“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” -Luke 23: 34
For three years Jesus moved from village to village, teaching, healing and performing signs of wonders among the people of Israel. He showed the people a better way to live. At the center of Jesus teaching was the great commandment – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27). When you look back over the life of Jesus you realize that love was His motivation.
If Jesus’ life was the outflowing of love, I believe we must look at the Gospel story and truly wonder why Jesus’ life and ministry was ended on that cross? Why would we offer such a punishment and death to the one who only came to offer us love? Each person in the Gospel story had their own motivation. Jesus threatened the powerful. Jesus did not conform to the teachers of the law. He pushed the boundaries of cultural norms. These motivations brought pain, suffering and even death.
As I think about the life, the ministry and even the death of Jesus, I cannot help but think about how, even on the cross, Jesus offered love. Luke records that while hanging on the cross Jesus speaks those beautiful words that bring freedom and life to all, “Father, forgive them…” There is never a moment in the life of Jesus where he does not act out of love. Even while suffering at the hands of others he offers prayers to God for forgiveness.
Jesus’ life is the great example for us all. When we live a life, motivated by love, we too can offer freedom, peace and life to all. When we hold a grudge against someone who has hurt us we place a burden on ourselves and the ones who have hurt us. It is my prayer that we look to Jesus, our example of love, and offer the same love and forgiveness that marked every step of His life.
-Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
