"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34 Behold the Lamb of God suspended between earth and Heaven--mocked, scourged, bleeding, and yet praying. Not for deliverance. Not for vengeance. But for His enemies. "Father, forgive them." Here we are given a glimpse into the unfathomable grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. As men drove nails through His hands, as they crowned Him with thorns, and hurled insults at His holy head--He interceded for them. This is no mere sentiment. This is divine mercy in its purest expression. These words were not uttered in comfort, but in the hour of His deepest agony. Even as He bore the weight of His people's sins, His heart overflowed with compassion. Here is the High Priest, fulfilling His office--not behind a veil in an earthly tabernacle, but on a cross, shedding His own blood. "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree" (1 Peter 2:24). This first saying from the cross reveals the very heart of the gospel: God's forgiveness extended to the undeserving. The Savior did not plead the ignorance of man as an excuse, but as an occasion for bestowing forgiveness. For though they knew not what they were doing, their guilt remained--yet He, the sinless One, bore it all. What mere man could respond to cruelty, with mercy? Only He who is both God and Man. And so, dear believer, be humbled. Was it not for your sins, too, that He prayed? Was it not your rebellion that brought Him to that tree? And yet He loved you still. Here is the assurance for every contrite soul: if Christ prayed for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him--then surely His blood avails for you. Nothing in you prompted His love. Everything