The hands that formed the cosmos were nailed to a cross by men He had created in His own image. His closest companions had denied Him and deserted Him. Those who had only a few days earlier praised Him as King now called for His crucifixion as an imposter. As He lifted His body on a piece of metal driven through His feet, gasping for air, His fleeting words were not those of anger, bitterness, or retribution, but those of mercy, forgiveness, and compassion: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
What kind of love is this that forgives one's vilest enemies at the apex of their contempt?
This is the greatest love that the world has ever known. “God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Our capacity to love God and others is directly proportional to our ability to grasp the depths of God's forgiveness and mercy for our sins at the cross (Luke 7:47). We remember this week that the just and righteous wrath of God for our sin was passed over because the perfect and spotless Lamb, Jesus Christ, received the punishment that we deserved. The consequences of sin will be passed over for any and all who submit to Jesus Christ as Lord in repentance and faith. God's invitation to the vilest offender and those who view themselves as 'good people' but have not seen Christ as their greatest treasure in life is the same: repent and be saved from the just and righteous consequences of sin. As illustrated at the cross, our most vilest offenses are no match for the depth of Christ's love, forgiveness, and mercy for sinners. "You don't need to unburden or collect yourself and then come to Jesus. Your very burden is what qualifies you to come." [1] While His invitation is open to all, the claims of Christ are exclusive: no one is saved outside of trusting in Christ alone for salvation (John 14:6).
If there has never been a moment where the trajectory of your life was radically altered from pursuing your will to God’s will for you in Christ, we pray that you would turn from whatever it is that is distracting you today and come to know the love, forgiveness, and the mercy of Christ (John 3:3). Do not delay. The Devil’s favorite word is ‘tomorrow,’ today “is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). See the gift we have in Christ Jesus who satisfied the righteous requirements of the law on our behalf. Come and enjoy the abundant life that Christ promises both now and in eternity. If you have questions about your relationship with God, the Bible, or where you will be 10,000 years from now, we would love to hear from you.
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