Father, Forgive Them

2021-08-18

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:33-34)

To be like Jesus is to forgive. Jesus Himself even says, “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15). In Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus tells us about a forgiven servant who does not forgive his fellow servant. It is clear by the context that the servant did not understand the scope of his own forgiveness.

Forgiving others is truly a new mindset. The world’s plan is to take revenge when wronged. We enjoy stories like the Count of Monte Cristo. Even in remote tribal settings, reciprocity for wrongs governs every step. This is not the way of Christ.

At the cross, Jesus is crucified with thieves. His marred back is rubbing against the beam, watching His clothes being divided by cruel men. His close friends abandoned Him. Nonetheless, remember His prayer: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” It is our job to go and do likewise.

This is the sixth perspective in the pulling down of strong holds.