Reading your Bible for today March 25

March 25: Luke 23:32-38

KJV Key Verse: Luke 23:34
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do . And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Devotion:
Love is something that can conquer many evils. But Jesus showed just how much He loved us by giving His life on the cross for us. And it did not stop there... He prayed to God whilst on the cross saying something like “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Not only was He giving His life, but He was pleading for ours, pleading for all those who were sinning, and for all those of us who were to follow as sinners (everyone).

I must admit when I am physically hurt, I do find it difficult to forgive immediately. The first reaction we often have is to retaliate before grabbing the part of our body which hurts, then, maybe sometime later, we find it in our hearts to forgive them. Jesus, on the other hand, asked for forgiveness on our behalf immediately.

Turning the other cheek is something that of us will find very difficult. But to Jesus, it was the natural thing to do. Yes, as God, He could have retaliated as the leaders derided Him, or as they cast lots to divide His clothes, or as the soldiers mocked Him. But instead, He showed all of us, and them, His love by staying on the cross and letting His life blood flow for each and every one of us.

As the thieves were hanging next to Him, one of them recognised the situation they were in, realised his life meant nothing, and that Jesus was giving His life for them. Jesus heard Him and told him he too would be in heaven shortly, simply for believing in Jesus and asking for that forgiveness, maybe not out loud but certainly in his heart. As they hung there on their crosses, they knew the end was coming within the next few hours. They knew how much time they had before it would be too late to ask for forgiveness. We don't know when Jesus is going to come back for us. The only thing we can do is to be ready Now!

Points to Ponder:
Who was the last person who hurt you; have you forgiven them yet?

When was the last time you hurt Jesus? He has forgiven you!