“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Three convicts are brought to the place of the execution. Three poles are already set up there. Now the crossbeams bearing the convicts are lifted onto these poles. Jesus, apparently the most remarkable figure of all to have been crucified, hangs in the centre. As He is lifted up, Jesus utters His first words from the cross. He offers a brief prayer to his Father, a supplication.
Jesus is the mediator between God and humanity. His mission is to grant people forgiveness of sins, which is exactly what He does here.
Who are these people who “know not what they do”? Is it the Roman soldiers, the chief priests or the people of Israel? The answer remains open. In fact, it is all those who reject Jesus. Their rejection of Jesus has blinded them, preventing them from understanding the consequences of their actions. Therefore, Jesus prays for forgiveness as the last and ultimate sign of God’s offer of salvation.
A first fulfilment of Jesus’ prayer becomes apparent when one of the two murderers crucified alongside Him, repents. Then, immediately after Jesus’ death, the Roman centurion does the same. Shortly after Peter’s speech, five thousand people came to faith. (Acts 4:4). Are you already among those who have received forgiveness? How has that changed your life?