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Day 87: Forgive Them (Luke 23:32-34)
The Romans didn’t invent crucifixion, but they certainly did perfect it. Thousands of people would have been crucified by the Romans, but this one was different. Reports of crucifixions in the first century often tell that whilst people were being crucified that they would hurl insults, spit on the people below, or even try to urinate on those close to the cross. But as Jesus goes to the cross, he goes willingly and full of grace. Even though innocent, he does not hurl insults nor seek vengeance on those who put him there. Instead, as they gamble for his garments (unwittingly fulfilling Psalm 22), he asks that his Father to forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. What amazing grace! That even at the height of pain, that even in the face of death, that Jesus desires forgiveness even for the very ones inflicting death on him. We can feel outraged at the most minor infringement against us, yet here is the innocent Son of God, asking for forgiveness for the very ones who nailed him to the cross.
As we hear Jesus’ cry for forgiveness, we’re given a phenomenal insight into the loving heart of God. The God who desires that no one would perish, even at the greatest cost to himself. What amazing news that we have to share! That as people put their trust in him, God does not dish out the punishment that we deserve, but willingly takes that punishment on himself. That as we put our trust in Jesus, we receive the unmerited gift of grace. AL
QuestionsWhen people wrong you, what is your natural desire for them?
How should Jesus’ desire for forgiveness shape our greatest desires for those around us?
What does it mean for you that Jesus willingly died for you?
Gracious and loving God, we thank you for your great desire that none should perish, but that all should put their trust in Jesus and live. Thank you that you were willing to do whatever it takes in order that we might find forgiveness in you. Please grow our trust in you. Please help us to show forgiveness to those who wrong us, in order that we might point to the ultimate forgiveness that we find through Jesus. Amen.
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By St Bart's Anglican ChurchThe Romans didn’t invent crucifixion, but they certainly did perfect it. Thousands of people would have been crucified by the Romans, but this one was different. Reports of crucifixions in the first century often tell that whilst people were being crucified that they would hurl insults, spit on the people below, or even try to urinate on those close to the cross. But as Jesus goes to the cross, he goes willingly and full of grace. Even though innocent, he does not hurl insults nor seek vengeance on those who put him there. Instead, as they gamble for his garments (unwittingly fulfilling Psalm 22), he asks that his Father to forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. What amazing grace! That even at the height of pain, that even in the face of death, that Jesus desires forgiveness even for the very ones inflicting death on him. We can feel outraged at the most minor infringement against us, yet here is the innocent Son of God, asking for forgiveness for the very ones who nailed him to the cross.
As we hear Jesus’ cry for forgiveness, we’re given a phenomenal insight into the loving heart of God. The God who desires that no one would perish, even at the greatest cost to himself. What amazing news that we have to share! That as people put their trust in him, God does not dish out the punishment that we deserve, but willingly takes that punishment on himself. That as we put our trust in Jesus, we receive the unmerited gift of grace. AL
QuestionsWhen people wrong you, what is your natural desire for them?
How should Jesus’ desire for forgiveness shape our greatest desires for those around us?
What does it mean for you that Jesus willingly died for you?
Gracious and loving God, we thank you for your great desire that none should perish, but that all should put their trust in Jesus and live. Thank you that you were willing to do whatever it takes in order that we might find forgiveness in you. Please grow our trust in you. Please help us to show forgiveness to those who wrong us, in order that we might point to the ultimate forgiveness that we find through Jesus. Amen.