And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” – Luke 23:34
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Amazingly, Jesus first words from the cross were words of grace.
The Greek grammar of this verse seems to indicate that Jesus did not make the statement once, but repeatedly. The opening phrase literally translates, “and Jesus was saying.” So goes the grace of God that we find in Jesus Christ. His forgiveness is not a one-time amnesty. It is not payment on a charge account that enables us to begin racking up debt again. His forgiveness covers all our sin: past, present, and future.
As we begin this special time of spiritual reflection, we MUST begin with His grace. Without it, we would have no hope. His grace addresses two extremes between which we all teeter. On the one hand, we sometimes forget how much we need His grace. We tend to accentuate our positives to the point that we fail to own up to our negatives.
Paul reflected: “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, I my flesh.” (Romans 7:18). He would further admit, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 6:14).
Then on the other hand, sometimes we have the crazy idea that we are unworthy of His grace. If our worth were involved, it would not be grace. Grace means that God shows us favor simply because He chooses to, not because we deserve it. There is no sin quota that we surpass and no longer qualify for His grace. There is no single sin so great that God will not forgive it. His grace covers any, every, and all sin.
Reflect
Oh, to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy grace, Lord, like a fetter bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wonder, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.
Here’s my heart, Lord, take a seal it; seal it for Thy courts above.
Robert Robinson, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” verse 3.
Today, as you begin this journey of spiritual preparation for Easter, take a few moments and write a “Thank You” note to Jesus for being the agent of God’s grace through His death for you in the cross. Acknowledge both your need for His grace and your humble acceptance of it.
This is day one in a series of Lent Reflection available via email. These will not appear here on the blog, but you may subscribe to receive them in your email inbox by clicking the link below.