They Don't Know What They Are Doing
“Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.”
Luke 23:32-34
They had flogged Him.
They had spit on Him.
They had mocked Him.
They insulted Him.
Then they forced Him towards Golgatha with two criminals. The religious leaders had compelled Pilate to bend to their wishes. They wanted Jesus dead. They were the experts in Jewish religion. But they didn’t know what they were doing.
How could these leaders become so confused?
Jesus was innocent.
Jesus knew the commandments of God.
He kept every one of them.
He gave the 10 Commandments to Moses.
Jesus had never lied to them-ever.
He had never stolen anything from them or any of the Jewish community.
He had never been drunk.
He never coveted what was His neighbor’s…not even His neighbor’s wife.
No gossip ever came from the lips of Jesus.
There is more. Jesus had never sinned-ever.
Jesus had healed the sick-again and again.
The number of people Jesus healed was huge.
He raised people from death.
He fed them.
He loved them over and over, day after day He loved them.
He taught them eternal truth.
He spoke the words of God to them.
He was God in the flesh.
Being in His presence brought hope, peace and joy.
They crucified Him.
They didn’t know what they were doing.
What are we doing with Jesus ?
Jesus was crucified… nailed on a rough Roman execution cross.
He was entirely innocent.
He was God’s perfect sacrifice for the sins of the entire world. Every sin…for all time…yours and mine.
How can Jesus be the perfect sacrifice?
Of all who’ve ever lived-Only Jesus has never sinned. Only Jesus has defeated death. No one has ever been killed and rose again from death-ever. Only Jesus. He died and rose again that we may be freed of sin. Only Jesus makes us right with God.
They did not know what they were doing.
Now it’s time to be personal.