And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide His garments. Luke 23:34
It began with jealousy, greed, a garden kiss.
Betrayal.
Betrayal by one of His Own.
A friend.
A brother.
Others deny knowing Him.
When He needs them the most, they leave.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
In agony, Jesus prays.
Sweat becomes drops of blood, falls to the ground.
Jasmine scents the air.
Instead of prayer, closest friends sleep sound.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Soldiers arrive to arrest.
Mock and beat Him.
For sport.
For fun.
Guards blindfold and strike Jesus over and over, saying “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?”
They insult and blaspheme.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Religious leaders falsely accuse.
A smear campaign.
Found not guilty.
Still scourged and flogged.
A crown of thorns jammed on Holy Head.
Blood drips.
Purple parade, public humiliation.
“Crucify, crucify Him!”
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
They lead Him away – already so beaten, bloody and broken He can’t carry His own cross.
Lead to the place of the skull.
Golgotha
A place of suffering and death.
Jesus was stripped.
Nails split bone.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Dice are thrown to divide His clothes.
Criminals on either side mock, demean and abuse.
Instead of retaliation, Jesus issues a kingdom invitation.
Darkness covers the land.
“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”
“My God, my God why have you forsaken me?”
Blinding pain, desperate thirst.
“Father into Your Hands I commit my spirit.”
Spirit given over to death.
Side split, blood spilled.
Life laid down.
It is finished.
Tetelestai.
Debt canceled.
Broken and given.
For me.
For you.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Jesus forgives all of it – the betrayal, abandonment, denial, abuse, false accusations, humiliation, torture and death.
He forgives my sin.
He forgives when I ignore Him, deny Him, abandon Him.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Choose this day whom I will serve.
Christian means “little Christ” or “Christ follower”
It means I do what He does.
A child imitating their parent, their Father.
Anger and unforgiveness block love – block mine, block His.
Keep me stuck.
Keep me bound.
Jesus died to set me free.
When I refuse to forgive, I chain myself to the person, place or thing.
“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”
How can I who has been forgiven of so much be unwilling to do the same? Click To Tweet
It’s my choice.
There is no love without freedom so God lets me choose.
His way or mine.
Forgiveness starts with a decision – the decision to hand over offense, injury and hurt…trusting God will handle it.
Lay down my claim.
His justice and mercy are perfect.
Tetelestai.
It is finished.
Sonja
August 1, 2018What a beautiful illustration you gave of our Savior taking the punishment for our sins. It made tears flow down
my face. We are forgiving because He loved us enough
2 take on the cross. Thank you Jesus. I love you.
Shalom
Liz
August 1, 2018Hi Sonja….yes – it moves me too…what He willingly endured for me. His unconditional love and total forgiveness. I love your tender heart for Him – I know He is honored by it. Blessings sister ❤️
Alicia Tigertail
August 1, 2018Amen 🙌🙌
Liz
August 1, 2018Heyyy Alicia! Always good to see you…yes! Praise God – He is good. ❤️
Sydell
August 23, 2018Amen! This is beautiful and powerful! Thank you ♥️
Liz
August 23, 2018Hey sister! Thank you – you taking the time to read and comment mean a lot. Glory to God. ❤️
Nancy Altic
October 8, 2018Wow Liz. This is Powerful!! I think it’s the best one I have read! WOW!
Liz
October 8, 2018Thank you sweet friend…glory to God. The lengths God/Jesus went to to redeem and save His people from death is incomprehensible to me. Jesus endured all of it for you…and me and everyone in between. Amazing grace ❤️ love you Nancy.
Sydell
October 8, 2018Reading this again! Thank you for this post sister! It comforts me knowing what God done for me even when he didn’t have to! Thank you Jesus! Thank you sweet friend for shining God’s Love everyday!
Liz
October 8, 2018Thank you sister for your love, friendship and encouragement. Your faithful support is God’s blessing and gives me nourishment to continue when I question and doubt. Thank you for the gift of your presence. Love you xoxo