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When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:33-34
“I forgive him.” Millions heard those words a few months ago from Erika Kirk for her husband’s funeral service after being assassinated on a college campus. Would you be able to say those words, and really mean it? If someone had killed your husband, father, or child, would you be able to say these words?
Yet, as Jesus hung on the cross, he did just that. He prayed to his Father in heaven to forgive the people who were killing him. He asked forgiveness…
- for the soldiers who cruelly tortured him and crucified him and who were preparing to gamble for his clothes.
for the soldiers mocked him, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
- for the crowd who was deriding him. “He saved others, let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”
- for the religious leaders who, from their own jealousy and spiritual blindness, instigated his crucifixion.
- for Pilate, finding no guilt in Jesus wanted to release him. But the religious authorities led the crowds in chants, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
- for them and many others, Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Jesus was praying for everyone in history who has ever acted cruelly, who has ever lashed out in anger, who has ever caused anyone else pain. He was praying for the whole world, for you and me. His death was all about forgiveness for us all.
There is something wrong in the human heart. Any of us given the right conditions are capable of unspeakable evils. Or perhaps just as sad, we standby and say or do nothing while others commit evil acts. We are all sinners, we fall short of perfection, and need God’s help.
This Sunday is Christ the King, a day set apart in the church calendar where we recognize Jesus as sovereign king over all of creation. Unlike earthly, secular governments, God’s reign is eternal. Unlike worldly power, Christ’s kingship is one of love, service, and justice.
For us, Christ the King Sunday serves as the climax of the church liturgical calendar, as we turn to the season of Advent and the coming of the new year. Christ is one who was crucified like a standard criminal, offering forgiveness up until his final breath. Let’s celebrate that gift of forgiveness together this Sunday!
In Christ;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Invite your friends and neighbors to worship with us this Sunday at First and Holy Cross churches! Remember to join us for a delicious Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner this Sunday following worship in the Fellowship Hall.
- Help spread joy and love this holiday season by adopting an angel from our angel tree or by donating new, unwrapped toys for children – by December 7th. See fliers for more information.
- The Church Choir is rehearsing after worship this morning. Meet up front right after worship.
- Join us next Sunday we will be having a special lay service to kick off the Advent season. Come and hear Sera Butz as she shares a Gospel message.
- Join us for our Christmas Program on Sunday, December 21st during worship. Come listen to the “Voices of Christmas” – those who were there when love came down. Each voice tells a part of the story – a story of wonder, of faith, and of the greatest gift ever given.
- Christmas is around the corner! Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7:00 pm on December 24th. Join us for beautiful music, decorations, and an inspiring message that reminds us of the real reason for Christmas.
