“Father, Forgive Them”

Open Your Bible

Isaiah 53:4-6, Luke 23:33-38

Text: Isaiah 53:4-6, Luke 23:33-38

In college, every older student I talked to gave me the same advice: whatever you do, don’t take Media Law. After a series of unfortunate events we’ll call “Requirements For Graduation,” I found myself gazing through my non-prescription lenses at my professor, who passionately spoke of famous court cases, the difference between slander and libel, and the details of his recent inner-ear surgery.

It was also in this class that I learned if I had kept up my childhood behavior, I’d basically be a criminal by now. (I’m now realizing that’s probably not something I want taken out of context. Let’s just keep that between me and you, ok? Ok.)

You see, I was on the fast track to breaking every copyright law in the book, which, yes, Dr. Collins, I read cover to cover. Growing up, I rewrote my favorite books to include myself in them. It wasn’t enough to feel like I knew a character; I needed the character to know me. I adjusted all of my favorite plotlines to include a spunky, curly-haired little girl who, of course, always had something to do with the happily ever after.

Maybe you didn’t spend your childhood the same way, but I feel safe in saying that a good majority of us would jump at the opportunity to inject ourselves into our favorite stories.

In the simplest of terms, I came to faith the same way. I savored words of Truth for many years, but it wasn’t until I realized my name was already intertwined in The Gospel Story that I began to understand it. I’d figured I really was a sinner—by birth, inheritance, or association—but when I realized I’m an active sinner by trade, everything changed.

I assume not many joyfully proclaim, “I’M A SINNER!!!,” in the middle of a school cafeteria, but I did, and I still remember the giddiness I felt upon being a part of the story.

The funny thing about this realization, as we’ve revisited during this Lenten season, is that my sinful nature is the very thing that should kick me out of the plotline for good. Instead, Jesus shows up, asking us to lean in a little closer and see how He’s written our own hearts into the story.

Let’s settle in and take in the scene of today’s reading for a moment: two criminals have just been crucified, and Jesus is up next. It’s a climactic chain of events headed for the turning point, but then the focus shifts to the most unlikely of subjects— us.

“Father, forgive them.”

“Father, forgive [your name goes here].”

And here’s where the story twists unlike any I could have written for myself. Honestly, I’m tempted to take my forgiveness and run for the hills, because things are getting intense and I’m afraid the casting of my role is a mistake.

But friends, we weren’t written out of the story. We’re still front and center.

Like John MacArthur points out, “The forgiveness [Jesus] extended on the cross to those who put him to death is the same forgiveness he extends to sinners today.” His grace is specific for you and specific for me. Being the object of Christ’s love is the biggest role we’ll ever play—a role of a deep recognition and intimate knowledge, created by our Heavenly Father for us to fill. It isn’t until we view the story from our assigned places that we allow ourselves to see His forgiveness as a gift of personalized mercy.

Because of the sacrifice of the Son and the forgiveness of the Father, you and I have a place in this story—in The Story. May we continue to walk in the narrative of grace penned with us in mind.

Kaitlin Wernet is a Carolina girl who now plants her feet in Tennessee as the Community Coordinator for She Reads Truth. Each day, she excitedly celebrates grace with her SRT sisters while attempting to tame her curly hair and avoid parallel parking.

 

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66 thoughts on "“Father, Forgive Them”"

  1. Kasey Tuggle says:

    Jesus died for all believers! Which includes me. Personalizing the gospel for yourself makes it so much more real. He loved me so much and because of that I want to live to love like Him!

  2. Kelli says:

    I realize this is slightly off topic but as I read your Media Law class description including the inner ear troubles I thought, Ha ha – she must’ve had Dr. Collins! And then my jaw hit the floor in the next paragraph. Go Gamecocks! Sorry to be so random and totally off discussion!

  3. Mrs. Daniels says:

    Thank you Jesus for mercy when I deserved wrath. Your suffering for me is incomprehensible and I am grateful.

  4. I relate 100% to what you said about realizing one day you are a part of the story. It’s amazing how I lived my entire life in catholic school and church 3x a week hearing Scripture and it never hit home.. Like it was a bunch of pretty words, but they weren’t for me. Then one day the message of Jesus sank in and all of a sudden I realized this was God’s Word meant to guide every aspect of my life and it is ALIVE!!! I’ve never heard anyone put it in a way that I related to, thank you.

