Daily Devotions
Father, Forgive Them
Reading for April 9th: 2 Samuel 16-18
Weekly reading for April 5-11: Luke 20-24
And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Luke 23:34
Jesus' innocence is declared several times in this chapter. Pilate defended Him three times (v 4, 14, 22). Herod examined Jesus and found Him guiltless (v 15). One of the thieves crucified next to Jesus stated that He had done nothing wrong (v 41), and the centurion declared, "Certainly this man was innocent" (v 47).
Think about what a temptation this was for Jesus. How do you react when everyone is telling you you are innocent? What is the natural response when you're told how badly others are treating you? We don't normally behave very well under these circumstances. It's pretty easy to be filled with righteous anger. A desire for revenge wells up inside of you.
What was Jesus' response? "He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." 1 Peter 2:22-23
Jesus didn't seek revenge from those who cried out for His execution, spat on Him, beat Him, made fun of Him, and found such joy in watching Him die.
He prayed for them.
Father, help us to follow Your example of meekness and kindness toward those who hate us.
