34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34
There is a history of teaching which I have recently became aware of. Around Easter, many ruminate over what is referred to as the “Seven Words of Jesus” on the cross. The term “words” here are better described as “phrases”. These were the statements of Jesus during the passion and many find them to be especially powerful during Easter week. Currently, I am reading Seven Last Words by James Martin and it has sparked in me a more concentrated focus during this Holy Week.
We do not know the depth of our sin.
While the path of Jesus is never one of shame and guilt, it does benefit the saint to think of such things from time to time. As this week leads to the mocking, abuse, and murder of our teacher and Savior, we are well-served to remember what made this week a necessity. Our default mode, inherited from ancestors past, will forever haunt us unless it is reckoned with and ultimately crucified. Only one who was fully man and fully God could do such a thing. Just as our sin made death a necessity, it also made forgiveness a benefit.
We do not know the depth of a Father’s love for us.
As intermediary, Jesus was raised on that cross as a final sacrifice to a loving God. In his last moments, Christ urges the Father to remember His deep affection for his wayward children. Below, they are dividing His earthly items among themselves, ignoring the travesty before them. Instead of cursing His own suffering, He intercedes for those who made it necessary. In the shade of the cross, we are all little children.
This phrase “they do not know” is blasphemous. We see Christ asking for grace for those not only undeserving, but those who have not even asked for it. While many well meaning believers will urge us to fight for our salvation, Christ proves that it is already ours, we must merely walk within it. Elsewhere in Scripture we are told this same Jesus still intercedes on our behalf, regardless if we ask or deserve it.
With this final transaction at Calvary, Jesus is making the idea of transactional religion extinct. Our need for salvation is already promised, regardless of our understanding of need. Grace goes before us. In the dark alleys of our soul. In the pit of our sin. In our moments of disgust. The blood spilled on the cross has covered more than we are even aware of.
And so, as we remember this – both our sin and redemption – may we love all the more. If we are covered by a ridiculous scandal of grace, then what is holding us back from living a life of redemption? A life that forgives without growing weary. A life that loves without limits. A life that sees not fault, but possibilities. We now can step into the light because our Father has given us a seat warmed by His kindness. A theologian once said rightly that we bring nothing to the cross but the sin that made such a brutal death necessary. In the great upside down mystery of God, our sin and not our goodness is what grants us grace. It is Good Friday that makes way for Easter Sunday. Therefore, we live from grace, not to impress or to earn, but out of the joy of a hopeless criminal pardoned and liberated.
Jesus, thank you. Help us to live forgiven lives and remember the love that makes it possible. Give us the courage to forgive ourselves and those around us. Open our eyes to the realities of your cross. Sanctify us by your grace. Amen
Matt simon blog 