Throughout Holy Week, Christians across the theological spectrum focus on Jesus’ trial, scourging, death and resurrection. In the process, many quickly pass over a brief exchange between Jesus and a fellow condemned man crucified at his side. Yet that exchange contains a subtle power that forces Christians to contemplate what really matters.

Many know about that conversation between Jesus and one of the thieves, who defends Him from another condemned criminal’s mocking and asks Him to “remember me when you come into Your Kingdom.”

Many know how Jesus responded: “I assure you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”