Called to Forgive

“But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.” Luke 23:34

Jesus’ cry of pardon for those who nailed Him to an agonizing cross rings through the centuries: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). In our humanity we wonder how even the divine Christ could think of such forgiveness for the scornful lot of Pharisees, soldiers, and those who jeered on the hill of Golgotha. Yet we, as disciples of Christ, are called by the Scriptures to be like our Teacher.

Is there anything more difficult? Perhaps not. But are our circumstances any worse than the darkness of Calvary? If forgiveness can be extended in the blackness of the cross, we can offer it in our shadows of hurt by following Christ’s example. Jesus forgave because He knew sin’s deceit was at work in His persecutors. When people offend us, they do not fully understand the folly of their ways, the deceitfulness of sin, and the consequences of their actions.

Christ forgave because He had come to die for the sins of all men, including those who nailed Him to a tree. We forgive because we are called to love all men - even our enemies - knowing they too are objects of God’s seeking love. We can forgive because the forgiving Christ is within us.

“...forgive, if you have anything against anyone...”
Mark 11:25