Looking To The Cross | Day 9 | Luke 23:33-34

“Father, Forgive Them.” The first three words spoken by Jesus as they were nailing Him to the cross. Held in a posture He could not change, Jesus was mocked, ridiculed and spit upon. In the midst of excruciating pain and the very slow torture of crucifixion, Jesus practiced what He taught (Luke 6:27-28). “Father, forgive them.” 

But did anyone ask for forgiveness? Scripture makes no mention of anyone – not even one – asking Jesus for forgiveness. And yet, as He looked out into the crowd and saw the faces of those who scorned Him, Jesus pleaded with His Father to forgive them.

Jesus is teaching us something about forgiveness that is counterintuitive. For Him, it’s not a question of whether it’s deserved. Merit isn’t even part of the equation. Rather, Jesus lavishly pours out forgiveness. Even when it’s not asked for. Even as the crowd is mocking His slow, agonizing death.

Jesus looked out at the faces of those in the crowd that day, and He saw them as God sees all of us. Despite indescribable suffering, He poured out His forgiveness. It was not requested. It was not deserved. It was amazing grace. 

May we graciously pour out forgiveness for ourselves and others as God has done for us.