Listening…to Jesus on the Cross (Word #1) Forgiving Love

And Jesus prayed, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they divided His garments and distributed them by casting lots for them. [Psa_22:18] 

(Luke 23:34, Amplified Bible) 

A person’s last words are often clearly remembered and passed on by those who were beside the person during the last earthly moments they shared together. That kind of moment, both precious and powerful, was true of Christ and His final words spoken while hanging and dying on the cross. Each of the four gospel writers contribute to establish and provide the seven last words spoken by Christ Jesus. Though unanimity does not exist of the order in which Jesus spoke them, but over time a dominant pattern has evolved to what is believed to be the order Jesus spoke them.

The first one, central to Jesus’ teaching was now modeled by the Master Teacher… “Father, forgive them…” Jesus repetitively emphasized the importance forgiveness to properly reflect the One we follow. Forgiveness was to be limitless as Jesus responded to Peter’s question of forgiving seven time, Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, I tell you, but seventy-seven times! (Matthew 18:22) To be an effective person of prayer, is to  forgive others so God will hear and forgive us. (Matthew 6:14) As long as another follower of Christ repents—no matter the number of times—our response is to be one of forgiveness. (Luke 17:3-4) Jesus commissioned you and I as His followers to proclaim the truth of forgiveness through repentance. (Luke 24:47)

Now the Teacher, lives out His teaching. To those Roman soldiers who beat Him, placed a crown of thorns on His head, and now have nailed Him on the cross—have no clue as to what they are doing…“Father, forgive them.” Even to the jealous and spiteful religious leaders who so desired to see this moment of Jesus dying…“Father, forgive them.” To the rowdy, emotionally incited mob who yelled, “Crucify Him” ridiculed and spat on Him… “Father, forgive them.”

The biblical meaning of “forgive” denotes to send away or disregard what was said or done. To forgive communicates that a debt which was owed, no longer has to be paid—it has been cancelled, i.e., zero spiritual balance! Jesus requests forgiveness those who were completely ignorant of who He was. They were oblivious to the truth of Jesus because of no interest or no contact, or no belief…the Father, receiving Jesus’ prayer, cancelled the debt though they are totally unaware that the huge eternal debt that was owed for each one. The Heavenly Father, erased and completely disregarded their ignorance and does not hold this moment against them.

You know…Jesus spoke that to me! Jesus spoke that to you! (Selah!)

In the small Louisiana town that I grew up we had a community Christmas gathering that was scheduled for like two to three nights. The different area churches would come and share in song, or a play, or a pastor may share a devotional to those gathered to celebrate the birth and advent of Jesus Christ. My favorite part of the program was to listen to the choirs from the local African American churches who would come to share. No matter how cool it may have been, their voices and spirit would warm one up.

One song they would sing was “Do You Hear What I Hear?” (by Noel Regney) Though there are other verses that ask “Do you know what I know?” or “Do you see what I see?” The lyrics to the stanza “Do hear what I hear?” are:

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy:
"Do you hear what I hear?
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear?
A song, a song, high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea"

Jesus, from the cross, His voice was “as big as the sea” proclaimed seven words of love and His first word, said for all people, was one of forgiveness. Though completely innocent, Jesus begins His last words with one that opens the way for all the others He speak…I forgive you!

Jesus’ forgiveness, to this very moment is “ringing through the sky” and though “high above the trees” and “with a voice as big as the sea” He speaks with a still, gentle tone. Jesus, lifted high on the cursed tree, speaks with His big voice a global message of love. A message with eternal opportunity and promise. Why? Because you can have zero balance on your sin account, “Father, forgive them.”

Our Father, the cost you bore on the cursed tree 2000 years ago. We are so thankful that the echo of your word, “Father, forgive them.” still rings true and relevant for us today. You know our true need. Our primary need is to be reconciled to You. We appreciate that you made the way possible through Your Son. Empower us to live well the stewardship of that forgiveness by denying ourselves and taking up the cross so Your suffering through us continues to work love and eternal life. In Jesus’ name, amen.