Here is the homily I'll be preaching on the first of Jesus' "Seven Last Words" ... I get to lead off the community Good Friday service with "Father Forgive them..." Enjoy! (or don't, you have free will).
Luke 23:32-38 (NKJV)
There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Father Forgive them, for they do not know what they do…
Why would Jesus pray this prayer? Why would he ask for forgiveness on behalf of the very people who are MOCKING him … TORTURING him … PREPARING HIM TO DIE …
Because of LOVE
It is clear that those who were crucifying Jesus didn’t realize that HE is the Messiah … they didn’t recognize the teaching of the prophets leads to him … they didn’t realize the miracles he performed were done as an extension of the hand of God.
So why would Christ ask forgiveness on their ignorance?
Because of LOVE
Why would we who can’t forgive one another … who carry the baggage of GRUDGES, who harbor BITTERNESS, who present ourselves as HAUGHTY, and reek of ENTITLEMENT receive forgiveness?
Because of LOVE
Why would we be forgiven for the things we’ve done and left undone? Why would God care about human-beings? Why would Jesus take our place on the cross …
Because of LOVE
BECAUSE … AT OUR WORST … AT OUR BEST … WHEN WE’RE CRUEL … WHEN WE’RE KIND … WHEN WE TURN OUR BACKS ON CHRIST … WHEN WE FALL AT JESUS’ FEET …
GOD LOVES US
GOD LOVES YOU … GOD LOVES ME … SO MUCH THAT GOD SENT JESUS TO DIE ON A CROSS AND THAT IS WHEN CHRIST’S WORDS ARE SPOKEN TO US
… FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING
