Saturday, April 15, 2017

Forgiveness Before Resurrection


33 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.  34 And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!"  36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine  37 and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" 38 There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." - Luke 23:33-38, ESV 

This week is not only Holy Week, but also Spring Break for the kids.  Honestly, I was expecting the latter part of that phrase - break.  However, it turns out Mom’s Taxi was in full swing.  In the midst of the busyness, I’ve had some time reflect on Holy Week.  Yesterday was Good Friday and it got me thinking about the busyness, the rush as the elders and chief priests were trying to have Jesus crucified.  I wonder how it was for Jesus.  Was the time flying by or did it drag on?  

Nonetheless, reflecting on Good Friday had lead me to this verse, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).  This verse is one that randomly comes to mind every couple months or so for me.  It’s one of those verses that holds so much in it and rings so true in our lives.  Forgiveness!  Let’s face it, it’s not easy, yet it is one of Jesus’ greatest attributes.  

As the day progressed, they beat and mocked Jesus, and He still said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”   He was in the middle of the persecution and still was able to forgive them.    

They continued to mock Him about how He saved others and should save Himself.  Ironically enough, little did they know He was still saving others, possibly even themselves.  As He hung there enduring the scorn and shame for everyone else’s sin on that cross, He said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”  He still forgave them in their own ignorance.  

Jesus’ prayer of forgiveness towards those persecuting Him is important for us to read.  Jesus was faithful and without sin to the end, forgiving those who sinned against Him.  As Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” shows us there was forgiveness before resurrection.  

Those words are true for each one of us today.  He has forgiven us for the very things we know not what we have done.  And we too are to extend the same forgiveness toward others.  Unforgiveness not only hurts us emotionally and physically, but also is a stumbling block in our relationship with Him.  Holding onto unforgiveness and resentments toward others keeps us from experiencing Him, and the fullness of life Jesus died to give us.   

Prayer:
Father, forgive them for they know not what they do, thank you for that prayer Lord!  Thank You for Your forgiveness toward us.  I pray we would receive it.  I pray we would not let unforgiveness be a hindrance in our relationship with You.  May we extend the same forgiveness to others that You have given to us.  In Jesus Name, Amen.   

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