“Father, Forgive Them….” Luke 23:34
“Forgive.” What a powerful word! And one word that epitomizes Jesus’ task, and His call. “FORGIVE us our trespasses, JUST AS WE FORGIVE those who trespass against us!” Jesus’ task, and His call are grace-full!
Suspended, vulnerable, humanly speaking, His request and statement to the Father were comprehensive. “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Jesus understood humankind and the blindness of our sinful state. These soldiers were responsible men who carried out their leader’s instructions. They, like most of us, would take offence to such a notion that they “did not know what they were doing. “Of course, we know!” We’re adults, human beings with feelings, convictions, and experiences, carrying out what makes sense given what we know. Yet, Jesus knew better. And full of compassion, He forgave them because of what He understood.
The Lord gave me this scripture, spoken from the cross, many years ago when our children were young. I posted it over my bedroom doorframe so when I walked through, I would be mindful of my options. Crossing through the door, I never knew what I would encounter. Would it be bickering, self-preservation, accusation, anger, and manipulation, such as Jesus faced? I consider our home a safe place. Yet, I never know for sure what I will face. And, facing raw emotions, would I honor Jesus by expressing love and understanding as He did? “FORGIVE.” It remains my reminder.
Jesus walked a road of love and grace that made room for error. He asks me to do the same. In the workplace, at schools, and sometimes even within my family, at my home, “…They don’t realize…” Do you believe that? Jesus does! Jesus knew and admonished us to believe that no one truly understands until by God’s grace, He helps us to see ourselves as He sees us. And until such revelation, in sinfulness, relationships are broken even when we’re doing our best. We struggle for affirmation and value even though it is already ours, His gift of love. Because, in our failure, He paid the price.
Luke 23:34, Matt 11:28-29, Luke 23:26-47
Pictured: AmaZioni gathers from Thursday to Sunday during Easter weekend. Traveling great distances, entire denominations come together to commemorate the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord. These lengthy services are anticipated all year and bring great joy, like Christmas, to amaZioni parents and children alike. The services are very fluid with people coming and going but mostly singing and enjoying the long-awaited day. Sleep is in short supply this weekend because the services are long-lasting (running all day and all night), and sleeping quarters are limited or nonexistent.