Father Forgive Them — A LifeWords Devotion

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. (NLT)

Were those soldiers scrambling for the dubious privilege of getting Jesus’ clothes actually forgiven? We don’t know. We certainly can’t assume they were simply because Jesus asked his father to forgive them.  

Forgiveness is not something forced on us. It is not a one way transaction. It is in the form of an offer, and for it to be effective the offer has to be accepted. To be forgiven is to both recognise our need of it, and recognise the source of it. 

Jesus is not imposing forgiveness on his tormentors. He is expressing the hope and desire that they turn to God for mercy and so receive forgiveness. Perhaps some did, perhaps others did not. Whether or not forgiveness was appropriated, Jesus’ words from the cross express something beautiful about him.  

In the midst of terrible pain and faced with monstrous injustice, his thoughts were not on despair or revenge or hatred. He still wished reconciliation on those who were so cruelly rejecting him. He loved those who hated him. He offered healing to those who were hurting him.  

It is a good example for us to follow. As long as we remind ourselves that our spirit of love and forgiveness may not be reciprocated. Offering forgiveness is our responsibility and opportunity. Reconciliation cannot be guaranteed. It always takes two to tango. 

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Blessings

David