Father, Forgive Them

“Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13)

The very God, who spoke this commandment, knew He would come to earth and be killed. Jesus spoke of His death many times to His disciples… “The Son of Man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: and they shall kill Him, and the third day He shall be raised again” (Matthew 17:22,23).

We know it was the sins of the world that put Jesus on the cross. Think of the grace… He entered our death to give us His life. But from the cross, Jesus pled the “law of ignorance” for those He was dying for, praying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Peter preached this truth to Israel first, saying… “You killed the Prince of Life, but God has raised Him from the dead; of which we (the apostles) are witnesses.” Then he added these vital words… “Now, brethren, I know that through ignorance you did it, as did also your rulers… repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” (Acts 3:15-19).

Paul preached this same truth to the Gentiles in Greece, standing on Mars Hill and surrounded by idols, just a short time later, saying… “We ought not to think that the Godhead is like gold, silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s imagination. And the times of this ignorance God overlooked but now commands all men everywhere to repent; because He has appointed a day, in which He is about to judge the world in righteousness by that Man who He has pointed out, having given proof to everyone by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:29-31).

Jesus has spoken. Does anyone dare contradict Him?  His love is equal, His forgiveness is sure, and His Word has settled it. Therefore, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)