Remember the Law that was inaugurated before Jesus came to the earth. He, although being the son of God and having come from heaven, was under the Law. He never sinned. He died, and as he was dying, he prayed to his father in heaven and told the criminal next to him that he would be with him in Paradise. That's in Luke chapter 23. "We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom! And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Now the question is, have you ever wondered why Jesus could promise the man dying next to him that he would be in Paradise with him? Also keep in mind that the temple with its sacrifices of bulls and other animals was out of commission once the Romans took over by force.