Father Forgive Them

And when they came to the place that is called The Skull [Golgotha], there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

(Luke 23:33-34)

Meditation

Even as he was hanging on the cross, Jesus was more concerned for the people who were mocking and spitting on him. Every single one of those people deserved to go to hell for what they did…just as I do…just as you do too. Wait, you’re thinking, we weren’t even born yet when they crucified Jesus. The simple reply to that is, we are all as guilty as they were almost 2,000 years ago. I’m sure, if I had been there in Jerusalem back then, I would have been shouting, “crucify him, crucify him,” along with everyone else. Our sins are reason Christ had to go to the cross. My adult life, before Christ cleansed me, was one sin after another, without remorse.

I’d tell anyone who’d listen that I didn’t need God, that I could run my own life, so in God’s justice, I was an idolater. I’ve hated several people who wronged me, so in God’s justice, I was a murderer. I know I took stuff from work that didn’t belong to me, so in God’s justice, I was a thief. I know I looked upon other women in a lustful way, so in God’s justice, I was an adulterer. I have told some whopper lies in my life, so in God’s justice, I was a liar. I have also looked at the property of my neighbor and wanted it for myself, so in God’s justice, I have coveted. Even if I were guilty of only one of those sins just one time in my life, someone would have to pay for that sin. Christ paid the price for all sin, but we have to give our hearts to him to take advantage of his gift.

Our sins are why Jesus went willingly to the cross. He went to the cross knowing most of us would turn our backs on his act of love. He was still more concerned with saving us than saving himself. Without his final act of service and sacrifice we surely would have no hope for anyplace but hell when we die. I was 44 years old when I accepted the free offer of salvation. I could have easily died without knowing Jesus before I was saved and I would have gone to hell. I want everyone to know the peace I have received from Christ. I want everyone to know how much Jesus loves them. He stands at the door of your heart waiting to be invited in. Please don’t wait until it’s too late. Give yourself to Jesus today!

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, your will be done. It was your plan to lay the sins of all mankind onto Jesus while he hung on the cross. Even though he had been treated so horrifically, his first thoughts were for us. He asked the Father to forgive even though most of humanity would reject his sacrifice. We are totally unworthy of his love, but we are so grateful he loves us. We are helpless without his mercy and grace. Our fates would be sealed if we had to rely on our own goodness to save us. How can we say thank you enough? How can we put enough feelings into the words to be an effective witness for what you have done? Of course, mere words cannot. They have to be accompanied by changed hearts and minds. By doing the work of Christ here on earth, while sharing the gospel of love. Lord, please fill our hearts with that love for everyone we meet. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!