Luke 23:33-38 (NASB) When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.” The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine, and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!” Now there was also an inscription above Him, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
The first words of Jesus when this agonizing execution began were spoken within His own soul to His Father in heaven. They were words that spilled out of His mouth as He pleaded with the Father on their behalf. Someone heard Him in order to record that statement but there is no mention of anyone paying much attention to it. Apparently, none of them felt like they were doing anything that required forgiveness. Continue reading