  5. Susannah says:

    I’m blown away that Jesus was just as human & after how he was treated he was still able to say “forgive them” I know I couldn’t have said that. So thankful.

  6. Antimony says:

    “Like John MacArthur points out, ‘The forgiveness [Jesus] extended on the cross to those who put him to death is the same forgiveness he extends to sinners today’. His grace is specific for you and specific for me”. He offers forgiveness. Guys, this has been such a horrible time for me. So much sadness. So many hurts. So many disappointments. It’s gotten to the point that my job feels like an escape. And I dread weekends. I just don’t want to deal with it anymore. In the meantime I’ve strayed from God I suppose. I feel like I’m just clinging desperately to the last ledge of hope. And scrabbling to hang on. And yet He offers forgiveness. And hope. To a convicted felon who was going to die … and couldn’t “do” anything for God. Yet God offered him forgiveness.

    1. Kaitlin says:

      God thinks you are worthy enough that He sent His son to die for you. Hold on to that promise and don’t let go…He will never let you go either. Hang in there!

    2. tina says:

      Antimony, can I just say before anything else. This right here… this sacrifice was for YOU…for me …for our sister's at SRT, for all…but right now in this season of hurt and pain and disappointment…for you, … more….Jesus loves loves loves you so much ….hang in there…He is walking through this with you…and. yeap, there's an and…., clinging onto the last ledge .of hope….means you are still holding on…Amen….praying God show himself to you in a way you will know his presence again…bless you my sister….God be with you…xxx

      Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word..
      Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard…

  7. Emily says:

    After reading this wonderful devotional, I definitely feel myself being incorporated in the story! It’s so personal now that Jesus is forgiving ME! Wow what a wonderful feeling. I feel so special that Jesus would die for a terrible sinner like me.

  8. Lena says:

    This is so apt. Thank you for this reminder i'm reminded, as last week, the founder of my country passed on and thousands upon millions of citizens mourned his passing, if we could mourn the passing of a man as great as him, who gave us shelter, security and a voice in the world, a freedom that the world cannot seem to understand, what more Jesus, who not only gave us an identity, as a child of God, but also a life that is free, forgave our sins and made us whole again, would I mourn like I did for my founding father or even more as I place myself in this story, watching the scene unfold. I'm reminded of my eternal gratefulness for what Christ has done for me so that I may be free, that I am free!

    1. Emily says:

      I concur Lena!

  9. Sara says:

    I really needed to read this. I never thought about how I even put him on the cross. It seemed so far removed from me, and I never looked at it this way. Thank you Jesus for your mercy and grace.

  10. Kendall_S says:

    Kaitlin – thank you for bringing to light how personal our forgiveness from Jesus truly is….

    Father, forgive kendall…..

    forgiveness is His gift of personalized mercy to me. i am so thankful. praise Him!!

  11. katielookingforward says:

    There was definitely a night I couldn't sleep and I imagined a life where Sweet Valley High and the Babysitters club coexisted. Of course they'd all want to be friends with me!

    "May we continue to walk in the narrative of grace penned with us in mind." Such a beautiful way of writing.

    1. Haha! I love that, Katie! Thanks for joining us!

      xoxo-Kaitlin

  12. Gina says:

    I am so undeserving of this kind of love but oh so thankful that my Lord and Savior feels differently. Thank you will never be enough for me to say to you for your brutal beating and sacrifice you made for Gina. I will try everyday to live this life you gave me in a way that will bring glory and honor to you Lord.

  13. lindseymoody84 says:

    Jesus words, "Father, forgive them for they don't know what they're doing," blow me away honestly. Physically, Jesus was under excruciating pain – to the point of death, emotionally, all his closest friends had deserted him, spiritually he was being crushed by all our sin that was separating him from his Abba, Father. Think of the pressure on him at that time & yet this is the overflow of his heart. "Father, forgive them." I know when my world feels like it is crashing in on me & pressure is mounting, my response is a whole lot of ugliness. His was full of compassion & understanding. I feel like God is trying to teach me through his response. There are a couple of people in my life that just don't understand what I'm going through. I feel threatened by them bc its as if suffering = you're doing something wrong. I feel judged unfairly & hurt. Shame comes over me. But the truth is, God has me in this season bc he is doing a holy work that is leading me into greater freedom. The truth for them is God has not taken them to these depths, so its impossible for them to understand. Being understood is powerful & connecting, but for me here its a place of surrender. Jesus knows & he understands. Praying my response can be one of compassion & not judgement toward them or myself.

