Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. Luke 23:34
Observation
Luke 23 is telling in detail the horrific story of the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus had every reason to be deeply disappointed and bitter with his friends who betrayed him and with the people who asked for his crucifixion. After all the good he had done for them, they crucified him. But no: Jesus is forgiving the people who inflicted him with emotional and physical pain beyond our imagination. We see here in a nutshell the power and mission of Jesus in action: He carries not His, but the world’s shame and pain. And He does not curse the world but forgives and loves until the end.
Application
My heart is filled with thankfulness for God loves and forgives me and each one of us with that sacrificial love shown by Jesus on the cross. May His love drive all I do. It`s so easy to do all kinds of good deeds with the wrong motivation which sooner or later always backfires by turning into pride or bitterness. Is what I am doing motivated to please people, to get praised by people or is it motivated by God`s love? To the degree God`s love is powering me, there won`t be a need to get bitter or disappointed and I will be able to forgive.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you that you came to show us the love of God in such a powerful way. Make me to a vessel of your love today. Amen
