Crucifixion

 

Good Friday 

“Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise”

Luke 23:13–43

Today we stand at the foot of the cross. The sky is dark, the crowds jeer, and Jesus—God in flesh—is crucified between two criminals. Yet amid the agony and injustice, something astonishing happens: grace shines.

Pontius Pilate declares Jesus innocent, yet under pressure from the crowd, he condemns Him anyway. “I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty,” Pilate says (Luke 23:22), but fear overrides truth. How often do we do the same—ignore what is right because it costs too much?

As Jesus hangs on the cross, His body broken and blood poured out, He utters words that shatter the logic of human revenge: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (v.34). In the depths of His suffering, He intercedes—not for the righteous—but for His enemies.

Charles Spurgeon wrote, “This was the first word of the cross—‘forgive.’ It is the keynote of redemption.” Jesus is not only dying for sinners; He is forgiving them in real time.

One thief mocks Him. But the other confesses his guilt and turns to Jesus with a simple, desperate plea:

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (v.42).

As we reflect today, we join in the ancient and haunting Taizé chant:

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom…”

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom…”

We sing these words slowly, meditatively, letting them sink deep into our hearts—words of confession, longing, and hope.

Jesus replies with breathtaking grace: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (v.43).

Henri Nouwen wrote, “The cross is the place where the greatest pain and the greatest love meet.” Good Friday is not only a day of mourning—it is a day of deep hope. The good news of the gospel is this: we are all forgiven in Christ. At the cross, sin is judged, mercy is offered, and heaven is opened.

As we remember and chant today, we recall the price Jesus paid for our sins—forgiveness… redemption… paradise.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for the cross. Thank You for forgiving even as You suffered. Like the thief, I bring nothing but my need—and I find in You mercy, grace, and the promise of paradise. Help me to live today in the light of Your love, forgiven and free. Amen.