Luke 23:33-38

“Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing.” vs. 34

Once Jesus had been arrested there wasn’t much doubt about what would happen. There would be a trial of sorts but Jesus would have no defense attorney and he certainly showed no inclination to speak on his own behalf. Religious leaders brought the charges and trusted informers testified against the defendant. Put simply, the system was rigged! There could be only one outcome, a slow and tortuous death at the hands of the Roman occupiers. As Jesus hung on that cross, Luke records that he was thinking of only one thing, he wanted forgiveness for those who were torturing him, because, “they do not know what they are doing.” Those are amazing words, so different from the “get even” attitude of so many who claim to be his followers. Occasionally we’ll hear stories of those who have taken the words of Jesus to heart, and who offer forgiveness to the murderers of their loved ones. Often such persons are regarded as anomalies, and sometimes their generosity in forgiving is mocked. In reality, their act of forgiveness is exactly what should be expected of Christians. It’s what makes our faith different…and is the only hope for our vengeance seeking world. Indeed, it’s the only hope for us, because we really don’t know what we’re doing either.!

Thought for the Day: What does the Lord’s Prayer say about forgiveness?