DAILY?READINGS: Ruth 2; Isaiah 42; 2 Corinthians 2
Father, forgive them. Luke 23:34
Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. Luke 23:46
These are the first and last words of our Saviour from the cross and they are intimately linked. “Father, forgive them” reveals the Son’s great purpose. He came to forgive and save sinners. “Father into Thy hands I commend my spirit” proclaims the Son’s purpose fulfilled. But between these two cries, communion with heaven was broken and He was judged for our sins. When His work was accomplished, communion was restored. Now our Saviour could cry with a loud voice so that all heaven, earth, and hell could hear, “It is finished!” (John 19:30). Beloved, He did all this for us —Milton Haack
Father, forgive, the Saviour said; they know not what they do;
His heart was moved when thus He prayed, for me, my friends, and you.
—Isaac Watts