They Don't know?

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 23.34]

It might be argued that the people who crucified Jesus knew exactly what they were doing. From the spiteful religious leaders to the skilled Roman soldiers, there seemed no lack for knowledge among these people about what they were doing.

So, why did Jesus say they didn't know what they were doing? Doesn't that seem problematic?

Until we understand how Jesus could say, "they don't know what they are doing," it is not likely we will ever understand forgiveness. This is important!

Forgiveness operates from the spirit. Contrary to popular belief, forgiveness is not a soulish feeling, but instead a spiritual decision based on fact. Here is the fact:

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. [Matthew 9.36]

Because of Adam's sin, all mankind is helplessly cursed. This curse gives place to Satan who is a lying murderer, thief, and destroyer. Satan's efforts are unyielding upon man to keep him away from God and to keep him subject to curses. Satan does this by keeping man convinced that he knows what he is doing, when in fact, he does not.

Every wicked and evil person to ever walk planet earth thought they knew what they were doing. Adam and Eve thought so, Hitler thought so, and even the people who promote promiscuity and perversion today think so. They all share the common thought that they know what they are doing... And, you know what? We even think we know what we are doing!

BUT WE DON'T!

The truth is, until we can look upon earth as God looks upon earth, we only see a partial picture. Consequently, regardless what we think, we only know partially. The apostle Paul was clear about this:

Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless. [1 Corinthians 13.9-10]

Because of this, humility is in order for every man, woman, and child. Likewise, forgiveness is in order.

Jesus forgave and He was very clear that we should forgive... or, that we MUST forgive, if we intend to be forgiven.

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. [Matthew 6.14-15]

How do we know forgiveness is a work of the Spirit?

Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” [John 20.21-23]

Don't ever rely on emotion to forgive! Emotions are unreliable at very best. Jesus chose to forgive - evidenced by His words on the Cross after having been abused beyond imagination. We can expect no less difficulty in forgiving... and yet, modern consensus is far from that.

We must choose to forgive as Jesus chose to forgive on the Cross. 

We must also be careful not to forgive (in word) simply to accomplish a selfish goal! It has become en vogue to say "I forgive, but I won't put myself in that position again" (or any number of variations of this). Forgiveness has nothing to do with self, but everything to do with seeing others with the compassion of God. Forgiveness is right because all humanity is wrong. 

God chose to forgive...

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. [John 3.16-17]

Father, thank You for loving and therefore, forgiving me ...and the world. May I be found as Your ambassador of Your love and forgiveness - may I be found as Jesus Christ on earth in my every action and thought...