There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. Luke 23:32-34 NKJV
These were Jesus’ words as he hung on the cross, for a generation of people who insulted Him, spit at Him ,mocked Him, and then crucified Him. Our Lord, while undergoing the worse torture a man could be put through, cried out for their forgiveness. He cried out for ours as well!
“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37 NKJV
When we see clear evil going on in this world, it can be hard to pray for those who do this evil, with no concern of consequences. Why should we care? Because Jesus cares!
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either.” Luke 6:27-29 NKJV
Notice the request Jesus made, in what was one of his last recorded prayers.
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” John 17:24 NIV
He wants us all to be there, and gave us a commission that would insure that as many as would hear the truth would be with Him. It is so easy to be angry, or dismissive, or even hate the actions of many in the world today who don’t hear the truth. Their ways seem evil and hurtful to us, and they appear to be happy.
But it is written:
Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles. Proverbs 24:17 NKJV
If we fast forward and see what will happen if they refuse to listen to the truth, then we can see why we need to continue planting the seed of the word. All people deserve to be given the option of forgiveness, as much as we do, even though at times it doesn’t appear to us that way.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 NKJV
Jesus wants us to pray for those who behave in a manner opposite the truth. We owe him so much, it is little for Him to ask.
He is our Lord, and He is worthy!
Love one another always.
Barnabas
Special thanks to Barnabas for this guest submission.