Jesus' Last Wordsنموونە

Jesus’ last words (1)

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34 ESV)

Three convicts are brought to the place of the execution. Three poles are already set up there. Now the crossbeams bearing the convicts are lifted onto these poles. Then, the name and crimes of each condemned person are written on a sign and fastened to their cross.

Jesus, apparently the most remarkable figure of all to have been crucified, hangs in the centre. As He is lifted up, His wounded hands tear, and He suffers fierce pain. At this moment, Jesus utters His first words from the cross. He offers a brief prayer to his Father, a supplication.

Jesus is the mediator between God and humanity. His mission is to grant people forgiveness of sins, which is exactly what He does here.

Who are these people who “know not what they do”? Is it the Roman soldiers, the chief priests, or the people of Israel? The answer remains open. In fact, it is all those who reject Jesus. They do not view Him as someone who shares the good news of God, but as a blasphemer who calls Himself the Messiah. In their eyes, He is a danger to the state.

Don't these people know what they are doing? They would certainly deny that. But because they are unaware of who they are doing this to, they are ignorant. Their rejection of Jesus has blinded them, preventing them from understanding the consequences of their actions. Therefore, Jesus prays for forgiveness as the last and ultimate sign of God’s offer of salvation.

This prayer shows how the King prays for all as the ultimate Priest. Peter refers to this prayer on the Day of Pentecost, saying, “I know that you acted in ignorance.” He calls his audience to repentance, so that their sins may be blotted out (Acts 3:17-19 ESV). A first fulfilment of Jesus' prayer becomes apparent when one of the two murderers crucified alongside Him repents. Then, immediately after Jesus’ death, the Roman centurion does the same. Shortly after Peter's speech, five thousand people came to faith. (Acts 4:4). Are you already among those who have received forgiveness? How has that changed your life?