Jesus began His time on the cross by speaking the very heart of Grace.
Jesus said,
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Did the soldiers not know they were driving nails into Jesus and the two men on either side of Him? Yes, they knew.
Didn’t they premeditate what tools to bring along and the most efficient way to get the job done? Yes, they did.
Did they know that what they were doing was wrong in the sight of God? No.
As Jesus looked on the soldiers and the world, past, present and future, He said,
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Think about your life.
Are there things you have done that you honestly did not know at the time were wrong? Or perhaps you knew they weren’t exactly right, but you justified them in some way?
Are there things now that you may be doing that you do not yet know are wrong? Do you have the courage to ask God to reveal to you what He sees in you?
Can you say with David,
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24
When God shows you what He sees, be prepared. Satan will immediately tell you that you are so sinful God will be completely repulsed.
He will tell you not only will God look away, but He will also get out His nail gun. He will tell you you have fallen from grace and there is no return. Satan will tell you, “Welcome to Hell.”
But remember how Jesus described satan.
“He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
John 8:44
Why did Jesus come?
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
John 3:17
Jesus did not come to condemn.
Jesus said to the woman taken in adultery,
“Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”
John 8:11
There is nothing you have ever done that God will not forgive, if you are ready to repent and receive His Gift of Grace.
He is looking at you in Love right now, Arms outstretched, ready to hold you next to His Heart.
He sees you.
He loves you.
You are forgiven.
Welcome Home.
