Neville Goddard on Luke 23:39-46 - Mystical Bible Interpretation

Read Luke 23 in context

Scripture Focus

39And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

42And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

44And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

45And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

46And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Luke 23:39-46

Biblical Context

Two criminals crucified with Jesus react differently: one mocks him, the other confesses their guilt and asks Jesus to remember him. Jesus replies that today they will be with him in Paradise.

Neville's Inner Vision

To Neville, the cross is a drama of inner states rather than a tale of outer events. The two malefactors are faces of your own mind: one clings to fear and judgment, railing at what is; the other yields to a higher recognition and asks for remembrance. 'Remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom' is your inner self appealing to the I AM to realize its true identity. When Jesus says 'Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise,' the moment of awakening is immediate: the kingdom is not distant but available now by a shift of assumption. The darkness, the tearing of the veil, and the surrender of the spirit symbolize the dissolution of separation as you identify with the I AM within. Paradise is the present state of awareness you cultivate, not a place you travel to after death. The lesson is simple: your consciousness is the doorway; align with the fact that you are the Kingdom, and all appearances begin to reflect that inner truth.

Practice This Now

Close your eyes and imagine the I AM within you saying 'Remember me.' Then affirm, 'Today I am with you in Paradise,' letting that certainty fill your body with calm.