January 30, 2025 - Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭33‬-‭34

“And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” Luke 23:33-34 ESV

Jesus, your ability to forgive is remarkable. You were looking down from the cross, while hanging in agony, and you offered forgiveness to those who crucified you. The way you offer mercy and grace to us when we absolutely do not deserve it is unbelievable. These men had just humiliated you, badgered you, beat you, tore the flesh from your body, nailed you to a cross where you were enduring a slow and excruciating death, but you looked down at them and still felt love for them. You knew that they didn’t understand that they were crucifying the Son of God who came to save them. You know that the enemy had them deceived and they believed they were doing what was right. You overcame what your flesh felt like doing and you offered them forgiveness. And it wasn’t just to them. You died for the sin of all mankind. It was our sin that had you on that cross. We were part of the reason you were on that cross. You knew how many times we would choose sin over your ways, and you chose to forgive us. Wow.

Jesus, help us learn to be more like you. When others cause us pain, whether intentionally or accidentally, help us to forgive. When those that should be loyal to us stab us in the back, help us to forgive. Show us how to love through the pain. We can be so good at trying to defend ourselves, or at lashing out and repaying the wrong. Forgive us. Help us to learn from your example and be quick to forgive. We don’t deserve the forgiveness you offer us, so help us offer it to others who might not deserve it either. Let us be an example of your love and forgiveness to the world around us.

In Jesus name, amen.