  14. Andrea says:

    Wow, when I pause and let this sink in, I am humbled and amazed. Growing up in the church, it can be easy to gloss over the story of Easter and its significance. But when I stop to consider that Jesus thought of me specifically, individually as he hung there, that changes everything.

  15. Adrienne says:

    Thanks for this. It's so beautiful! I was reminded that while sometimes I like to pretend that I can do great things, my role is not to be the hero and save the world. My role is to recognize who I am without Christ and allow Him to use me–not because He needs me but because He loves me. How shocked would we be if we watched a play where a starving, desolate, wretched character refused the helping hand to not only improve life a little but have all things made whole? I'd be aghast! But, too many times I assume that roll. I reject the grace of Jesus and try to do it on my own. That's not the script He gave me! Thanks for the reminder that He has written me into His story not as a hero who must save the world but a vagabond that can reach out and receive the hand of mercy He offers. All praise to Him!

  16. JferLynne says:

    What a great reminder that we have a place in this story! Even more than that we were created to have a part in this story, what a great and unending love that would consider us and desire us to be a part of this story. I know I am a mess, we all are if we are honest. But to know the deep, deep saving grace of my Savior and Heavenly Father. Oh, how my heart needed this and to rest in this place today. I am greatly encouraged and overwhelmed by the sweet love of my Savior, the Cross and the Resurrection. *Deep Sigh*

  17. Melody says:

    I struggle with admitting my place in the story- that my sin put Him on the cross. Thankful for grace and mercy that is new every morning.

    1. shereadstruth says:

      Me too, Melody! So thankful for His new mercies this (and every!) morning. Blessings to you!

      xoxo-Kaitlin

  18. Jenny says:

    In this story I always want to put myself in the place of one of the 'grieving, faithful followers'. I don't want to be the reason He is on that Cross…
    Thank God for His Mercy & Forgiveness…

    1. shereadstruth says:

      I agree, Jenny! My tendency is to cast myself as another role, but I'm even more grateful when I realize where I am and what He did for us! Blessings to you, friend!

      xoxo-Kaitlin

  19. Kelly_Smith says:

    A beautiful story! One that we continue to write as we engage with other sinners. Just as Jesus forgave me while deep in my own sin, I must also forgive others. "As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive" (Colossians 3:13). Living in grace, giving grace. Humbling and hard. Only in the Spirit and of the Spirit.

    1. Beverly says:

      So much truth! Thanks, Kelly.

  20. Juliet says:

    I decided to read the rest of Isaiah 53 and the last verse hit me “yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors”. Just like in Luke when he’s praying for OUR forgiveness. It’s so humbling. Jesus has an upside-down kingdom that shakes what we know and stirs awe in our hearts.

    1. shereadstruth says:

      Yes! I love this, Juliet! Grateful to be His in this upside-down kingdom.

      xoxo-Kaitlin

  21. Angela says:

    So beautiful to consider that Jesus suffered for me, specifically, at that moment. That I was on his heart. I just find it so hard to believe that my sins are forgiven when I ask…I stumbled again and again, and I'm so unworthy of this great love.

  22. Amy A. says:

    “We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
    each of us has turned to our own way;
    and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all.”
    In awe of His grace!

  23. Maya Basquin says:

    Jesus understood how badly sin broke our Father’s heart. It seems like we didn’t (then) know how it hurt God to see His Son rejected and broken for us, the gravity of God’s wrath, or the volume of His jealous love. Jesus, knowing His Father so well, cries “forgive them”, knowing our Father would listen! And I imagine that He prayed for us so much on His early morning long walks alone with God.

    I’m so glad that Jesus prays for me! And in the midst of our sin and rejection of him, he began bridging the gap between us and God right there on the cross. Tearing the veil, while connecting us to God’s heart…through a prayer.

  24. Bethany says:

    “By his wounds we are healed!” Amazing!

  25. Liz says:

    Kaitlin, I thank you for this keen reminder that I put Jesus on the cross, just as much as the Roman soldiers did that day. AND Jesus, thank you for still pleading my case and for forgiveness of MY sins and trangressions.

    1. shereadstruth says:

      Liz, thanks for joining us today! Grateful God used these words to point you to Truth.

      xoxo-Kaitlin

  26. Valanne says:

    Father thank you for giving Kaitlin these words to share with us–Drawing us in, to Your story, and inviting us to be where You were two thousand years ago. I hear it something like this, Father forgive Valarie; my bleeding atonement is for her–Father thank You for giving her to me as one of my sheep. I will shepherd her from now until You call her home.

