Luke 23:32-34 NKJV
In the Old Testament are several scriptures that are key prophecies of Jesus’ death by hanging on the cross. One of them is Psalm 22:7-8 which prophesies of the Messiah being mocked and humiliated and fulfilled this when passersby and soldiers mocked Jesus during His crucifixion (Matt. 27:39-43).
Today’s scripture from The Gospel According to Saint Luke gives the account of Jesus’ crucifixion. Along with Jesus there were two criminals who were also led out to be put to death (v.32). Jesus and the criminals, one on His right hand and the other on His left, were crucified at the place called Calvary (v.33). Calvary is the place of a skull, called in Heb., Golgotha, a hill that looked like a skull. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots (v.34).
As Jesus hung on the cross, suffering unimaginable pain, fulfilling His plan of redemption for the sins of all mankind, instead of focusing on His painful suffering, He modeled the act of forgiveness. He prayed, “Father, forgive them,” shows how great God’s love is for mankind and how believers are to live righteously. We are expected to show mercy for those who in ignorance mistreat us because Jesus said, “they do not know what they do.” It may hurt, but believers are to trust God in all things, asking Him for strength to not respond with an attitude of revenge but with love.
During Jesus’ crucifixion, Luke closed this verse stating that they divided His garments and cast lots” (v.34b), which fulfilled prophecy of Ps. 22:18.
Lift your voice and shout, “Glory!”