Forgiveness

“Father, forgive them.”

Christ’s forgiveness of his tormentors reveals God’s desire to extend forgiveness to all.

And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, 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.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
Luke 23:33–34

Jesus hangs from the cross, looking upon the very people that he came to earth to save. The crowds are watching, the soldiers are gambling, the rulers are scoffing, and Jesus is dying. It’s a chaotic scene, yet at its heart, it’s about something incredibly pure—forgiveness. Jesus, amidst his suffering, looks down and says, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

The word “them” is a broad label. Who does it include? It includes the brutal and heartless soldiers throwing dice for his clothes, representing Roman power. It includes the mocking Jewish rulers who conspired against him and pushed for his execution. And it includes the crowds who, just hours before, called for his death. The actions of the Gentiles and Jews remind us that Jesus’ forgiveness spans wide, reaching those who are far from him and those who are close.

“. . . for they know not what they do.” Can you recall when you said or did something sinful without knowing how damaging your behavior was? One scholar said, “Ignorance may diminish guilt, but does not remove it.” Christ’s forgiveness is not only limited to those present at his crucifixion. The prophet Isaiah tells us that Jesus was “despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53:3). At the cross, “them” includes us. This is at the heart of Jesus’ words. He understands our sin-sick condition and intercedes on our behalf both in prayer and sacrifice, taking our punishment and offering himself as the only pathway back to God and reconciling us to the Father on the cross.

The Methodist hymn “Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive” captures well the power of Christ’s forgiveness:

How can Your pardon reach and bless the unforgiving heart
That broods on wrongs and will not let old bitterness depart?
In blazing light Your cross reveals the truth we dimly knew:
How trifling others’ debts to us; how great our debt to You!

Reflection

Isaiah 53:3 describes Jesus as “despised and rejected by men.” How does Christ’s sacrificial forgiveness shape your response to being wronged or to those you may have wronged?

Application

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you someone you have unforgiveness toward. Determine how you will resolve that situation.

Pray

Heavenly Father,

We remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, where he prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” We realize that “them” includes us and that our sins are part of why he suffered. Thank you for the wide-reaching forgiveness Jesus offers us. Open our eyes to see the harm our actions may cause and give us the grace to seek and offer forgiveness.

We know the immense debt we owe you and how trivial our grievances against others are in comparison. In the light of the cross, we see the truth of our need for grace and the call to extend that grace to others.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.