Our first reading for Good Friday is Luke 23:26-34."Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).
Just look at the verbs in this passage.
They "led him away..."
"A large number of people followed him... mourned and wailed for him.."
"they crucified him.." (Matthew 27 mentions that before this, they stripped him, twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head, spit on him, struck him on the head again and again...) The other day, I watched part of a History Channel special on crucifixion in the ancient world, and had to shut it off after about ten minutes - it made me sick to my stomach. Yet Matthew only writes, "they crucified him." For readers of his time, that was more than enough said.
"they divided up his clothes by casting lots."
"they sneered at him."
"they mocked him."
Jesus' response?
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).
The Romans were just performing a regular crucifixion. Humiliation. Torture. Anguish. Blood. Nails. Thorns. Guts. Sweat. Cries.
Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ, is most disturbing and gruesome to watch - not primarily because of the special effects - but emotionally because someone actually, willingly endured this.
Jesus chose this.
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).
On Good Friday, Jesus knew exactly what HE was doing. In the midst of his flesh being destroyed, his soul is focused and determined.
His last words would be remembered. His mission would be victorious. His grace would be more than sufficient to atone for the most disgusting of human actions.
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).
On Good Friday, please truly consider the sacrifice of Jesus. Understand the gruesome nature of his death, and thank Him.
Embrace the sacrifice, receive the forgiveness, worship the greatest Lover of all-time.
He loves you. You don't need any more proof than these words, which apply to you and me as well when it comes to our sin and ignorance...
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).
What's he want from me?
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