Jesus as God
Jesus Grants the Criminal Entrance into Paradise
The promise is spoken while Jesus is outwardly powerless on a Roman cross, making the confidence of his heavenly authority especially striking.
How this passage contributes to the case:
The labels below identify the kinds of evidence for Jesus' divinity found in this passage.
Select a label for an explanation.
Strength of evidence: Strong.
This passage provides substantial evidence relevant to Jesus' divine identity when read in its literary and historical context.
Scripture
What Was Said or Done
A dying criminal asks Jesus to remember him in his kingdom; Jesus authoritatively promises that the man will be with him in Paradise that very day.
Historical and Cultural Context
Paradise language evokes blessed life in God's presence, while kingship and final destiny ultimately belong to God's judgment.
Old Testament Background
The criminal asks for future remembrance; Jesus promises immediate personal fellowship with himself in Paradise.
Exposition
Jesus speaks as one able to determine and guarantee a person's postmortem destiny, a remarkable exercise of saving and judicial authority.
Why This Points to His Divinity
The criminal entrusts himself to Jesus' coming kingship.
Response of the Hearers
Jesus answers his faith with a direct promise of salvation beyond death.