    It's was an awesome moment when I fist understood this and even more humbling to have just relived it now.

    1. Bridget says:

      I just wrote your words in my journal, Valanne. “Father forgive…thank you for giving her to me… I will shepherd her until you call her home.” What a beautiful word illustration. Thank you!

    2. shereadstruth says:

      Beautiful words, Valanne! Thanks for sharing them with us today.

      xoxo-Kaitlin

  27. Carrie says:

    If able, check out The Message translation of today's reference of Luke 23: 33-38. It deepens the colors of His tapestry…
    Excellent time at the table with you this morning, Kaitlin. Thank you for sharing your gift of insight.

    1. shereadstruth says:

      I do love the way that's phrased, Carrie! Thanks for sharing and joining us today!

      xoxo-Kaitlin

  28. Shannon says:

    To accept grace is often easy, to offer it is hard. I think about how Jesus said they know Not what they do. I remind myself that in offering grace, this is what I should think. I am a sinner and I sin often because I am not God. I needed to be reminded that Jesus understood that and offered His grace for me. I should do the same in return!

  29. Emily Wilk says:

    Insert my name. Father forgive Emily. Before I was, Christ loved me & he took my sins. Ever since I was a child, if I hurt someone’s feelings, I too became undone & terribly upset. To know that Christ stands in for me is humbling. Lord Jesus, thank you for your forgiveness.

  30. ~ B ~ says:

    Jesus' story, my story – one in the same. And the beautiful thing is the story doesn't end on the cross! Not for me, for you or for Christ. For each of us, despite our role in that portion, the story is still being written, God knows the details, He knows the outcome, but page by page, He's letting us participate, He's unveiling the plot to us in unique and wonderful ways because He has so personalized His story for each of us. His love, His forgiveness unfailing, unending! ~ B

    1. Beverly says:

      Such beautiful truths to meditate on, B.

  31. Beverly says:

    As someone who has struggled to forgive herself at times… the idea to “see His forgiveness as a gift of personalized mercy” really resonated deep within my heart. (…deep breath as I let settle in still more…)
    This Lent, I have seen with a renewed clarity who I am (His beloved yet a sinner still) and who He is (my Savior whose sacrifice HEALS me). And in my current season of uncertainty, I have peace knowing that I don’t need to anxiously toil trying to ‘fix’ everything. I already have certainty through His sacrifice & love which brought me eternal forgiveness. I am (we are) part of The Story as His cherished daughters who are lavished with abundant grace and mercy every day because of Christ. And this identity – secure in Him – is a much, MUCH better alternative to a guilt-laden, miserable self that puts Him right back up there on that cross.
    Grateful beyond words to be forgiven. To be free in Him. “…the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed [!!]”

    1. ~ B ~ says:

      I love your words Beverly. I am also so thankful for forgiveness, for God's abundant grace and mercy. Prayerful over your uncertain season, that you have continued peace and a closeness to Christ you've never known before. ~ B

      1. Beverly says:

        B, I'm so grateful for your encouragement and prayers. There is so much goodness in this bittersweet process of drawing ever closer to Him – less of me, more of Him. I'm learning how the simplest, most essential aspects of my redemption story – ie: Forgiveness – can be forgotten all too easily and/or be slow to take root. :) Thanks again for your kind words, friend.

        1. ~ B ~ says:

          I was thinking about you this morning and figured I'd leave a note to say Hi. Hope all is well your way Beverly! ~ B

          1. Beverly says:

            B, so nice of you to leave a thoughtful message. I appreciated your kind words, and hope all is well your way too!

  32. Gayle says:

    "Being the object of Christ’s love is the biggest role we’ll ever play." I have sometimes wondered when life throws its curves at me, why me, why is this happening to me. It is like, I don't want to be in this situation, I would rather have another "role" in life. Put me in a different situation. But through every hardship, every pain, every joy, every loss of a loved one, I am the object of CHRIST'S LOVE, and HE has forgiven me because HE loves me.
    This song by Chris Tomlin came to mind today as I read the devotional. Enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPn14fCdVn0

  33. Beckie Potterfield says:

    Thank you for these words. Thank you for sharing how you rewrote yourself into your favorite stories. I've never actually rewritten a story to include myself but oh I have daydreamed it. I lead Young Girls' Bible study and have several girls that are avid readers and writers. I imagine they either do what you did by rewriting stories to include themselves or daydream the stories the way I did. Your words: "I savored words of Truth for many years, but it wasn't until I realized my name was already intertwined in the Gospel Story that I began to understand it." and your example have helped me see another way to lead these girls straight to the gospel. Straight to the truth that "as soon as the blood of the Great Sacrifice began to flow, the Great High Priest began to intercede."

