“But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’” ... And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last.
Luke 23:34-46 ...
The Last Seven Words on the Cross 1. “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing”
“But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’” ... And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last. Luke 23:34-46
Most people, when their end draws near, look back on the life they have lived and leave last words to their family and neighbors. Also, when writing an autobiography or a book, the author usually leaves the core message of the entire work in its conclusion. In the same way, Jesus, who came to this earth as the Word became flesh, proclaimed seven words that comprehensively summed up all His work until He breathed His last on the cross. These are called the Last Seven Words on the Cross. What kind of spiritual meaning is contained in the seven words which are like the Lord’s last will? The First Word is “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” The fundamental reason that Jesus, the Son of God, suffered the cruel punishment of the cross was because of the sins of mankind. Since Adam’s fall, all people have been born with a sinful nature and stand as sinners before God. They were destined to receive His righteous judgment that “the wages of sin is death.” Yet, the God of love sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to this earth to save sinful humanity. As the sinless One, Jesus bore in our place all the punishment and suffering that sinners deserved. Not knowing this truth, the Roman soldiers and the people of Israel scorned and mocked Him on the cross as though He were a heinous criminal. Even in the midst of such extreme pain and humiliation, Jesus demonstrated astonishing love. He did not resent or curse those who nailed Him to the cross and mocked Him. Instead, He offered a prayer of intercession: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” It was a prayer not only for those who crucified and ridiculed Him, but ultimately for all mankind dwelling in darkness. Because of this loving intercession of Jesus, countless souls have been able to receive salvation. Jesus, who suffered on the cross without sin and prayed for sinners in love, desires that God’s children who believe in Him also love and forgive everyone. This is why He taught us to pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). Furthermore, even when we are unjustly persecuted, He wants us not to react with evil or harbor resentment, but to respond only with goodness (Matthew 5:44?45). Such love and forgiveness are impossible by human strength, but they become possible through the help of the Holy Spirit. Day by day, we must meditate on the Word and pray so that our hearts may resemble the Lord’s. Even though we are hurt or betrayed at times, true forgiveness and reconciliation can take place as the love of Christ fills our hearts. Therefore, as those who have received salvation, God’s children must follow the example of Jesus who loved even the sinners that nailed Him to the cross and mocked Him. We should not only love our brothers and sisters in the Lord, but also forgive and love even our enemies.
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