Divine Forgiveness

Luke 23:34

The scene at the cross was ugly. There were the gambling soldiers who were only interested in His robe. There were also the curiosity seekers who had possibly cried out, “Release unto us Barabbas,” and of course there were the antagonistic rulers who turned up their noses at him and said, “He saved others, let him save himself.”

In response to this scene we hear Jesus say,

“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

What an amazing statement! How could he think of others in the midst of such intense pain and torture?

The truth is that Jesus was still being about His Father’s business. His whole ministry was characterized by forgiveness. As He lived He forgave, and now as He dies He continues to forgive! As those forgiven, are we willing to follow in His steps? Will we forgive as He forgave?

Song: 

I’m forgiven because you were forsaken, I’m accepted, you were condemned
I’m alive and well, your Spirit is within me, because you died and rose again.

--Chris Tomlin