READ:
"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 do not know what they are doing.’" (Luke chapter 23, verses 33-34)
REFLECT:
The scene around the cross is crass and unfeeling. The soldiers are part of an execution detail, probably bored with crucifixion. The first time they participated, they may have been moved by its brutality, but now they are calloused, emotionless. Perhaps this team had already conducted several crucifixions that week.
The soldiers begin with the cruel process of nailing the criminal to a cross. Next, they hoist Him up, the cross swaying back and forward until it is secured with wedges to hold it upright. Then, they sit around the base - sometimes for days - waiting for the criminal to die. To pass the time, they gamble, deciding by the throw of a dice who will be awarded the victim's last possessions. Yet, in the midst of it all, comes an astonishing and powerful word from the "criminal" on the centre cross:
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Isn’t it remarkable? In the midst of huge physical pain and incredible emotional turmoil, Christ’s first thought was for those who caused Him to suffer.
In the same way, when we hurt Him, He still responds in love.
Likewise, He calls all who follow Him to show mercy and forgiveness.
PRAY:
Father, forgive us. We really have not truly grasped the depths to which humankind has fallen. And, we are just beginning to realise the extent of the love You have for us. Cancel our debt of sin, we pray. Not because we deserve it, but out of Your great compassion. Give to us Your pardon and peace that we might be channels of Your blessing. We ask for this in Jesus' name. AMEN.
