Luke 23:33-43 (NRSV)
Read Luke 23:33-43 on biblegateway.com
Verse 33When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Verse 34Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. Verse 35And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" Verse 36The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, Verse 37and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" Verse 38There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." Verse 39One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" Verse 40But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? Verse 41And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Verse 42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Verse 43He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Devotion
Many people like to get revenge; such people even wrongfully use the Bible to legitimize their actions.
While Jesus Christ was on earth, he taught many times about the need to forgive those who wrong us. He demonstrated his teaching by asking for forgiveness for those who scorned, jeered, insulted and crucified him. Jesus Christ is our supreme example of forgiveness.
Do you have the attitude of asking God to punish those who make life difficult for you? We are to forgive, bless and pray for our enemies. It is admittedly difficult but the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, makes it easy. When people maltreat us, we have to emulate our Lord Jesus Christ, who prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Prayer
Dear Father, please help me to forgive all those who offend me, just as Jesus asked you to forgive them. May we give thanks for this and all your blessings on this day. Amen.