Father Forgive Them

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

                The first words of Jesus from the cross were “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Before Jesus was nailed to the cross, He was betrayed, mocked, spat upon and beaten. Jesus started His first word on the cross with a prayer. He prayed, “Father, forgive them,” because He was fulfilling Old Testament prophecy: “He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12).  

               Jesus teaches forgiveness in the Lord's prayer: "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us" (Matthew 6:12). When asked by Peter, how many times should we forgive someone, Jesus answered seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22). If we forgive people when they sin against us, our heavenly Father will also forgive us. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one - Matthew 6:12-14.

              We are to forgive others just as God forgives us. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you - Ephesians 4:31-32. Just as Jesus prayed for His enemies on the cross, let us also pray. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you - Mathew 5:44.

                                                       

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Help us to forgive others just as You have forgiven us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.