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“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing. These were the words of Jesus as he hung on the cross between two criminals, all of whom were to be executed.

Father, forgive them.  Words of forgiveness are often difficult to speak.  When we’ve been hurt a little or when we’ve been hurt a lot the concept of forgiveness is often far from our thoughts or our lips.

Father, forgive them.  The word ‘them’ embraces many who needed the forgiveness of Jesus.  The disciples his closest friends needed his forgiveness.  Judas needed the forgiveness for Jesus he betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.  Peter, James and John, needed the forgiveness of Jesus, they betrayed him by not staying awake in the garden of Gethsemane when Jesus needed his closest friends to be awake and with him.  Peter needed the forgiveness of Jesus. Although confident that he would never betray Jesus, Peter’s betrayal happened three times.

Father, forgive them.  The circle of those needing the forgiveness of Jesus expanded beyond his closest friends.  Those who mocked Jesus and challenged his teachings needed the forgiveness of Jesus.  Those erecting the cross which Christ hung on needed the forgiveness of Jesus.  Those who once shouted Hosanna, then shouted crucify him needed the forgiveness of Jesus.

Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.  In moments when hurt has come, forgiveness is not always easy.  Gordon MacDonald in A Resilient Life, writes, “Forgiveness is about surrendering the right for vengeance and retribution.  It is about acknowledging that we are all failures in one way or another and that we stand on level ground with any offender before the cross, where God, in Christ, forgave us.”

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing. Jesus with these words has forgiven those nearest to him.  He has forgiven those who are somewhat distant from him.  The small betrayals, the large betrayals could be our betrayals, our sins that have separated us from a solid relationship with God.

Jesus, suffering and dying, offered forgiveness to them, to us, for our betrayals, for our sins.  As we journey to the cross, will his forgiveness be accepted by those of us who have betrayed him?  Will his forgiveness be accepted so that our relationship with God the Father can be renewed?

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.  Forgiveness has been offered, will you accept the forgiveness of Jesus this Easter?

Captain Margaret MacLeod