Easter 2024
Dear Neighbors,
“Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
This Easter, if you like, you can consider this statement by Jesus Christ, as He hung upon the cross. It can teach us a lot about forgiveness and the nature of Divine mercy. If we can see this Divine expression of forgiveness in its context, it becomes even more amazing.
Jesus made this statement after a trial that violated even the most fundamental elements of fairness. There was false and conflicting testimony. In the Gospel of Mark it says that “the chief priests and the whole council sought a witness against Jesus to put Him to death, and found none. For many bore false witness against Him, and their testimonies were not alike” (Mark 14:55-56). Even the Roman governor, Pontius Pilot, did not see any guilt in Jesus but still allowed Him to be crucified (Luke 23:13-16; John 18:38).
Then there was the mocking and physical brutality that Jesus was subject to. He was spit upon, scourged and insulted. Throughout all of this He bore no hatred. Then finally, on the cross, He uttered those words of Divine mercy, “forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:24).
Only the Lord Jesus Christ could experience what He did and still be able to perfectly overcome the temptations to bear ill-will against those who persecuted Him. The better we understand the example of Jesus Christ, the better He can help us turn to Him as the only one who can really lead us to forgive.
At the Kempton New Church you can learn more about forgiveness and the Divine mercy of Jesus Christ. Please feel free to give me a call (610-756-6140) or join us in person on Sundays at 10:00 am for church.
Best wishes!
Sincerely,
Rev. Brett D. Buick