The 7 Last Words of Christ from the Cross #2

"Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

Jesus expresses the ultimate forgiveness as He asks the Father to pardon his executioners even while they are in the midst of killing Him.  This is a crazy kind of forgiveness.  There is no remorse, no repentance, no change of heart.  Jesus expresses forgiveness--not years after the event, not even weeks--but while the event is still in progress. 

Jesus notes their ignorance of God's activity. They don't know what they are doing.  How often do we act decisively in the same way--not knowing what we are doing? 

Let's apply it in two ways today.  First, we are all guilty of living ignorantly.  We have all acted, at times, in a way that was destructive to ourselves and others.  We have behaved in ways that are contrary to the revealed will of God.  Jesus offers forgiveness.  Even now, He offers forgiveness when we look to Him and acknowledge His Lordship.  Today, let me encourage you to confess your sins to Jesus and allow Him to wash you in His gracious forgiveness.

Second, we need to recognize that people all around us are acting ignorantly--they don't always know what they are doing.  And consequently, we get hurt and those we care about get hurt.  May we be quick to act like Jesus and ask that they be forgiven.  May we graciously extend forgiveness to those who harm us, even as God forgives us.