The death of Jesus Christ on the cross has raised many questions over the centuries. Some say the death was a sign of defeat. There are many who are confused about the meaning of the crucifixion that, for them, the doctrine of substitutionary atonement is too medieval for this post-modern era. But the meaning of the cross is well portrayed through the last sayings of the Saviour Himself. Those words are so powerful and relevant, that it is transforming the hearts of millions across the globe even today. Nothing better describes what Jesus accomplished and how much He suffered on the cross, than those last seven words. The number seven in the Bible represents completeness. These seven great statements which were recorded by the gospel writers at the foot of the cross gives mankind the answer to its basic needs. As we go through those last seven sayings of Jesus on the cross (one saying each week for the next seven weeks), let our hearts experience the real meaning of the cross.
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”(Luke 23:34)
The cross depicts shame, it portrays extreme pain and suffering. The death on the cross is a slow, painful death that even the most noblest of men are forced to say at least a curse word to those who are crucifying him. But not Jesus! Even In the midst of His excruciating suffering, the heart of Jesus was focused on others rather than Himself. The first saying of Jesus on the cross was, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”(Luke 23:34) Who was Jesus referring as “them”? It included the Roman soldiers who nailed him onto the cross, and the Jewish teachers and priests who plotted to kill Him. It included one among his twelve companions – Judas Iscariot who betrayed Him. It included His other disciples who deserted Him at His hour of need. It included the crowd who jeered – “Crucify Him!” And, it included you and me. The last statement could come as a shocker to many; but the Bible says it is the sin of the world which crucified Jesus – which includes all the sins you and I have ever done! Our sins made Jesus go on the cross. It was because of us that He died. Yet, He said – “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” The first saying of the Savior on the cross was that of FORGIVENESS.
In praying for His enemies, Jesus set before us a perfect example of how we should treat those who wrong and hate us. He thought of His murderers and He made intercession for their forgiveness. When Jesus said – “They do not know what they are doing”; it does not imply that the enemies of Christ were ignorant of the fact of His crucifixion. They did know full well that they had cried out “Crucify Him.” But they “did not know” that it was the Lord of Glory they were crucifying. He meant they were ignorant of the enormity of their crime. Yet, there was no excuse for their ignorance. His life on earth was a testament of His divinity. He led a perfect life! He had lived before men a life that had never been lived on earth before. His was a life of self-sacrifice from the beginning to the end. His miracles only asserted His divine nature. His saying – “Father, forgive them” bore full witness that the carnal mind is in enmity against God. It shows the depravity of man, and his need of a Saviour! What will matter most in the hour of my death is, “Have my sins been put away by the Blood of Christ?” Man’s great and primary need is forgiveness of sins.
How can forgiveness of sins be obtained? What is the ground on which a Holy God will forgive sins? In a human court of law, the judge has to choose between two alternatives when the accused has been proved guilty; the judge must either enforce the penalty of the law; or he must disregard the requirements of the law – the first is justice , the other is mercy. The only possible way by which the judge can enforce the requirements of the law and yet show mercy to its offender is by a third party offering to suffer the penalty that the convicted one deserves. Thus was the case with God. God would not exercise mercy at the expense of justice. God would not set aside the demands of His holy law. Yet He would show mercy – Through His own Son taking the place of all those who believe on Him and bearing their sins in His own body on the cross! God was merciful, and yet just! It was in view of the blood He was shedding that the Saviour cried, “Father forgive them”. It was in view of the atoning sacrifice He was offering, that it can be said, “Without shedding of blood is no remission.”
Dear reader, the need of every man – every descendant of Adam is forgiveness of sins. Have your sins been forgiven? Are you, by grace, washed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ – the lamb that was slain? If not, would you believe in Jesus and that He died for your sins? Would you repent of your sins and ask Him for forgiveness? Would you turn away from your sinful ways and decide to follow Jesus from this day forward? For it is written, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.(1 John 1:9) The cross depicts forgiveness for all sins, it shows the nature of His love—unconditional and divine. If on the cross He was willing to forgive in the midst of His agony, how much more would He forgive us now, seated in majesty – on the right hand of the Father!
God Bless!
In HIS Service,
Joji John
Redeemed Ministries
Six Measures Of Barley 