Day 6 - "Crucifixion"

Day Six - "Crucifixion"

“When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’” —Luke 23:33-34

Even as Jesus hung dying on the cross, people were drawn to Him. Some passed by and hurled insults, “wagging their heads and saying, ‘You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself!’” (Matthew 27:39-40) Many sat down to watch Him. Others gambled for his clothing. The religious leaders mocked Him, saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him.” (27:42) Even the two criminals hanging next to Him joined in the ridicule. 

Everyone’s focus was zoomed in on this one human being—watching this miracle-working King die. To them, His kingdom and everything He stood for had royally failed. Death on a cross proved He was just another fraud.

But they didn’t understand the full picture—the blood of the Passover Lamb dripping down the doorposts, the bread torn and passed around the table. The Living God had become a sacrifice and allowed us to murder Him. He took our condemnation and soaked up our wrath and self-hatred.

Jesus did understand the full picture because His focus was on the Father.

He forgave because the people were clueless. They were running on emotional fumes and lies. They were killing the Savior of the world and had no idea. By forgiving, was Jesus praying that purity and innocence be restored to them? He was revealing the Father’s nature. The Father loved each one of them and knew them by name. By releasing forgiveness, Jesus canceled all debts—debts they didn’t even know they owed. 

It’s easy to look at the cross from our vantage point and say, “Yeah, of course, I believe Jesus is the Son of God. He died for me.” But it was the crowd’s unbelief and the religious leaders’ misunderstanding of Jesus that drove them to kill Him. Let us not just accept His sacrifice— let us examine it closely and understand its implications.

If we hang on the cross with our Savior, are we able to look out on the mockers and unbelievers and say, “Father, I forgive them. They don’t understand”? For not even death can separate us from the love of God.

Reflection:
-In difficult or painful situations, is your focus on the Father? Give yourself the grace to zoom out and invite God’s full perspective. 
-When you hear the lunacy and mockery of the accuser—and you can’t feel the Father’s presence—commit your spirit to Him. Bathe in the Father’s forgiveness and love. Pour it out as a drink offering over your accusers—the ones in front and the voice inside you. 
-What does that forgiveness feel like? 
-How does forgiveness change the way you see your humanity—and others?