There are few words more surprising—more offensive, even—than the ones Jesus spoke from the cross: “Father, forgive them…” In that moment, bleeding and mocked, Jesus wasn’t just showing mercy—He was defining His mission. Forgiveness wasn’t an afterthought. It was the reason He came. But here’s the tension: forgiveness only matters if we know we need it. And that’s where we often get stuck. We divide the world into “good people” and “bad people.” We compare sins like they’re stains that can be scrubbed out with enough effort. And some of us—like the woman in today’s passage—know our need all too well. Others—like the Pharisee sitting next to Jesus—aren’t so sure they need anything at all. So before we get to the cross… Before we hear Jesus pray for those who nailed Him to a cross… We have to ask a deeper question: Who needs forgiveness? And maybe more importantly—do I? Let’s find out together.
