Luke 23; John 18-19 – November 12

As Jesus was on the cross, He prayed in Luke 23:34, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." Obviously He is the perfect example for us to follow in love and forgiveness. When things are spoken and done against us in life we must be watchful that we don’t take anything “personal;” we don’t fight against flesh and blood. Jesus Christ prayed for the very ones that put Him on the cross, making it obvious He wants to extend mercy and forgiveness to everyone. Let’s not feel that we need to protect ourselves, our reputation, and our own happiness; let’s let God do that so we can freely forgive like Jesus.

Jesus continues to extend grace and mercy to a man who taking his last breaths next Him on a cross. First the man says to Jesus in Luke 23:42, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." Jesus came to save sinners and in His darkest hour He didn’t give up His focus of doing so. Don’t let injustices and wrongs done to you and others stop you from loving and doing what matters. If Jesus could continue to intercede and win the lost while nailed to a cross, certainly we can do it in any of our life crises.