Luke 23:39-43 – A Word of Assurance, Hope, and Salvation

Shared/Delivered on 7-April-2025 (Monday) @ 8:10 pm | Bp. Paul Hinder Hall.

Good evening, brothers and sisters! It is a privilege to reflect on one of Jesus’ most profound statements from the cross: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).

“Sinasabi ko sa iyo, isasama kita ngayon sa Paraiso”
These words embody grace, redemption, and the boundless love of our Savior.

Pero, HOLD THAT THOUGHT: Bago tayo magpalalim, allow me to start this sharing a short prayer.

Almighty Father, we come before You tonight to hear Your voice. We ask that You meet us – meet us in where we are right now—wherever our hearts carry burdens, whatever struggles our minds can’t handle, take them out and be with us, Jesus, as we reflect on Your words from the cross. Amen.

Confession/God’s Guidance

Muli, magandang gabi!

I have a confession.

When Sis Edz & Sis Roxie gave me this task and suggested I take it on, I was hesitant. For six years, I had my heart set on reflecting on a different phrase from the Seven Last Words. Choosy no!? I wrestled with God: Lord, di ba itong word ang gusto ko?

There was silence.

And then, I remembered my mom’s recent words: “Kulbaan pa diay ka, day?” (Are you still nervous, Inday?)

It was about me sharing to her that I need to deliver a 2 slides ppt in 3 minutes in the office… Something clicked! —made me realize something – So, I went back to my prayer room and as I wrestled with God, and then, gikulbaan ko. I felt nervous. I was in awe – with the very fact to be chosen to share his words. Right then – I knew—this “kulba” (kaba) was God’s guidance. This was God’s way of telling me:

“JM, these are the words I want for you.”

And so, here we are tonight.

3 – 1-2-3 / Full Verse Reading / 3 Attitudes

Let’s look at the 2nd LW as A Story of 1 Savior, Two Thieves and Three Attitudes (Choices)

This time, let us read the full context of Luke 23:39-43:

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

But the other rebuked him, saying “Do you not fear God, since you are in the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has nothing wrong .”

And he said, “Jesus remember me when you come in your kingly power.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” “Sinasabi ko sa iyo, isasama kita ngayon sa Paraiso”

In this moment, we see 1 Savior, 2 Thieves & 3 Attitudes – Three attitudes toward suffering and salvation:

Istas – The Bad Thief (Pride) – pagmamalaki
- He mocked Jesus and focused on temporary, earthly relief.
- His pride prevented him from seeing the truth right before him.
Dismas – The Good Thief (Humility) – kababaang-loob
- He recognized his own sinfulness and turned to Jesus in faith.
- With his last breath, he proclaimed Jesus as King.
Jesus – The Merciful Savior (Grace) – Biyaya
- Despite His suffering, He extended love and forgiveness
- He assured Dismas of eternal life.

Which thief do we relate to?

Do you LOOK DOWN on earthly things – temporarily that we demand Jesus to save us on our terms? – Making excuses, using work, occupying things that aren’t of God. Overwork? Vices? Bad attitudes? Sinfulness? OR

Do you LOOK UP, – making sure that you are always connected to Jesus? COmmitted to building relationship with Him – that you surrender and ask Him to remember you?

4 – 3 Powerful Truths from Jesus:

From 3 Attitudes to Three Powerful Truths from Jesus’ Words: A Word of Assurance, word of Hope and word of immediate Salvation.

1. A Word of Assurance – “Jesus, remember me.”

Dismas’ request was simple, yet profound. Hindi sya nag request na mawala yung sakit/suffering. He didn’t bargain with God. Instead with all humility, he simply entrusted himself to Jesus.

Jesus’ response was immediate and certain: “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

This teaches us that:

Salvation is not about our past mistakes but about our faith in Jesus.
Ang biyaya ng Diyos ay kusang ibinibigay, God’s grace is freely given, not earned. (Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not by works, so that no one can boast.”)

A Personal Testimony – My Thyroid Story

A few years ago, I lost my job and was unemployed for 2.5 years, on top of that, while enjoying a much-needed family time and vacation sa Pinas – I was diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma.

In my struggle, I found myself asking the same question as Istas, the bad thief:

“Lord, You are powerful—why don’t You take this illness away?”

Kasama na dito yung tanong na – Lord nagseserve nmn ako sayo.. Bakit ako?

My surgery didn’t happen right then and there – I was in denial; I was looking for ways to avoid the operation which led me to an encounter with a faith healer —one who was connected to Venerable Teofilo Camomot (a bishop in Cebu schedule to be a saint soon). Julius, the faith healer was flocked by hundreds of people in a gymnasium in Cebu and I was one of them. As we queue on lineI tried to think paano ko sasabihin yung sakit ko with only a few moment dahil sa haba ng pila… But when I faced him – without words he touched my head starting with a prayer and directly went to my and neck, I felt a surge of power. An overwhelming sense of peace. So, I just close my eyes and felt God’s presence. It was as if Jesus Himself was touching me.

