For Me

Luke 23: 32-34
32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
How crass and unfeeling this moment is! This moment Jesus begins the long course of death through excruciating pain. And what does he do? He speaks in love to the only One who can deliver him — God himself! He speaks not for himself, but for others. And he speaks in love. In the midst of it all comes the most astounding, powerful word from the “criminal” on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” This is one of the hardest passages of scripture to internalize. I can’t help but think, “Are you kidding me?” In these final moments, Jesus is not praying for himself, but for others. I would probably be pleading with God to help me.
I look further at his words. He asks “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Who are “they”? Soldiers? Pilate? Chief Priests & Scribes? Pharisees & Sadducees? I suppose it could be any of these, but I know Jesus is talking about Me. I am the one that sent Jesus to the cross—my sin, corruption, weakness & pettiness. Without Jesus bearing my sin upon himself, I would not be forgiven, and I would be lost.
Jesus’ prayer on the cross tells me that God forgives me. Who am I having trouble forgiving? What steps do I need to take toward forgiveness?