Father, forgive them

Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”             (Luke 23:32-34)

Jesus had just been beaten and abused so severely…
He didn't even look like human…He had been humiliated, spit on...
He had been whipped 39 times across the back and legs...
He was bruised and swollen and bleeding…
Then they drove stakes through His wrists and feet…
Hanging on the cross, Jesus says…“Father, forgive them."

Now, I don't know about you, but if it's me, I’m probably saying...
"Father kill them, Father destroy them, Father take them out!”
But Jesus said, "Father, forgive them"

I bet all of us have somebody that we need to forgive…
Maybe you are holding a grudge…Maybe you had an argument…
Maybe it happened months or even years ago and you’re still holding it…
Maybe it's something at work and you just can't let it go…
Who do you need to forgive?

Whether we’ve realized it or not…
Forgiveness is the focus of the cross



from "Red Letter Day"--Part 02/free download at www.pathwayonline.org