This week my thoughts and meditations are on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God's Son and the Savior of all who believe in Him for salvation, redeeming us back to the Living God.
Today is referred to as Palm Sunday, a remembrance of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The same crowd that welcomed Him would be those that cry for His crucifixion in just one week's span. He knew that, yet He rode silently on. Just as silently as He would carry His cross to Golgotha's hill.
Silence until...."Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." It's significant to note that while He was on the cross, He continued to pray for those who crucified Him, those who had deep, spiritual, eternal needs. It was such communion with the Father that had made lasting impression on His disciples earlier as they had been in fellowship with Him. Remember that they had asked Him, "Lord, teach us to pray."
Christ is ever interceding for those who know not what they do. That's most of us. Eternally grateful for His intercession on our behalf.
Suspended on the cross! On His pale brow
Hang the cold drops of death; through every limb
The piercing torture rages; every nerve,
Stretched with excess of pain, trembles convulsed.
Now look beneath and view the senseless crowd;
How they deride His sufferings, how they shake
Their heads contemptuous, while the bitter taunt,
More bitter than the gall they gave, insults
The agony of Him on whom they gaze.
But hark! He speaks, and the still hovering breath
Wafts His last breath to all approving heaven:
"Forgive them, for they know not what they do!"
~ C.P Layard
