Good point, At the time that Jesus said to the Thief, today you will be with me in Paradise, the complete sacrifice was not FINISHED!!!! Which He will declare shortly after, IT IS FINISHED!! What would prompt our Savior to make this statement before the Sacrifice was complete??
He hasn't Risen, into His Immortal body yet, which I Presume that He has yet to be the High Priest, until His Resurrection, and considering the Fact that God Had Forsaken Him just prior to Him giving up the Ghost, Would God have Granted this Promise, many way's to look at it! kinda get's the gray matter churning. Thank's