A daily devotional: celebrating the grace and sharing the love of God

Luke 23:34a (NIV) Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Words spoken from the cross. Words directed, I think, specifically at the soldiers, the executioners who were just doing their job. Words spoken also for all: the religious rulers who had beaten him and wanted him dead, the crowd who changed their chant from “Hosannah!” to “Barabbus!,” the gawkers who came to watch the gruesome event, the disciples and women who stayed in the shadows afraid and confused. How could that be?

Easter is a joyous time yet I see this broken man, this Jesus, hanging, suffering, dying for me on a cross.

The words still hang heavy in the air. They are for us, too. We hear them and repent. Jesus, forgive me, I don’t know what I am doing… And forgiveness flows from Calvary.

Thank you, Lord, Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Who takes away me sin! Amen.