"To Know the Love of the Christ"-"Father, Forgive Them"

Jesus perfectly reflected his Father's love in another important way-he was "ready to forgive."  (Psalm 86:5)  This willingness was evident when he was on the torture stake.  Subjected to a shameful death, with nails piercing his hands and feet, what did Jesus speak about?  Did he call out to Jehovah to punish his executioners?  On the contrary, among Jesus' last words were:  "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." -Luke 23:34.


Perhaps an even more touching example of Jesus' forgiveness can be seen in the way he dealt with the apostle Peter.  There is no question that Peter dearly loved Jesus.  On Nisan 14, the final night of Jesus' life, Peter told him: "Lord, I am ready to go with you both into prison and death."  Yet, just a few hours later, Peter three times denied ever knowing Jesus!  The Bible tells us what happened as Peter uttered his third denial: "The Lord turned and looked upon Peter." Crushed by the weight of his sin, Peter "went outside and wept bitterly."  When Jesus died later that day, the apostle may have wondered, 'Did my Lord forgive me?' -Luke 22:33, 61, 62.


Next time: "To Know the Love of the Christ"-Conclusion of "Father, Forgive Them"


From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah