Today’s Reading: Matthew 27:39-44
Today’s Reference: Hebrews 2:2-3a “For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?”
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Have you ever justified yourself, “Well, it’s just a tiny sin, not a bad one?” When we do that, you and I are one with the mockers who treated Jesus’ death with contempt—the people He prayed for on the Cross.
Looked at in one way, we are actually worse. Those who crucified Jesus knew they were doing wrong but they didn’t know the full extent of their sin. They didn’t know He really was the Son of God. You and I do, and we have less excuse when we don’t take sin seriously—sin that nailed Christ up there on the Cross. And with our greater knowledge comes greater judgment, unless of course, we throw ourselves on His mercy and receive His forgiveness.
So read the words of Jesus again. Thank Him that, even as your every sin kept Him nailed to the Cross, He cared enough for you to pray that “just retribution” would not come to you.
Prayer:
Father, I can’t begin to understand the mercy that cried out to save me even while my sin caused Jesus so much pain. Forgive me for every time I’ve treated sin lightly, and help me remember what it cost Him.
In Jesus’ name, amen.