Forgiveness at the Cross

Luke 23:33-34

A person’s last words often reveal a lot about them. For instance, they often reveal not only what was important to them, but also aspects of their character. Stephen, who was stoned to death for his faithfulness to Christ, desired forgiveness for his persecutors. In Acts 7:60, he cries out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Similarly, the last seven statements that Jesus made on the cross reveal His heart and priorities. The first of those seven statements takes on further significance in light of His extraordinary suffering on the cross. That first statement was forgiveness.

On what we often call “Good Friday” today, Jesus made His journey to the place called “The Skull” after being sentenced to Roman crucifixion. Roman crucifixion is widely regarded as one of the cruelest forms of execution man has ever created. The location’s name in Aramaic is Golgotha and Calvarius in Latin, where we get the word “Calvary.” Furthermore, Jesus was innocently crucified between two criminals and yet yielded to the Father’s eternal purposes and plans.

“Jesus died on Calvary's tree,

There to set the sinner free,

All who on His Name believe,

Everlasting life receive.”[1] 

What type of response will the Lord have to this unfair treatment? With revenge? With anger at the injustice? Instead of what we might expect, Jesus simply asked the Father to forgive them. In doing so, Jesus reveals God, specifically His heart, through His statement. Often, people depict God as lacking forgiveness when, in fact, forgiveness is at the very heart of God. This statement reminds us of the merciful heart of Jesus and that forgiveness comes at a great cost.

“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,

And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.”[2]

While on the cross, Jesus models true forgiveness for those who would one day place their faith in Him. Many years later, the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, exhorts believers to follow Jesus’ example. In Colossians 3:13, Paul states that we should forgive as Christ has forgiven us. Is there someone you can extend forgiveness to?

Lord, often when I suffer unjustly or in other ways, the last thing I desire is to forgive. Help me, by the Holy Spirit’s enabling, to extend forgiveness and thus show Christ, my Lord, to others, regardless. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Steven

[1] Source Unknown.

[2] Psalm 86:5 NASB 95.