The promise about paradise helps us understand what kind of a kingdom Jesus rules. The word paradise seems to refer to a kind of garden. It takes our minds back to the garden of Eden. It takes our minds forward to the place where God will be with his people ( Revelation 2.7; 22.1). In this passage it may refer to the place where God’s people go after death before the Judgment Day.
The surprising thing about this story is that the criminal will be there. Although, if we have been following the story of Jesus, it is not really a surprise. This is the kind of king he is. He has come to save the lost. He has come to bring forgiveness to sinners. He has come to welcome tax-collectors and sinners.
Luke is telling us that despite what many thought, this really was the King. He rules as King not only over the world of the dead, but also over the living. He saves the criminal before and after he dies.
But why does he die? Because this is how the King rescues his people from sin, judgement and death. He dies in their place, as their representative. He takes them to the death they deserved. And then he brings them, with him, out of the grave.
The people stand watching (23.35). Those who knew him are also watching (23.49). Later they will have to make up their mind what it means. And then they will have to decide to follow the King. Just as we do.
Dale