^23aBut Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

Whereas earlier, Jesus called out, “My God, my God …” (Matt 27:46), here He calls out to His “Father.” He is the forsaken, but He is also the Son. What a strange combination! The strain on their relationship gives way to the intimacy of their shared purpose: to bring forgiveness to the world of lost sinners. The mystery of the incarnation runs deep!

Why does Jesus call on His Father to forgive sins? Why not simply assume the authority to forgive His executioners Himself? He indeed demonstrated this authority to forgive sins on at least two occasions (Luke 5:20-24, 7:48). Of course, His detractors, the Pharisees, were right that only God could forgive sins, which Jesus didn’t deny. One could argue that on those two occasions, Jesus forgave sin on the Father’s behalf, but on the cross His role was to provide the sacrifice that was necessary to make forgiveness possible. Both Father and Son perfectly choreographed their unity. Another way to look at it is that forgiveness of sin had not yet been actuated on the cross, and His prayer was for future forgiveness after the supreme sacrifice was made. Thus, asking the Father to do the forgiving would be appropriate.

The heart of God is on full display in this simple request. Both the Son and Father deeply desired to forgive what might be considered the worst possible sin, namely rejecting the Father’s dearly beloved Son. In supreme irony, those rejecting Jesus by crucifying Him were unknowingly accomplishing God’s purpose in providing the needed sacrifice for their sins. One can only imagine the tsunami of wrath that was about to flood onto Jesus, the infinitely costly consequence of theirs and our sins—all so that God could forgive us. “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Who could know the eternal weight of the explosion of wrath about to take place? And this was not simply for executing Jesus. No! This outpouring was against all the sins of all humankind for all time. As the write of Hebrews succinctly states:

[Jesus] having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God. (Heb. 10:12)

But, this wasn’t just a theological truth to be studied by theologians in academia, but it was the ultimate demonstration of God’s love for sinners, you and me:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16)

In Gethsemane, less than twenty-four hours earlier, the Son prayed three times to the Father to remove the cup of wrath He was about to drink, only to finish each breath in compliance with the Father’s will. Now, on the cross, the Son prays just once, and this time for the forgiveness of sin, not His own but of all of humanity. In the words of Peter, the Lord is “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9). He doesn’t want to condemn people, but to forgive! What an incredible Savior we have! What amazing love!

As we read these words agonizingly but lovingly spoken by Jesus, “Father, forgive them,” we are encouraged and inspired to do likewise to those who persecute us. Stephen, the first martyr, echoed the Lord’s action on the cross when in his last moments before being stoned to death by a raging mob: “[Stephen] cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them!’” (Acts 7:60a). Only faith in the crucified Christ can give us the power to genuinely desire the forgiveness of those who would crucify us, whether with their words, accusations, mocking, or physical persecution.

Lord, thank You for desiring to forgive me and actually doing it. I am forgiven and washed clean from all unrighteousness. And for this, I worship You.