Father, Forgive Them

I often wonder what it was like to cross through the Red Sea on dry ground, to watch Jericho's walls collapse, or to walk with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee. But imagine being present at that most astonishing event: the scourging and crucifixion of Christ, the promised Saviour.

Someone should have protested. Instead, the loudest voices were those in favour of the scourging. Jesus Himself did not even raise a voice in His own defense. In fact, Peter described the scene this way:

1 Peter 2:23 – When He was reviled, [He] did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. (NKJV)

While being scourged for our sins, the Maker of heaven and earth — and of those who accused Him — said nothing.

Yet, after He was placed on a cross, Jesus spoke these words: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34 KJV)

He had committed Himself — and now His accusers — to "Him who judges righteously". And the result was available forgiveness.

Equal in significance to the words, "Father, forgive them," are another three words: "It is finished." (John 19:30 NKJV) Complete and final forgiveness is ours only through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 4:12 – For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (NKJV).

Prayer – Father, thank You for providing the only Saviour qualified to save us from our sin. Thank You for looking on His finished work and for forgiving completely those who come to You repentantly. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.