“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Lk.23:43)
At the place called the Skull, two criminals were equally condemned to die by crucifixion alongside Jesus. Their names were not given because they did not matter. One of the criminals joined the crowd in launching insults at Jesus. “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us.” (verse 39) The other criminal scolded him. “Don’t you fear God, since we are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” (verse 40-41)
After rebuking his criminal partner, the second criminal turned to Jesus with a request. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (v42) For acknowledging Him, Jesus responded “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (verse 43)
Did the second criminal deserve this? The answer is an outright ‘no’. This criminal was meant to die and go to hell but for honouring the Master, he earned himself a place in paradise - unmerited favour at the last minute you would say for recognising who Jesus was. For this reason, it is commonly said that this criminal entered heaven at the eleventh hour.
A good many people claim they would enjoy this privilege as well and they would enter heaven at the last minute because of a kind deed or act at the point of death - discounting their moral behaviour or their trust in the Lord.
Would you want to take that risk? Are you sure you would have an opportunity like the second criminal to slide through the gate of heaven at the eleventh hour? A word of caution: “…. trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him. … Do not be wise in your own eyes: fear the Lord and shun evil.” (Prov. 3:5,7) The ‘eleventh hour’ may work for others but not for you.
