It is not ironic that the first words from Jesus’ cross were words of forgiveness – forgiveness for the band of evildoers who had put Him there. A ministry that began with prayer (Lk 3:21) will close with it too. Jesus embodies on the cross how we are to treat our haters and enemies (Lk 6:35) – He prays for His murderers; He also teaches us in the same breath that no person is ever beyond the reach and efficacy of prayer. The real irony here is that “they know not WHAT they do.” They “knew not” that it was the Lord of Glory whom they were crucifying, and that His death was providing the very grace through which the crucifiers could be forgiven themselves. Moreover, the forgiveness of sins that Jesus secured on the cross continues to redeem us today: “In Whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” (Col 1:14)