Shared ground
Luke presents the crucifixion as a public execution meant to shame, with Jesus placed between two criminals at “The Skull.” The scene is driven by what different groups say about Jesus. Rulers and soldiers mock him with a repeated challenge: if he truly is God’s anointed king, he should “save himself.” The charge is also displayed publicly in multiple languages: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
Against the mockery, Luke highlights two striking words: Jesus’ prayer (“Father, forgive them…”) and Jesus’ promise to the second criminal (“today you will be with me in Paradise”). The contrast is sharp: others demand a display of power; Jesus answers with forgiveness and a direct assurance.
Where interpretation differs
Who is included in “forgive them”? The text does not specify whether “them” mainly refers to the soldiers carrying out the execution, the leaders urging it on, or everyone involved. Some read it narrowly (the immediate executioners); others more broadly (all participants in the wrongdoing).
What exactly did they “not know”? Some understand it as not realizing the full identity of Jesus (who they are killing). Others understand it as not grasping the moral weight and consequences of their actions. Both fit the line’s general sense without being spelled out.
How should “today” be heard in the promise? The plain reading is a timing claim: that very day the criminal will be “with” Jesus in “Paradise.” Some argue that “today” mainly adds emphasis (“I tell you today…”) rather than timing. The wording in this translation naturally reads as timing, but punctuation and emphasis are debated.
What is “Paradise”? Many take it as the blessed state of the righteous after death. Others see it as a way of speaking about God’s restored garden-like world more generally, or as a temporary place of comfort before the final resurrection. Luke does not stop to define it here.
Why the disagreement exists
Luke narrates key statements without clarifying details readers might want (the exact scope of “them,” the content of “not know,” and the background meaning of “Paradise”). Also, the promise in v. 43 hinges on how one hears a short phrase (“today”) that can be read as either timing or emphasis, especially when later readers compare this scene with other passages about resurrection and the future kingdom.
What this passage clearly contributes
- It portrays Jesus as consciously choosing a path other than self-rescue, even while being publicly labeled “King.” (Explicit in the mockers’ repeated “save yourself” and Jesus not doing so.)
- It presents Jesus praying for forgiveness for those involved in his death, framing the crucifixion as wrongdoing done with real ignorance. (Explicit in v. 34.)
- It contrasts two responses to Jesus in extremity: one demands rescue on his own terms; the other admits guilt, acknowledges Jesus’ innocence, and appeals to Jesus’ coming rule. (Explicit in vv. 39–42.)
- It depicts Jesus speaking with authority to grant assurance about a person’s future with him, using “Paradise” language and a “today” time marker. (Explicit in v. 43.)
- It reinforces Luke’s broader theme that “saving” is not limited to escaping death; here, Jesus does not save himself from execution yet offers forgiveness and welcome. (Inference from the repeated “save” taunts alongside Jesus’ prayer and promise; compare Luke’s recurring “save” language such as Luke 19:10.)
