Daily Strength - When Attacked

^34 ‘Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.’ (Luke 23 vs 34) NIV.

Today we are thinking about just one verse. It comes from Luke’s account of the crucifixion. It is amazing to step back for a moment and to realise that in His goodness God has preserved for us the words that Jesus spoke. We can ‘listen in’ as the Son of God hangs dying on a cross.

Each of the Gospel writers emphasise the sinless perfection of Jesus. When Jesus went to the cross He did so amidst the most enormous injustice. Jesus had done no wrong and yet He was led out to die. He went willingly, He did not resist. He went purposefully, He did not go as a helpless victim. 

The words of Jesus which we read today take us to the absolute heart of why Jesus came into this world. He came to forgive us. These same words also deeply challenge us about what it means to follow Him. Are you are a good forgiver? 

When someone has wronged us, or deliberately hurt us, we immediately through up defences, reasons why, in this case, we cannot forgive. Looking at the cross we find the one reason why we must forgive. We follow Jesus.  

Prayer: Lord Jesus You never call us to go where You have not first led. Help me to forgive deeply just as You have forgiven me. Help me to keep on forgiving just as You keep on forgiving me. Amen.