17/09/2021
A word of grace
The prophet Isaiah had been allowed to peer seven centuries into the future. There he saw in metaphorical pictures the great drama of salvation played out before him. There was the great Suffering Servant of the Lord, represented as a sheep, helpless and about to be slaughtered.
And silent. Jesus had very little to say to the three “judicial” hearings that condemned him and nothing at all to the guards and soldiers who abused him. They beat him, pounded a crown of thorns into his head, and flogged him. He bore it meekly. Even the brutal crucifixion did not wring curses, threats, and hate from his lips. But the four gospels record that he did speak seven times in those six horrible hours.
His first utterance was a word of grace. “When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’” (Luke 23:33,34). In those few words, Jesus summarized the entire purpose of his mission to earth--he came to bring the forgiveness of sins to people who are lost and clueless.
The cross of Christ did not cut short his saving work. It was his saving work. There the price of our forgiveness was paid in full. There you will find the forgiveness that you need for a happy life, a peaceful death, and a jubilant resurrection.
And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Luke 23:33 - 34 KJV