It’s been 7 years – and yet as I share this – I still feel the same peace when I encounter him.

In the bible 7 is considered a perfect # – I trust that this is God’s affirmation that today, I can share this story.

But healing didn’t come the way I expected. Instead, I found myself on an operating table, facing the unknown. I had nothing and no one to run to—except Him.

At that moment, just like Dismas, I whispered: “Remember me, Jesus.”

As I recall the days leading to my operation, afraid that I might end my life on the table (of we don’t know what complications might come) – I remember a dream. Sa panaginip ko, I was looking for a faith healer. When I approach a bahay kubo, the person suddenly hands me over a child. Complaining – sabi ko – I am not here to babysit – but just before I finish this line – the kid stopped me by putting its hand on my lips and sliding to my neck. Similar to that encounter with Julius. As I look back -I dreamed of a small curly-haired child—who later, I realized, was a representation of Sto. Niño. All this while Sinulog was ongoing in Cebu – January 2018.

Through these encounters, I learned: God was always with me. Jesus Assured me, I am with you and so I have accepted my surgery and let go.

My surgery was successful—not only just physically but spiritually. It was a turning point where I let go and fully trusted Jesus.

1ST POWERFUL TRUTH – Word of ASSURANCE.

2. A Word of Hope – “It is never too late.”

Some of us may feel unworthy of God’s love. We think it’s too late to turn back. But Dismas reminds us: God’s mercy is greater than our past.

As Isaiah 1:18 says: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

In the same timeline of my 2.5 unemployed era, I doubted my purpose. Na surgery, gastos, pabigat na lang ako sa asawa ko, at di man lang ako makapagpadala sa Pinas for my family… But in that season, God redirected me—I was able to study my faith, listen to faith podcasts, fill myself with learning from online courses, books, audiobooks and more. That eventually led me to write a book, something I’ve been dreaming of even though I used to get write up rejections during university. And so The Creative Passport was published last year. Now available on Amazon & Partridge. (hehe nag plug? :D )

What I thought was a setback was actually a setup for His plan.

When I lost hope, God allowed me to rest in his Hope.

IKAW, Kapatid, what burdens your heart and drains your hope today? Remember, this is only a season—God is guiding your path. Hold on to hope, for His purpose will always prevail.

Another affirmation on why this 2LW was meant for me – is that this year MFC’s theme is Hope Abounds – Romans 12:12 “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer”.

– a hopeful heart that longs for Jesus even in the last minute of our life is worth it.

Jesus meets us – in where we are—not where we think we should be. Dismas knows where and what he is looking at, Istas on the other hand remains stagnant to the world.

2ND POWERFUL TRUTH – Word of HOPE.

3. A Word of Immediate Salvation – “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Jesus didn’t say “Maybe.”
He didn’t say “After a waiting period.”
He said “Today.”

The moment we trust in Jesus, we are welcomed into His presence.

When I found myself on the operating table – praying Our Father, Hail Mary, & the apostles creed before the anesthesia took over – I let go of fears and allowed God to take me today. (on that day)

Prayer and being in communion with Him as

2 Corinthians 5:8 says:

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

Let’s be PRESENT for Him.

Minsan, mahirap intindihin ang ways ng Panginoon. Look at the story of the Prodigal Son, Jesus being with the tax collectors, This very verse that He forgave right then and there and even assured Dismas of paradise.

This means:

There is no delay in God’s promise.
Heaven is not a distant hope—it is a present reality for those who believe. Do you Believe?

3RD POWERFUL TRUTH – Word of immediate SALVATION.

*** St. Dismas reminder & Reflection Questions

Assurance, Hope & immediate Salvation: Knowing these Powerful truths – What Can We Do Today?

St. Dismas (Patron Saint of the Prisoners) – yes he became a saint! Reminds us that:

It is never too late to turn to Jesus. God’s mercy is greater than our failures. – Ano ba ang nagpipigil sayo na mag serve? Na maging part ng community at simbahan? Let go and let god. Turn to Jesus.
Heaven (Paradise) is our true home.

During this Lenten season, may we ask ourselves:

Have I truly surrendered to Jesus? / Tunay na ba akong sumuko kay Jesus?
Do I live in the assurance of His promise? / Namumuhay ba ako sa katiyakan ng Kanyang pangako?
Am I sharing this hope with others?/ Ibinabahagi ko ba ang pag-asang ito sa iba?

This 2nd last word is a clear reminder that GOD is always with us. Are we looking down, stuck in our own plans? Emotions? & baggages? Are we looking up, longing for Him?

Closing Prayer & Outro

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your words of assurance and grace.
Thank You for the gift of salvation, freely given to all who turn to You in faith.
Help us to trust in Your mercy and share Your love with others.
May we live each day in the hope of being with You in Paradise.

Amen.