And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on His right and one on His left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:33-34a)

I wonder what they were thinking, the people who heard Jesus say this. Did they think He was out of His mind? It would be no surprise if He were. After all, He had just been flogged almost to death, and then nailed up to a cross. And you would almost have to be crazy to forgive your enemies for killing you.

At least, that's what the world would say. But we who belong to Jesus know better. Because we've watched Him do this sort of thing again and again. He washed the feet of Judas, His betrayer. He healed the ear of a man who came to arrest Him. He treated Pontius Pilate with courtesy and respect. After all that, it's no surprise to find Him forgiving the men who nailed Him to the cross.

And that's a good thing, because it means that He will forgive us—every human being who has ever rebelled against God and made it necessary for Jesus to rescue us in this loving and self-sacrificing way. Even now, His concern is for other people—not for Himself. His death is for us, His resurrection will be for us, and when He returns to heaven, He will plead for us before God the Father. With such a loving Savior, how could we not be forgiven?

WE PRAY: Dear Jesus, my heart belongs to You. Let me be Yours forever. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

* Why does Jesus say the soldiers don't know what they're doing?

* How do you think God the Father answered Jesus' prayer—yes or no?

* Why do you think so?

Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Today's Bible Readings: Joshua 13-15    Luke 10:25-42

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