And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” – Luke 23:34
As Jesus was hanging from the cross, there were several statements the gospel writers record Him saying. We often refer to these statements as “The Seven Last Words.” They include statements like the one above in Luke 23: Today you will be with me in paradise. My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? It is finished. I have always found myself particularly intrigued by these words of Jesus. They were the last things we know of that He spoke out loud on this earth prior to His death. They seem to carry extra weight.
As Christ is hanging on the cross, He spoke the powerful words that Luke captured by asking His Heavenly Father to forgive them because they don’t know what they are doing. Who was “them” and “they”? Some think He may have been talking about the Roman soldiers carrying out the execution. Others think it’s referring to the Jewish leaders who handed Him over and demanded He be crucified. Still others think Jesus was talking about those of us who are in sin.
I believe it was all of the above. It was Jesus interceding on our behalf, asking God for mercy and forgiveness for all of us. Too often, I find it easy for us to look at the cross and be consumed with feelings of guilt, judgment, and fear. Instead, when I hear the words of Jesus on the cross, I believe the overwhelming message is one of love and grace.
As we approach Easter, use this time of Lent to grow still daily, focus on the words of Jesus in the gospels, and you will hear God speaking that ultimate message of redemption, love, and hope. Let go of fear, judgment, and guilt.
That is not what God desires for you. Instead, embrace the new life that God offers to you each and every day. Going through Lent with a focus on that message will change the way we experience Easter.
Rev. Josh Attaway, Edmond Campus Pastor and CFO
