Crucifixion

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”

During Jesus’ trial, He refused to offer any kind of defense for His actions. He knew He was innocent from breaking any Roman or Jewish laws, but also knew that blood needed to be shed for the forgiveness of sins. 

When looking through the entirety of Jesus’ life and ministry, we must remember that He was both fully human and fully God. In His humanity, Jesus experienced the pain and sorrow of living in a broken world. He wept over the death of His friend Lazarus, as He knew that death was not part of the original created order. He wept over the city of Jerusalem, desiring the people of God to be back into right relationship with Him. 

And at the end of His life, He wept again. Not just for the physical, emotional, and spiritual pain He was experiencing – which would have been excruciating. He also wept for those who were crucifying Him. Father! They don’t know. They just don’t know what they’re doing. Forgive them. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     MATTHEW 27:1-66 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Think about the last time you sinned against God and/or somebody else. How do you understand Jesus’ words, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing?” 

REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Are you overcommitting? Practice slowing down and living life at the pace of your soul by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice daily. The app is free, and is available on iPhone and Android devices.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess there are times when I realize the truth of John 3:16 – that God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son. But even though I believe the truth of this passage, I struggle to believe that You so loved me You gave Your one and only Son. May this truth of Your resounding love permeate deep into my heart and soul today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)