    1. Caryn516 says:

      There is an Ignatian tradition of imaginative prayer that can be very powerful – it is a way of putting oneself in to the stories of the Bible. You may enjoy exploring it for your girls. Larry Warner and Jeannie Oestreicher have written a great book called

      1. Caryn516 says:

        Sorry – the book is called "Imaginative Prayer For Youth Mimistry"…

    2. shereadstruth says:

      I love that, Beckie! Praying for you and your Bible study girls!

      xoxo-Kaitlin

  34. joanne says:

    He forgave ME on the cross. Wow. So powerful. Thank you for this reminder, Kaitlin!

  35. Lisa Brooks says:

    I think what I have enjoyed the most in this study is the personalization for each of us. ‘Father forgive them…that’s me, Lisa. I am looking at this week in a different light. What has become a story that I know well is my story – it’s Jesus loving me in the biggest way possible. I love you Jesus!!!

  36. Amie says:

    How he forgives, I too should forgive! Forgiveness breaks down walls and replaces hurts with peace. Praise God for Jesus example on the Cross!

    1. Tricia says:

      Amen!

  37. Candacejo says:

    When He was on the cross….I was on His mind!

    It's a difficult thing to understand at first…Jesus quoting those famous words "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.." The Romans were driving the nails but the Jews were supplying the tools. They were the ones who crucified the Lord when they rejected the Messiah.(Of course the Roman officials could have stopped it!)

    But it didn't end there either. He forgave us as well…looking down the road He died in our place so we wouldn't have to give our lives as a ransom. A price had to be paid….He took it upon Himself. The veil was torn in two and no longer did we need a mediator…so much changed on that fateful and painful day. It was a victory for all mankind! We could never be the same!

    Today, it is still true. Jesus' death was not in vain. He sent the Comforter to live inside of each of us so we would never, ever be without Him. So thankful today for forgiveness applied on my behalf. So thankful I am part of the story and I don't want to keep it to myself!

    Kaitlin, you made me chuckle more than once today and yet brought it all together so beautifully. Touche' ♥♥♥

    1. shereadstruth says:

      Candacejo, I always love reading your posts! Thanks for sharing this Truth today! Love to you, friend!

      xoxo-Kaitlin

  38. tina says:

    Father…, forgive me…Tina…
    Forgive me.
    .
    Forgive Tina..

    Writing myself into The Story, His Story, of the Greatest Love ever, ever, ever, and hoping I can be the person I am created to be….

    Thank you Jesus, thank you for that first shout out of FORGIVENESS, and the second , third, tenth, fiftieth, one thousandth, billionth…., to get the role you have given me in The Story right, to walk on the stage of life, knowing who I am in YOU..and being all YOU are to me to others…to love others as YOU have loved (and still do) me..to forgive as YOU forgive me, Lord Jesus, thank you…Thank you..

    Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every Word..
    Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard…

    Tell of the cross where they nailed Him, writhing in anguish and pain…
    Tell of the grave where they laid Him ….

    Tell how He LIVETH again..

    Oh Love in this Story, so tender, clearer than ever I see..
    Stay, let me weep, while you whisper …
    LOVE PAID A RANSOM FOR ME..

    LOVE PAID A RANSOM FOR ME…

    Tell me The Story, remind me, of the sacrifice of the Son, and the forgiveness of the Father, in which in which you and I are entwined….Tell me, remind me…daily…
    As the sun shines on me, I pray you have sunshine where you are tooooo…Love you..Tina..xxx

    1. Candacejo says:

      Love that old hymn. Beautiful words from you as always. ♥

    2. Tricia says:

      Thank you for that old hymn. Have a blessed day Tina! And all!

    3. MNmomma (heather) says:

      love!!!

    4. Kelly_Smith says:

      I haven't heard that hymn in years,. Never have the words been more precious than today, coupled with Kaitlin's words. Thank you, sisters!