Friday, March 29, 2024

Listen to the Word

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.  Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:33-34)

If I were in Jesus’ place, nailed to a cross and suffering horrific pain and abuse, I don’t think I would want to pray for the people who put me there. If I did pray for them, I would probably pray that God would send some lightning upside their heads that would jolt them so hard their great grandkids would feel it.

But Jesus was in my place (I deserve that cross more than he did). And he prayed for God to forgive his executioners.

Do you ever fear that you have made so many huge mistakes, and done the same stupid things so many times, that you might just be beyond saving? Do you wonder if Jesus would really extend mercy to someone like you? You can put that worry aside. His grace is so great that he even extends it to the people who put him to death. He offers that grace to you, too. His prayer for you is, “Father, forgive.”

Live the Word

Set aside some time this Good Friday to remember the death of Jesus. And remember that he died with forgiveness on his lips.