It occurred to me recently, through the benefit of some insightful teaching by others, that the first person in Paradise with Jesus was very likely the most unlikely of characters.  A convicted criminal without a good deed to his name. Not a priest or even a good man, but a thief.

As Jesus hung on the cross, the gospel of Luke records a conversation between the Savior and the two thieves who hung nearby.”One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!’ But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ’since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’  Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’” (more…)