The last 7 words of Jesus, spoken from the cross, have all been well documented. In many Christian communities Holy Week gives us a chance to go deeper into these special words. It is believed that the first of these Seven Words are recorded in Luke:
"Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)
As we hold these words close to our hearts, it is imperative that we allow God's Spirit to take us to the core of our being. What did these words mean for the original listeners and what could they possible mean for us today?
Jesus' prayer was more than likely aimed at everyone standing at Calvary that day and then they also echo down through every generation since.
God is invited to forgive the hatred of the Jewish religious leadersGod is invited to forgive the complicity of the Roman soldiers
God is invited to forgive the disciples who abandoned Jesus in his last hours
God is invited to forgive anyone who chooses to ignore the sacrificed given for them
The father is asked to forgive us when we carry on with our lives as if nothing happened on the cross.
As we experience Holy Week this year, may the words of Jesus connect with our innermost being.
"To err is human; to forgive, divine." - Alexander Pope
Living in Grace
D3LM3
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