And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Devotion

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots
Luke 23:34 KJV

Not only did Jesus purchase salvation for his people on the cross — he also gave us a perfect example of how to suffer graciously, to the glory of God. In the seven statements by Christ on the cross that are recorded for us in Scripture, we are given seven molds that should shape our responses to grief, tragedy, pain, and injustice.

The first words that we hear from our Savior’s mouth — as he suffers at the hands of ignorant, cruel, and deceitful men — are words of kindness and mercy. And so the first lesson we learn from our suffering Lord is this: forgive and pray for those who have wronged you.

This, of course, is never our first inclination. We wish to strike back, speak out, or count up all the wrongs that we have suffered. Yet here is the only truly innocent person that has ever lived and, while he is dying at the unjust and cruel hands of his enemies, he is speaking words of genuine pity and pardon.

It is evident that the New Testament Christians took this example to heart, for they emulate him time and again. As Stephen is being stoned to death for preaching the gospel, his prayer is “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:60). As Paul faced the wicked Roman ruler Nero even some of his closest companions forsook him; yet, his response was “I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge” (2 Timothy 4:16).

Has someone harmed you? Have you been the victim of unfair treatment? How have you responded? Have you forgiven them? Have you prayed for them? If Jesus could forgive on the cross, certainly we can forgive because of the cross.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to help us with our prayers. Help me to humble myself before You when I pray for others, and allow Your Spirit’s words of encouragement and strength to flow through me as I speak forth my requests about those You’ve given me to pray for. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

When we pray for others, our words are filtered by God’s Holy Spirit. Instead of speaking about our own needs or desires, our prayers are focused on the needs and desires of those we pray for. This is why God’s Word tells us to pray with submission and humility because He wants our prayers to be heard.
 
Question to Consider: What are some ways you can focus your prayers on the needs of others?

The Christian’s goal, John says quite frankly, is total sanctification, complete victory over sin in our own life.

John is not satisfied, and neither is the Holy Spirit who inspired him to write these words, with a half-way Christianity. It is not good enough to live a more holy life than your next door neighbor; it is not good enough to simply avoid the “big” sins like murder or adultery.

No, John insists, my goal for you is for you to completely mortify the sin that so easily besets you. Pride, gluttony, worry, fear, selfishness, lying, and lust should all meet with a zero-tolerance determination in our spirit. We should never be content to allow any sin to set up camp in our heart without consistent opposition and a concerted effort to root it out.

But almost in the same breath John also gives us this blessed reminder, knowing that sin will never be completely defeated this side of the grave: if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

Although we are not righteous, Jesus Christ was perfectly righteous on our behalf. When we sin, we have an advocate with our heavenly Father who pleads his righteousness on our behalf.

The Christian life, then, is an mixture of dissatisfaction with sinful self and complete satisfaction in the righteousness of Christ. It is striving and resting, improving and perfection.