Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
As part of our Youth Discussion Group on Sunday mornings, we have begun looking at some of Jesus’ quotes from the cross. This verse in particular resonated with Eileen and me as we prepared together what we wanted to cover in preparation for Easter.
When Jesus uttered, “Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing,” was he addressing the Roman soldiers? Or was he speaking to those fickle “followers” from the crowd who’d turned on him? … Or, was he quite possibly addressing us, and all of humanity?
From high on the cross, in all of his suffering and humiliation, it would appear from prior scripture verses that Jesus absolutely knew why he was being crucified. He was our sin sacrifice, our redeemer, taking our punishment and granting forgiveness. It is truly difficult to take it all in! He wills forgiveness today, just as much as he desired it for the crowd at the cross back then.
A question that has stayed with me since our Youth Group conversation of Sunday regards those who “know not what they are doing.” Is it really possible to do all kinds of horrible acts of wrong – and not know what you are doing? Well, just ask Paul from the book of Acts, who gleefully rounded up Christians prior to his conversion. Or ask a Crusader from the Middle Ages off to fight for possession of the Holy Land. In more recent times, you could ask a devout Christian Confederate fighting for states rights that included the perpetuation of slavery. It is all too easy to be blinded … however, ignorance should never be an excuse for our wrongdoing.
I think we each have instances of self-righteousness and piety that create more hurt than help for those who suffer among us. In our own blindness, we can be sources of pain, pushing away those who need Christ’s love and forgiveness most. Who among us doesn’t have that blind spot?
Dear Lord, help our eyes to be opened to the prejudice, pride, and self-righteousness that enable us to be more of a hinderance than a help to those we encounter. During this season of Lent, please reveal to us our blind spots. Lead us into the light of your forgiveness and love.
Blessings,
Diana
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