Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” —Luke 23:34
In the climax scene in the movie Ben-Hur, Judah Ben-Hur ends up in Jerusalem on the day Jesus is led away to be crucified. He follows the procession to Golgotha until he’s standing underneath the shadow of the cross, watching the blood flow down Jesus.
As he gazes upon the Savior, the love of Christ finally penetrates Judah’s heart. Silently, he believes and receives that love. His face is visibly transformed, as years of bitterness and hatred are washed away by Jesus’ love and grace.
Judah recounts that life-changing moment to his childhood sweetheart: “I heard Him say, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’. . . and I felt His voice take the sword out of my hand.”
Is there still a sword in your hand? A sword of bitterness, vengeance, unforgiveness? If so, I invite you to Calvary. Stand beneath the cross and see the agony He went through so you could be free. Hear Him extend pardon to His persecutors. And let His voice take the sword.
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Choosing Forgiveness: Your Journey to Freedom ©2022 Revived Hearts Foundation
Scripture taken from The CSB
Make it Personal
What was the moment when you understood what the death of Christ meant for you? How has your life changed since?