“And He said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today, you will be with me in Paradise.'” – Luke 23:43
“And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.” – Mark 1:22
This third statement from the cross reveals to us a message consistent with the first two. Our God is a God of compassion who loves the world! He forgives us, intercedes for us, and gives His life for us. He is a God who “sees” us and watches over us. He is also a God who listens to us and “hears” our cries for help. In fact, these words spoken to the dying thief reveal a God who is granting salvation during the very act that made it possible! Hallelujah, what a Savior!
But, these words reveal so much more about Jesus…about death…about salvation…about life after death. They are words that can bring us comfort and strength. It is a promise given to a thirsty soul…a promise for all of us who call on Him with a humble heart. They are words that give us assurance. Today, as we continue to look at this word from Jesus, it is my prayer that we will begin to understand even more the depth of the love God has for us.
“Truly, I say to you…”
Jesus prefaces His answer with words we have heard Him use before, but He uses these words in a unique way. The Greek word is the word “amen” similar to the Hebrew word which means “so be it”. Normally it is a word used at the end of a statement or prayer to acknowledge agreement and support. When it is used before a statement, as Jesus does here, it implies a first hand knowledge and authority of what follows. In other words, Jesus is saying, “You can know this for sure!” “I know first hand that this is true!”
This power and authority amazed the crowds during Jesus’ ministry. The people knew that His words were more than just a man’s opinion about “spiritual” things or His interpretation of what He had read. He was spoke about things that He knew…places He had been…things that He had seen. This was one of the many ways Jesus revealed His divinity to us!
“Truly, I say to you…”
Jesus is saying, “Listen! What you are about to hear is the Gospel Truth! You can believe it…you can count on it!”
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgement, but has passed from death to life.” – John 5:24
“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3
“Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” – John 8:51
Today, as we dig deeper into these words about life and death and eternity and the work of salvation let us find assurance that Jesus knows what He is talking about and that we can build our faith and our hopes on the solid rock of His first hand knowledge of the greatest mysteries of our world…and the next.