JESUS’ PRAYER AT CALVARY

“Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

Jesus didn’t pray this for a bunch of kids making too much noise, or riding their bikes across the lawn, or spitting on the sidewalk. Jesus didn’t seek forgiveness for someone guilty of j-walking or cheating on his taxes. He didn’t pray for a liar or a cheat.

After being beaten within an inch of death, after being stripped and exposed to every lookie-loo in town, after having rusty spikes driven through His hands and feet, and after being crucified, Jesus, in a strong voice heard above the din, called out, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” “Father, forgive those that hate Me. Forgive those that beat Me. Forgive those that goaded Me to carry the heavy cross up the ‘Way of Suffering.’ Forgive those that ripped My clothing away. Forgive those that drove the spikes into My flesh.”

Earlier, Jesus had taught His disciples to pray: “Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:9-12). Though Jesus had no debts, He demonstrated unlimited, infinite, unconditional, boundless forgiveness… unlimited, infinite, unconditional, boundless love.

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).