“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

After Jesus was crucified and before he gave up his spirit, he uttered seven remarkable sayings on the cross. The period of Lent is a good time to meditate on these sayings since the period ends with Easter. The first of the seven sayings on the cross is recorded in Luke 23:34.

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. Luke 23:34

For context, the night before Jesus was wrongfully arrested, taken to “court” in the middle of the night, where people who were against him because the presence of Jesus threatened the authority they held on the people were the judges and jury. These same people were the ones who started to plot against Jesus soon as he pointed out their misdeeds, hypocrisy and the intentional burdening of their fellow men. There were multiple false witnesses to testify against Jesus. None of them held. But still they went ahead and humiliated and beat Jesus and dragged him to Pilate and then to Herod and then back to Pilate both of whom found no crime in Jesus, but still flogged him and scourged him (Pilate in hopes that this would quench the people and Herod, well, just because he could). Jesus also had to wear a crown of thorns on his head, courtesy of the soldiers who tormented him. But no, this was not enough for those people who cried for blood. They had a known condemned criminal released but demanded crucifixion for Jesus Christ. When Pilate washed his hands stating he wasn’t responsible for this man’s blood, the same group of people eagerly brought it on their heads and the heads of their children. Further, out of spite they caused Jesus to be dragged to the place of crucifixion, where along the way a great multitude lamented and mourned for Jesus. Let’s not forget that all these happened within about six hours. And then finally…

There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Luke 23:32,33

After which Jesus utters his first saying on the cross. Forgiveness. Before we ponder further, let us also look at the succeeding verses and paint a picture in our minds.

And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” Luke 23:35-37

Now what do we have here? At least two other criminals, probably to keep others from pointing out Jesus was singled out and intentionally and wrongfully punished. Crucified in the midst of two criminals, as if Jesus was the chief among the condemned. The cross itself was a shameful place and he was hung to be ridiculed. Few below were busy trying to grab his garments. Fulfilling multiple old testament prophecies. The people stood looking, not out of concern but enjoying the spectacle. Add to this the sneering and the mockery. They did know that Jesus was chosen by God, but refused to believe and accept. He was indeed the King of Jews, but he did not look like a prince at this moment, and with that the soldiers mocked Jesus. It is for these people that Jesus Christ asked the Father forgiveness. In the context of the whole ordeal, Jesus Christ’s first saying on the cross is unfathomable. Our human reasoning would demand immediate punishment for all those people responsible for this injustice.

“Father, forgive them”

Firstly, the infinite love of Jesus Christ is shown here. The Father loved us so much that He sent His only begotten son. The Son loved us so much that He died for our sins. Without love, there is no forgiveness, and Christ demonstrated His never ending love for us all yet again. Secondly, the purpose of Jesus Christ’s death itself is to give forgiveness to humanity. He is our atonement. He died in our place, for our sins. For without the spilling of blood there is no remission of sins. Thus, He gave his life and brought us our forgiveness, fulfilling his purpose on earth. Thirdly, Jesus Christ is our interceder. It is Christ who intercedes on our behalf to the Father, and we see him doing it even on the cross. If not for Christ to give us salvation and intercede for us when we fall, would we last?

“for they do not know what they do.”

Ignorance is never an excuse to sin. But, sometimes there is spiritual blindness which hides the truth. Maybe the people there were misled by their leaders, kept in the dark and trained to be ignorant by design, instilled prejudices. Whatever the reason, Jesus Christ recognised that they did not know what they were doing. Would a man give a stone to his son who asked for bread? Or would he give a snake for a fish? If no, then would the people wish to be responsible for the spilling of innocent blood? And not just them, but also their children? Except perhaps when they didn’t understand that they were spilling innocent blood. Had they known, they would have unwished it. The crucifiers of Christ did not know what they were doing, for had they known they wouldn’t have done it. They did what they did, because they thought that they were doing God's service. But they did eventually realise, at least some of them, for weeks after this when Peter preached, there was a huge repentance. Multitudes saved, because Jesus Christ forgave and did not hold it against them.

Also, this whole incident is recorded and written down as an example to us. Through Jesus Christ, we now call God Father and can come to him with confidence and reverence as would natural children to a father. Through Jesus Christ we are now able to pray to the Father for ourselves and others, and to ask for forgiveness. Finally, Jesus Christ demonstrated the love we must show for our enemies, and those that hate and persecute us. “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44,45). Christ showed us the way, are we not to follow it?

Let’s remember the love of the Father and the Son, Christ’s purpose on the earth because of which we were led to salvation. Let’s remember that our intercessor is Jesus Christ, sitting in the right hand of the Father, interceding on our behalf. Lastly, let’s remember that we were shown an example to live by. To love our enemies, and forgive anyone who has wronged us. Let the love of our LORD fill our hearts.