Christian Reflection and Prayer

Read Luke 23: 32-38.

TEXT: And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they
know not what they do" (see Luke 23:34).

In agony Jesus looks upon the Roman soldiers who
savagely flogged Him, crowned Him with thorns, spat
upon Him, and mocked Him as King. They don't realize
they nailed their God and Creator to the cross.

He looks at the Jewish crowds that had hailed Him as
the Messiah when He entered Jerusalem on Sunday.
Now, passing by on their way into the city, they deride
Him as a fraud and fake. They have no idea they are
mocking God's only Son, their Promised Savior and
King.

He looks at the Jewish leaders who vehemently opposed
Him throughout His ministry, who dogged His steps,
twisting and distorting His teachings. They condemned
Him to death, and then pressured the Roman governor to
crucify Him. They do not know they have driven their High
Priest to His death. He looks upon the criminals hanging
at His side, railing at Him out of their pain and anger. At
first, neither of them is aware they are spurning the
innocent Son of God, their King.
 
He looks at you and me, who quickly forget the price He
paid for our sins and repeatedly offend Him by our thoughts
and desires, and harm our neighbor by our words and deeds.

He thinks of all we deserve for what we have done. Yet,
rather than seek revenge, Jesus prays, "Father, forgive
them, for they know not what they do." What prayer was
ever so gracious-or so difficult to ask? For Jesus knows there
is only one way His holy Father can turn His fiery wrath away
from us-and that is by unleashing it on Him.

THE PRAYER:

Jesus, my Savior, You have every right to lash out at me for
my sins. Thank You for taking my guilt on Yourself and
suffering and dying in my place. Amen.

(Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)