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.”
Luke 23:33-34
Right here, these soldiers are pounding nails through Jesus’ hands and feet. Then they lift the cross up so Jesus is made to hang by those nails, such cruelty! These soldiers are causing Jesus excruciating pain and suffering that will only end when death comes.
Then Jesus astonishes us all! Right in the middle of His pain and suffering, Jesus shows undeserved kindness and compassion to these soldiers by praying for them. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Shocking! Jesus’ response challenges me to the very core of my being.
When I’m in the middle of pain and suffering, my natural response is to focus inwardly, just trying to get through it. My natural response to those causing my pain and suffering is to lash out at them, and I feel very justified in doing so. However, Jesus’ response to His pain and suffering was just the opposite. He was focused upwardly, on God, and outwardly, showing love to His enemies. Jesus sets such a powerful example for me to follow, and I must learn from Him and follow His example.
Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:43-45
This is not a suggestion. As Christ followers, this is how we’re commanded to live. It’s an impossible way to live in our own strength, and our love will never be enough to love our enemies as Jesus loved His enemies. I am so very thankful that Jesus set this example and impossible command for us to follow. Since Jesus loved and prayed for His enemies as He was being crucified, He will be the One Who makes it possible for us to love our enemies and pray for them.
Let’s ask God to do His miraculous work in our hearts today, making it possible for us to love and pray for our enemies. I know this is one of the hardest things to do, but it will bring so much peace and freedom into our hearts, and it will bring glory to the Father as we choose to love and pray for our enemies, as Jesus did.
Today’s Verses
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.” Luke 23:33-34
Scripture Inspired Prayer
Oh Jesus, when I read about Your humble, forgiving reaction to the very ones who were pounding the nails into Your hands and feet, I am undone. I am so selfish, self-centered, and have justified hating my enemies. Please forgive me. Help me start over today. Through Your power, strength, and Your love I am choosing to forgive my enemies. I pray that You would help them turn from their sins and come to You as their Savior. Help me today as I am tempted to fall into my old hatred for them, remind me of how You forgave the soldiers and prayed for them. Remind me of how You have forgiven me. I want to follow Your example of loving my enemies and praying for them. Thank You for this new challenge. (If you have someone specific in mind, I want to encourage you to place their name into this prayer.)
