04/03/2026
As he hung on the cross, Jesus looked over the crowd who cheered for his death. Though they didn't carry out the act of crucifixion, they were guilty none-the-less, as if their own hands had held the hammer.
And yet, Jesus, in agony, his hands and feet pierced by nails, every breath only increasing his suffering, looked at the guilty with mercy and love. "Father, forgive them..." Some would see and believe, but many more would turn away that day, satisfied to see the object of their scorn breath his last. But even still he said "Father, forgive them..."
Though they did not understand the meaning of his sacrifice or their guilt in his death, he still gave his life... for them, for you, for the underserving and the ungodly and the sinner. There was no call for retribution, no words of vengeance, no promise of destruction- just a simple prayer of forgiveness.
"...they know not what they do" and yet he gave his life for them so that when the knowledge of his gift becomes known, all who recognize him and believe in him might be saved. There is no one so far gone that they cannot find the Kingdom through Christ. Even those who nailed him to the tree have the chance to be forgiven for their sins. This is his gift to you- he died so that you may live.
