Luke 23:32-43
I wonder who is the object when Jesus said, "Forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (v.34)." First I think they are the soldiers, which is in the same verse. Then I think they also include the people and ruler in v.35. Then what do they do not know? The mocking of "if you are... save yourself" is repeated in v.35, 37 and 39. We face the same challenge today, "if you have the power/authority/intelligence then you can show it off." Is it a valid challenge? On one hand, yes. In Jesus' example, we know that it is not true all the time. Jesus knows that they do not know this truth. He has the power, He is Christ, He is the king, but He not necessary saves Himself for a greater purpose. When man does not understand Him and His love, Jesus asks for the forgiveness from the Father!
The only one who believe Jesus has the power is save Himself is the second thief. He asks for the remembrance in His Kingdom (v.42). Not only does he believe that, but he also believes that Jesus can save other with Him. His faith is a good example to us. He believe in the suffering Jesus who hangs on the Cross, who seems so powerless. His faith is not from eyesight. His faith is not subjective to other's opinions. Jesus promises him, "today you will be with me in paradise (v.43)."
I wonder who is the object when Jesus said, "Forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (v.34)." First I think they are the soldiers, which is in the same verse. Then I think they also include the people and ruler in v.35. Then what do they do not know? The mocking of "if you are... save yourself" is repeated in v.35, 37 and 39. We face the same challenge today, "if you have the power/authority/intelligence then you can show it off." Is it a valid challenge? On one hand, yes. In Jesus' example, we know that it is not true all the time. Jesus knows that they do not know this truth. He has the power, He is Christ, He is the king, but He not necessary saves Himself for a greater purpose. When man does not understand Him and His love, Jesus asks for the forgiveness from the Father!
The only one who believe Jesus has the power is save Himself is the second thief. He asks for the remembrance in His Kingdom (v.42). Not only does he believe that, but he also believes that Jesus can save other with Him. His faith is a good example to us. He believe in the suffering Jesus who hangs on the Cross, who seems so powerless. His faith is not from eyesight. His faith is not subjective to other's opinions. Jesus promises him, "today you will be with me in paradise (v.43)."
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