“Today you will be with Me in Paradise” - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Jesus said to him: Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.
Luke 23:43

“Today you will be with Me in Paradise”
Jesus is hanging on the cross. He is suffering terrible pain. It’s as if all His limbs are being torn apart (cf. Psalm 22:14). Yet, He still cares for others. He asks for forgiveness for His murderers, He comforts His mother, and now He cares for one of the two criminals crucified with Him.

At first, both of them mock and revile Him. But suddenly, one of them comes to his senses and says to his companion, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” And then he asks Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:40–42). Remarkable words! This criminal confesses his guilt and appeals to the One about to die alongside him for mercy. He knows that this one is innocent and calls Him “Lord”. Then he testifies to the future kingdom of this despised Jesus of Nazareth and asks to partake in it. And what does Jesus answer? “No,” He says, “you don’t need to wait for the kingdom, for today, at the moment of your death, you will be with Me in Paradise,” the dwelling place of the souls of all those who have put their faith and trust in Him.

The promise Jesus made to this repentant criminal applies to anyone who has sincerely confessed their guilt before God. “Today”, immediately after their passing, believers will be with Christ in Paradise. Therefore, Paul writes, “having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Philippians 1:23). Happy is the one who can end his life with this firm assurance!

Today’s reading: Judges 20:1-48 · Psalms 76:1-12