Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots. Luke 23:34 WEB
Chapter twenty-three of Luke’s gospel begins with a crowd of accusers leading Jesus to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. The assembled mob accused Christ of subverting the nation and opposing the payment of taxes to Caesar. Even more significant to the Jews, they accused Christ of claiming kingship as the Messiah. Although Jesus was in fact the Messiah, his accusers rejected him and his claim.
The chapter continues describing Pilate and King Herod questioning Christ about the charges leveled against him by the crowd. Neither of these men found any cause for Jesus’ crucifixion. However, the crowd insisted that the Roman governor impose the death penalty upon him. After several attempts to appease the mob with a lesser penalty of punishment and release, Pilate eventually relented and agreed to crucify our innocent, sinless Savior.
Forgive and Receive Forgiveness
Upon arriving at the place of his execution, Luke revealed the mercy of God present in Christ. Instead of condemning the rage-filled mob, Jesus famously said, “forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Forgiveness is a consistent message in the teaching of Christ. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. WEB”
Like Jesus, when others offend us, God calls each of us to forgive them. We forgive them in obedience to the word and will of our Father in heaven.
On the cross at Calvary, Jesus Christ took on the sins of the world in obedience to God. Although the assembled crowd did not know what they were doing, the Lord’s death was no surprise to God. Our heavenly Father planned for the salvation of repentant sinners through faith in our risen Savior. Whenever we, as Christians, encounter injustice and evil in this world, scripture teaches us to follow the example of love and forgiveness we received from Christ.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth of your holy word. Thank you for the forgiveness we receive in Jesus Christ. When others offend me, help me to forgive them as you do. Guide my steps. Help me to live my life in obedience to your word and will. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Commit to the Lord
