Dear Family, 

Today is Sabbath, May 23, 2026. Today is Day 49 and Day 7 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost. 

There were seven statements made by our Lord and Savior as He was dying for the sins for all humanity. We will examine one of them. If you have never really studied these last sayings of Jesus from the cross, I recommend that you do so. 

The first of Jesus‛ saying from the cross were; Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing; are found in Luke 23:34. Jesus looked down from the cross upon a scene that must have been sad to Him.  

• The Roman soldiers who had mocked Him, spit on Him, beat Him, yanked out His beard, whipped Him, put a crown of thorns on His head, and nailed Him to the cross, were now gambling for His clothing (John 19:23–24) 
• The criminals next to Him on either side were criticizing Him (Matthew 27:44)
• The religious leaders were mocking Him (Matthew 27:41–43) 
• The angry mob that had mocked Him and called for His crucifixion were now blaspheming Him (Matthew 27:39) 

Surrounded by this group of people present during the crucifixion who were actively mocking, gambling, or insulting Him, representing a scene of profound human sinfulness in contrast to His willing sacrifice 

Brethren, we are represented there; so, we can put our name there; Jesus praying for them. “Father, forgive them” is a prayer of unmatched mercy and love! 

Even in His pain, suffering, and torture, Jesus‛ concern was for the forgiveness of those who counted themselves among His enemies. In this awesome illustration of outpouring love, Jesus asked the Father to forgive all. 

It is important to notice that Jesus‛ prayer, “Father, forgive them,” does not mean that everyone was forgiven, unilaterally, without repentance and faith. It does mean that Jesus was willing to forgive them; after all, forgiveness was, in fact, the reason He was on the cross. The words “Father, forgive them” was part of the Plan as well as showing the merciful heart of God.  

Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them,” because He was fulfilling Old Testament prophecy: He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors (Isaiah 53:12).  

From the cross, Jesus interceded for sinners (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; of course, we can put our name there). Today, the risen and glorified Jesus, remains the “one mediator between God and mankind” (1 Timothy 2:5).  

Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them,” because He was putting into practice the principle He had taught in the Sermon on the Mount: “You have heard that it was said; ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.‛ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew  5:43–44). Jesus, the persecuted, prayed for His persecutors.  

Also, coupled with the willingness of Jesus to forgive His tormentors is the fact they did not know what they were doing (Luke 23:34). The sinners who put Jesus on the cross were ignorant of the real significance of their actions. The soldiers personally held no ill will toward Him. They were simply following orders. This was how they normally treated condemned men, and they believed that He truly deserved it. They didn‛t know they were killing the Son of God.  

The mob didn‛t really know who it was they were trying to destroy. Yes, even the Jewish leaders had been deceived into believing that Jesus was a fake and a troublemaker.  Acts 3:17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. 1 Corinthians 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  

In praying; “Father, forgive them,” Jesus revealed His infinite mercy; He still loved them and would forgive them if only they would humble themselves and repent (Matthew 18:14; 2 Peter 3:9).  

Jesus‛ prayer; “Father, forgive them” was answered in the lives of many people. The Roman centurion at the foot of the cross, upon seeing how Jesus died, exclaimed, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39).  

One of the two thieves crucified with Jesus exercised faith in Christ, Who promised him paradise (Luke 23:39–43).  

On the cross Jesus asked the Father for forgiveness for all those who would ever believe in Him (Matthew 20:28).  

Jesus paid the penalty for the sins that we commit in our ignorance; as well as the ones we‛ve committed deliberately. When we are called and chosen and faithful, we, too, become part of that answered prayer of Jesus from the cross; “Father, forgive them!” 

Ben Faulkner, Pastor  
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