Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
The first words from Jesus mouth as he entered into the death of Death,
were these words that only his Spirit can enable any of us to speak.
Those present and desiring his death could not possibly know what the Creator of the universe was accomplishing in the death of this man of peace.
Jesus was making peace for us in this horrible death. He was making peace between us possible. If we have ever tasted the sweetness of reconciliation with anyone, it was because of this death we now remember.
We may understand this with our mind, yet never taste its joy. All of the truths of God must be wholeheartedly embraced with the humility of a child, or they forever seem unreal, powerless, like a fairy tale for children. Only those who receive them with the dependence of a child ever experience their reality.
How could Jesus mean such words? Only because he was entirely surrendered to do his Father's will. The forgiveness came out of that all encompassing surrender. It came out of knowing the Father like no one else had ever known Him.
No doubt there are some of us this day who need to forgive someone something, done or spoken. We may find ourselves repeatedly overwhelmed with anger and bitterness. What can we do?
We can begin now, by asking the Lord to change our hearts, and strengthen us to confess to two, our need to forgive someone. We can be lead through declarations of forgiveness and find ourselves speaking words we have no power to mean -- but if we surrender our heart to Him, He will come to us with the power of his Spirit, and we will know that our heart has been changed.
We have come to eat the holy flesh that did the Father's will. His will is for us to forgive all others. He can empower us all to do that.
Father we thank you for the holy life of Jesus, who did your will. we confess our unwillingness to forgive in general. lead us to forgive anyone we have not forgiven. Surprise us now with your power as we declare forgiveness by Jesus crucified and risen. create in us clean hearts now to eat him who gives us life.
The blood of Christ shed is eternal life to all who believe on him. The people of Jesus' day, and those before he came, understood that life was from God, more than most people in the world today. Because men have refused to have God in their knowledge, they are ignorant of the sanctity of life and are willing to enter into the abomination of violence.
Because Jesus died for us, even murder can be forgiven by his Father. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote, “ Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” 1 John 3:15
Jesus is Risen and is alive for evermore. He has the power to wash us clean at any moment in history. He is Lord of all. We now drink the cup of his life.
Father we thank You for his life that alone gives us life again and again. we praise You for your longsuffering to forgive us repeatedly. Cause us to know that we have eternal life through relying upon him. He alone is worthy. Forever give us his power to forgive.