WEEK 2 - REAWAKENING TO THE LIFE, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST
This week, we will focus on various aspects of Christ’s Incarnation—from birth to death and Resurrection. We will turn our eyes to focus on the person of Jesus in all of His glory and continuously pray for deeper understanding of who He is.
DAY THIRTEEN - THE ATONING DEATH OF CHRIST - PATRICK BLEWETT
Luke 23:32-34
32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”[a] And they cast lots to divide his garments.
Our text today (Luke 23:32–34) reminds us that Jesus died with criminals, yet He extended forgiveness to them. Imagine it—our Jesus was executed with other death row inmates! And in that setting, we see His care for the one who believed (Luke 23:43).
In that same setting, what did Jesus pray? “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). This was not a prayer for the criminals; it was a prayer for the soldiers (law enforcers) tasked with officiating His execution for the government!
Our Jesus understood His role. He became the atoning sacrifice for our sin. He did not shy away from this task. He became the divine sacrifice (in the old English, the word was “pro- pitiation”) for human sin. The apostle John put it this way: “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). His death paid the price for my sin!
This week, we remember Christ’s life and His death on the cross. Oh, that we thank Jesus for providing forgiveness for sin through His shed blood.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Pray that incarcerated men and women will see Jesus as their forgiver of their sins.
2. Pray that men and women in law enforcement and the military will see Jesus as their sustainer and encourager in hard times.
3. Ask the Lord to reveal one people group that you can pray for.