#Jesus22 - Daily Devotionalsనమూనా

Forgive them

Imagine you had witnessed the crucifixion. With your own eyes you would have seen the crowds of people watching as the criminals and Jesus are led to Golgotha to be executed. The atmosphere is heated. Over and over the crowd is heard screaming, "Crucify them!" and "They should finally die!" Some spit at the men. Then come the all-pervasive hits of the hammer with which they are nailed to the cross. Now they are hanging there. The atmosphere becomes a bit quieter, and the onlookers look up with disdain. Jesus is already greatly weakened by the trial and hits. He is in pain. Then the first words are heard from Him: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." What did He say? Forgive? That's what you're thinking about now, Jesus? Seriously? In the middle of your pain and just before you die? No one has apologized. The Roman soldiers don't even suspect the injustice they are committing. But Jesus wants to forgive, because His mission remains the reconciliation of people and God. Reconciliation always only happens through forgiveness.

This is so clear in theory. But if we want to follow this example, things quickly look different. Last year, my twelve-year-old daughter had a very special dance performance. She was allowed to perform with a large group in front of many people. There was even a TV broadcast. Of course, she was excited. You can imagine my disappointment when I found out that I couldn't be there for the live performance. The worst part was that my friend could have made it happen. He didn't. The pain of disappointment was great, and it put a strain on our relationship. Then a few weeks ago Jesus reminded me to forgive. It was not an easy thing to do. It was a decision. But that decision has brought about a turnaround. Even though it still takes time to fully trust again, I am happy that I kept a friend. Relationships need forgiveness between people and between people and God. That's why I'm so grateful for Jesus' statement: "Forgive them, for they know not what they do."

ACTION STEP

Is there a relationship in your life that needs forgiveness? What step can you take toward that person?