Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. – Luke 23:34
We get our English word excruciating from the Roman word “out of the cross.” | WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Jesus the sinless One is crucified. Though not found guilty by Pilate, the crowds insist upon having Jesus crucified. Barabbas, who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder was released instead.
The ordeal of execution by crucifixion was one of the most painful deaths. The person crucified could die from many causes including acute shock from blood loss to congestive heart failure leading to a cardiac rupture. “Consider how heinous sin must be in the sight of God, when it requires such a sacrifice!” (Clarke)
And yet, the most significant thing about Jesus’s suffering was that He was not, in any sense, a victim of circumstances. He was in control and said of His life that no one takes it from Him, but He lays it down Himself (John 10:18). He freely chose to endure the cross out of love for you and me.
And on that cross where Jesus died, He prayed for His executioners. In the prayer, Father, forgive them Jesus fulfilled prophecy of Isaiah, which says He made intercession for the transgressors (Isaiah 53:12). Jesus prayed that God the Father would not hold this sin against them.
Jesus fulfilled His own command to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). Though the people who crucified Jesus knew that they were crucifying an innocent man, Jesus set His enemies in the best possible light in His prayer to the Father.
What kind of love is this?
Lord may I never lose the wonder of your immense love and your gift of salvation for me, I pray.
Extended Reading – Luke 23; John 18-19
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