LEARNING DAILY

 

Luke 23:34, Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

 

The Gospel of Luke is the only gospel where these words of Jesus are spoken; I checked to be sure.  These words spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ, nailed to a cross, always make me stop, think and reflect.  More often than not I feel shame for not being as forgiving as I need to be.  But there He is, our example to forgive those who cause us to hurt or use words that hurt us more than the sticks or rocks thrown at us.

 

Let’s look at the things gone to Him.  The soldiers mocked Him, telling Him to save Himself if He was the King of the Jews.  One of the criminals on a cross beside Him blasphemed Him; he wanted Jesus to save Himself and them from this horrible death.  He had already been severely beaten and a crown a thorns had been pushed down into His scalp.  He had already suffered much when the Father abandoned Him because of your sin and my sin that was taken by Him. 

 

Notice what He did not do – and this is just so amazing to me!  Max Lucado says it best, “Did you see what Jesus did not do?  He did not retaliate.  He did not bite back.  He did not say, “I’ll get you!”  “Come up on up here and say that to my face!”  “Just wait until after the resurrection, buddy!”  No, these statements were not found on Christ’s lips.  Did you see what Jesus did do?  He ‘entrusted Himself to him who judges justly.’  Or said more simply, He left the judging to God.  He did not take on the task of seeking revenge.  He demanded no apology.  He hired no bounty hunters and sent no posse.  He, to the astounding contrary, spoke on their defense.  Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’”

 

How have you reacted when people have said unkind things to or about you?  What was your reaction when you found your car broken into and found that an important item had been taken from you?  Have you ever been made fun of by someone when you thought you were among friends?  What was your reaction?  What did you want to do? Now, be honest – was it the reaction Jesus had?  Did you ask God to forgive them? 

 

You can probably tell, there is conviction in my life.  Forgiveness is easily given for most things.  But, for others I wrestle with God.  I know what you are thinking and you are right.  Wrestling with God does not end up well because I’m wrong and He’s right.  Forgiving another can be difficult, especially when you have to go to the person and ask for their forgiveness for your thoughts and your words spoken against them.  Or when that person was really at fault.  I have been there.  Oh, but the peace and joy that comes when it is done.  It is not just a matter of being sorry!  It is asking to be forgiven.  We all must let the Lord’s word of forgiveness be ours.

 

I just wish it was not so difficult to do.

 

From now on DJSB will be used to note information or quotes from the David Jeremiah Study Bible and LSSB will refer to information and quotes from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible.