FORGIVENESS BEGINS AT THE CROSS
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”
Luke 23:34a (NLT)
This moment on the cross came after a series of betrayals, trials and unimaginable pain.
- Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, and then He was arrested (Luke 22:47-48).
- All His disciples fled, leaving Him alone (Matthew 26:56).
- He was taken through several trials—before the Jewish council, Pilate, Herod (Luke 22–23).
- He was falsely accused and mocked throughout (Luke 23:1-2).
- Peter, one of His closest disciples, denied knowing Him three times (Luke 22:54-62).
- Roman soldiers beat Him, mocked Him and pressed a crown of thorns on His head (Mark 15:16-20; John 19:2-3).
- He was whipped beyond recognition (Matthew 27:26; Isaiah 52:14).
- Weakened and bloodied, He carried His cross to Golgotha (John 19:17).
- There, He was nailed to the cross between criminals and mocked by the onlookers, religious leaders and soldiers (Luke 23:35-43).
After all that—after the betrayal, injustice, beating and mocking, and before there was any repentance or acknowledgment of wrong—Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 NIV).
They didn’t know? How could they not? By their own hands, they tore Jesus’ body apart and slandered His character. And it wasn’t only His enemies—some of His closest companions left and betrayed Him. Wounded, rejected and dying, He forgave.
What would compel someone to forgive like that? Jesus was God, but He was also fully human. He understood what it is to be wounded by others. It wasn’t nobility or religious duty that compelled Him—it was love.
Before we begin our practice of forgiveness towards others, we must look at Jesus. Those who abused Him didn’t grasp the gravity or the consequences of their actions. And yet, even in their arrogance and unrepentance, Jesus forgave. If anyone can empathize with our hurt, our betrayals, losses, religious abuse, rejection, physical pain, suffering, and refusal to acknowledge wrong done, it’s Him. In love, He forgave us, and it’s His love that sustains us on our journeys of forgiveness.
APPLICATION: Forgiveness doesn’t start with our strength—it begins with Jesus. Reflect on the cross today—on the love that led Him to say, “Father, forgive them.” Let His forgiveness toward you soften your heart and give you the strength to forgive others.
PRAYER: Jesus, thank You for the cross. I ask that You teach me the depth of Your forgiveness for my sin and Your great love for me. There is no one like You. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?