We are entering Holy Week, where we look at the events leading up to the cross. Often, I like to write on the last sayings of Jesus on the cross. The next five days will be five of the seven last sayings Jesus uttered before His death. Today we look the first thing he said on the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” In retrospect, it’s unbelievable that He would be able to say this considering what He had just been through.
Luke 23:33-34
And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Made a Spectacle
Golgotha, which means Place of the Skull, was just outside Jerusalem at the crossroads of many well-traveled roads. The Romans did this on purpose. The cross was the cruelest form of punishment and death and was only done to non-Roman citizens. It was just as much a lesson to those who walked by as to those who were being crucified. Rome wanted to send a message to those who would think of opposing Roman rule.
Jesus Did What We Can’t
After being beaten and whipped with 39 lashes, Jesus was nailed to the cross for all to see. As the wood slivers sliced into His already torn flesh and He pushed Himself up on the nails in His feet and hands, He was able to look at His Father and say, “Father forgive them.” Considering we can’t forgive people for the slightest offense, this is almost impossible to believe, but Jesus came so that we might be forgiven. We are incapable of removing even one of our sins, but He can forgive ALL of them and make us a new person.
Father Forgive Them
This passage isn’t about us being able to forgive others even though that is true. It is about Jesus forgiving us for our sins. We need his forgiveness and grace more than we need anything else. Our sin separates us from God before and AFTER we are a Christian. If that forgiveness weren’t available when we needed it, we would be lost and destitute. Go and make things right with God by confessing your sins and asking for His forgiveness. He offers it to everyone.