Paradise

May 4

Daily Bible Reading: Luke 23:39 – 56

Verse of the Day: Luke 23:43 – “And he said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.”

Paradise. Παραδεισω. The word in the Greek literally means a “garden” or “park.” The part of Hades, which was thought by the Jews to be the abode of the souls of pious until the resurrection: but some understand this to be a heavenly paradise. Jesus may have alluded it to in His account of Lazarus going to Abraham’s bosom in Luke 16:19 – 31. The word in the Greek translation of the Old Testament used this word for the Garden of Eden.

When He spoke these words to the thief on the Cross, it was a message of comfort and acceptance. Jesus actually did for this thief what the Rulers were calling for Him to do for Himself. The day of the Crucifixion gives many physical pictures of what was taking place spiritually.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have provided for me to be brought back to You by being bought back by what Your Son did for me upon the Cross. I worship You. Amen.