Luke 23:34 (CEB)

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” 


Reflection

As we move toward Good Friday and draw ever closer to the cross, my mind is on these words of Jesus: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” This sentence has always shaped my understanding of what his death means for us.

We frequently talk about how the cross secures our forgiveness – in other words, makes it possible. I wonder if it might be more accurate to say that the cross testifies to our forgiveness – it is proof of God’s love for us. It’s proof of a love so powerful, that it can literally reshape our lives.

We may not know what we’re doing, but Jesus knows exactly what God is doing. Jesus’ words are proof that no matter what – no matter how we abuse or ignore God, God’s love for us never changes. Even when we, in our selfishness and rebelliousness, nail God to a cross, that love remains. Jesus expends his dying breath to remind us once more.

We may not understand what we’re doing, but you’d better believe that God knows! We’re being loved into change. Our sin is being loved into submission. This is the good news!

By Joe Monahan


For Pondering & Prayer

When have you been changed by acts of love or kindness shown to you? Who do you think has been changed by your love and kindness?

Prayer: God, we cannot understand the depth of your love for us. We cannot understand how or why you would choose to offer yourself for us. All we can do is accept your love, allow it to fill us, and then pour it back out into the lives that we touch. We pray that you allow us to do that – in Jesus’ name. Amen.