Wednesday, October 24
Luke 23:32-36a
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him.
Devotional:
Golgotha, “The Skull”, was a place where men were brought to be crucified, and in the passage above it was the destination of three men. Two criminals and one perfect Sacrifice. I imagine the scene like this; two men sit there struggling, fighting every step of the way, until they are put on their own cross. While Jesus stands there watching, exhausted, and willing. He doesn’t struggle, He just waits. Then He is lifted up on His cross, as the perfect Sacrifice. But then, Jesus does something truly amazing! He prays and asks His Father to forgive the people. He asks God the Father to forgive the men and women mocking Him, the men that were casting lots for His clothes, and even for the men that rightly hung on crosses next to Him. He asked this because He knew His Father was listening, just as He is today. Pray today for the forgiveness of others, expecting that God will forgive those whom we forgive and work in their lives.
Seth Roberts