Jesus has been sentenced, beaten, and flogged. He is sleep deprived. His exhausted body is led away to the mount of crucifixion. While the crowds had called for his death (vs. 21), there are many yet who understand the tragedy of these events. They weep and mourn behind him. Their hero, the innocent one who knew no wrong is being led away to death.
Jesus is so weak he cannot carry his own cross; yet in the midst of his exhaustion, he turns to the grieving crowds. "Weep not for me!" he startlingly declares. For Jesus knows something these crowds know not of - the coming judgment of Jerusalem. For if while the Son of God was with them they rejected the Christ, what will happen when he was gone. The life, healing, peace, and reconciliation he brought to the land of Palestine and the people of Israel is about to be stuffed out. The wood will dry and the fire of judgment will burn it up (vs. 31, Ezekiel 20:47).
Who can escape the coming wrath?
Even as he is nailed to and hung on a cross, the heart of God is revealed in these words that echo for all eternity: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."
Perhaps, the criminal on the cross next to Jesus heard these words, perhaps he had heard the stories of the greatest teacher and healer Israel had ever known, the stories of how he healed the paralytic and forgave the prostitute. And as this robber prepares to face the sentence for his evil deeds, hope for the first time in a very long time begins to awaken in his heart. He watches Jesus' marred body on the cross thrust violently into the ground. He watches as his fellow criminal bitterly rails against the Son of God pouring out his anger for the just judgment he as a thief is experiencing.
The whole time the words of Jesus are burning in his ears... "Father forgive them... father forgive them... forgive them.. they don't know what they are doing." Faith and fear seize him at the same time. He cries out in a desperate plea to his dying friend, "Do you not fear God? We are getting what we deserve but this man has done nothing wrong." He pleas with him to turn before it is too late.
Then, he himself turns to Jesus. Fear and hope in his eyes. He has one request: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus words are sweeter than the ones that first brought hope to his life, "This day you will be with me in Paradise." Faith fully fills his heart. He faces death at peace with God and man. Eternity await, judgment is past. Forgiveness is free. Life is eternal. Love is real. Mercy triumphs... over judgment. Death is as close as ever, but Jesus awaits him. He'll see him - on the other side.
"But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (2 Cor. 3:16, Rom. 10:13)
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