Jesus asks the Father to forgive us

Mahatma Ghandi: The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.

After being betrayed, unjustly tried, and beaten. After being ridiculed, having a crown of thorns shoved on his head, and forced to carry the cross he would be nailed to. As Jesus hung there, dying, as people cast lots for his clothing, that was striped from his body. Jesus looks to Heaven and says “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34.

If that is not strength I don’t know what is. Jesus finds strength in his love for us to ask God, our Father, His Father, to forgive the mob. Forgive the people who made His only son endure so much suffering. God’s love for us is so great that He does, He forgives our sins.

Reflection

1. Do you find it hard to forgive those who have wronged you? Has anyone ever done something you found especially difficult to forgive?
2. Can you even imagine what Jesus went through, and then not only forgave us but asked God to as well?
3. Imagine this account from God the Father’s perspective. Could you forgive the mob of people who would ultimately be responsible to the intense torture of your son?

Take the Next Step

Lewis B Smedes: To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that prisoner was you.” Set yourself free, forgiving evil does not mean you condone it, but that you will not let your heart hold a grudge any longer.