Eleventh Station Jesus promises the Kingdom to the penitent thief Luke 23: 39-43 He hangs now, broken and abandoned on the cross; slowly lifts his head: words have been said. To find more air – pushes down on his rest. Two others – condemned, their lungs oppressed, must follow suit, each breath delaying death. Through the pain, the voice gasps again: “Hey carpenter! if you’re the Messiah, prove it! Get off the cross and save us.” Turning his head, he can see the poor wretch: hanging like him, and being afraid to die, he turns his fear of death into hostility; his only way of coping is through enmity. The man must have someone he can vilify. In reply, another voice now decries: “Leave him alone, can’t you see, he’s not like you and me: condemned for our guilt. He’s done nothing wrong, to be treated so ill. Rabbi, remember me, when you come into your Kingdom”. He turns, to see the second thief, about to die yet finding sympathy. He knows that his words are said to ease his pain – he cannot know his father’s plan; yet his empathy serves to glorify what must happen; and with this, Jesus finds peace. He replies: “Truly, I tell you; today you will be with me, in paradise”.