no waiting room for the faithful dead. “Today,” he said, “you will be with me.” As Paul later wrote, to be “absent from the body” is to be “present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).
This encounter, at the darkest hour, reminds us of the hope offered in Christ. One man perished in his sin. The other found mercy, confessed his guilt, trusted in Christ, and was saved. The cross divides all people. To some it is foolishness. To others it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). Even in suffering and death, Jesus reigned, opening the gates of paradise to a dying sinner.