"Father forgive..."

after reading and reflecting on luke 23:32-38, i try to imagine what it would have been like to be Jesus on the cross, in His final moments, watching men gamble for His clothes.

take a moment to picture what that really would have been like.

if that were you, how would you feel?

would you be able to ask for forgiveness for those who are wronging you right in front of your very eyes?

personally, i couldn't. i know i would be so mad and angry! i would want to shout at them for touching my stuff, to scream out, "leave my stuff alone! this isn't fair!" i would want the injustice to end.

but that's where Jesus is different. He's able to show His divinity to us...to them.

as He speaks, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (luke 23:34a), He is seeking forgiveness not for Himself, but for those who are wronging Him.

where does He find the strength to do that?

how is he able to give grace and mercy to those who are sinning against Him?

...forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us...

and during those times when life really isn't fair and there's incredible injustice going on, how do you or i forgive?

simply put, we look to the cross because Jesus has been there