“Father Forgive Them”

With it being Good Friday and Easter fast approaching I thought I’d post on each of the seven last “words” (sayings) of Jesus on the Cross.

The first of the seven last “words” of Christ.

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do, (Luke 23:34, ESV).

Even while on the cross in terrible agony Jesus prayed not only for those who were present, but for us as well.  Some may blame the Romans or the leading Jewish authorities for Jesus’ crucifixion, but our sin placed Him on the cross. Mark Driscoll writes in Death By Love: Letters from the Cross:

Jesus’ first word is a word of forgiveness for the very people who were murdering him.  He knew that in a moment he would die to atone for their sins, including the sins they were presently committing against him.  In this we see the utter selflessness of Jesus and his unbroken devotion to saving even the worst of the sinners through the cross.

Thank you Jesus for the great love you showed us on the Cross.

Originally posted on 4/6/09 at Caffeinated Thoughts

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Shane Vander Hart

Editor & Founder at Caffeinated Thoughts

Shane Vander Hart is the founder and editor-in-chief of Caffeinated Thoughts.  He is also the President of 4:15 Communications, LLC, a social media & communications consulting/management firm.  Prior to this Shane spent 20 years in youth ministry serving in church, parachurch, and school settings.  He has also served as an interim pastor and is a sought-after speaker and pulpit fill-in.  Shane has been married to his wife Cheryl since 1993 and they have three kids.  Shane and his family reside near Des Moines, IA.

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