As He entered the city, a large crowd gathered to see Jesus. They laid down palm branches to welcome Him as they shouted Hosanna. God, whose voice sounded like thunder to them, spoke to Jesus. But how quickly shouts of praise turned to demands of “CRUCIFY, CRUCIFY.” This, however, did not taint the nature of Jesus. On the contrary, it revealed it. Amid His suffering, His heart was postured on forgiveness: Jesus’ final act.

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Forgive Them

Situated between two criminals, Jesus was crucified. He was betrayed, mocked, and beaten. Yet and still, His final act was one of love and mercy. He did not curse His executioners. Instead, He prayed for them.

“Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.”, And they divided his clothes and cast lots. ”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭34‬

To the criminal who defended Him and recognized Him as the Son of God, Jesus granted him redemption.

“But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God,  since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.”  Then he said, “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.”  And he said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”  
‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭40‬-‭43‬

Yes, even in His final hour, amid suffering we could never truly comprehend, Jesus remained faithful in love and forgiveness. The purpose of His sacrificial death was to offer us LIFE. Without a promise of fidelity or devotion, an act of surrender, or a vow of submission, Jesus gave up His life for us as He petitioned God to have mercy on His creation. He interceded for them, for you, and me. His final act before His death and Holy resurrection proves God’s love for us.

“But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬

The ultimate act of love.

With Love,

Tamara

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References:

Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.