Jesus was crucified between two criminals. Above Him was an inscription in Greek, Latin and Hebrew, “This is the King of the Jews”. It showed Rome’s contempt of Jesus, His nation, and their country.

Amid their pain, the heat and the noise, they both spoke to Him.

One said, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us”.

The other said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom .” He acknowledged his own rightful punishment, and he recognised the innocence of Jesus – “we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong”.

He went further: he addressed Jesus as “Lord”- the title given to God alone all through scripture.

He had seen what neither the other criminal nor the crowd of jeering onlookers had – the authority and majesty of Jesus of Nazareth as God, and Man, on earth.

What did he mean? Humanly, within hours all three would be dead. How could He remember anyone? How could He have a kingdom?

This criminal showed faith. Without proof, with limited understanding, acknowledging his utter helplessness, he could depend only on Jesus for his future, whatever and wherever that was.

And Jesus said to him “Assuredly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise”

Jesus Christ is still that object of faith. Will you accept your need of Him, make Him your Lord, and place your future with Him?