Easter 2010 Meditations

The First Word

³² Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. ³³ And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. ³⁴ And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. ³⁵ And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” ³⁶ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine ³⁷ and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” ³⁸ There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” (Luke 23:33-38)

Mediation on the First Word

From the vantage point of the cross Jesus’ perspective was crystal clear.  He looked at the throngs that encircled Him and the thieves that hung with Him and spoke the words that only someone who sees the truth of the situation could.  It was here on the cross that God’s wrath was meted out with the full weight and fury that Sin deserved.  But as God’s wrath landed upon Jesus, what emerged from Jesus’ mouth were words of love.  Our ignorance does not remove our responsibilities of our past, but our ignorance will not disqualify us from believing in the future.  When you wonder, “How can God possibly continue to love me when I fail so badly?” I say to you look to Jesus and hear these words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”