Forgiveness
“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ (Luke 23:33-34)
Jesus’s words of forgiveness are unexpected. They seem like impossible words to speak over the soldiers who have beaten and mocked Him throughout the morning. Men who have driven Him mercilessly along the route to Golgotha, where they impale His ankles and wrists with metal spikes and leave Him on a cross to die.
If it is true that our character shines through most authentically during difficult times, then surely we are seeing Jesus at His most authentic. Yet, here in the midst of the most challenging circumstances any human has ever faced, we see Jesus offering forgiveness. His response to the soldiers is one of perfect love.
Which also explains why Judas is included at the Last Supper. Despite knowing that Judas has arranged to betray Him, Jesus feeds him and washes his feet, just as He feeds and washes the other disciples. Jesus forgives the offense because He cannot help Himself. He is innately forgiving. Loving at His core.
And that fact should leave us rejoicing.
For like Judas and the Roman soldiers, we are also responsible for Jesus’s death. It is our sin that makes the cross necessary.
