In Luke 23, we read about Jesus crucifixion. Note verses 33-34: “And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'” There are volumes of thought and truth that could be written about the events that happened there that day, but I want us to pay close attention to Jesus’ words “…they know not what they do”.
When Jesus had been tried before Pilate, Pilate could find no fault in him. The ONLY reason Pilate allowed Jesus to be crucified was because that is what the crowd wanted, and he didn’t want to stand against the crowd. Read verses 22-24 of that chapter: “A third time he said to them, ‘Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.’ But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted.”
I shudder to think what will go through Pilate’s mind when at the Judgement Seat, he stands before Jesus Christ and sees the One he allowed to be crucified! Think of the people in the crowd who demanded that this “mere man” be CRUCIFIED! And one day they will all stand before Him! The shame, the sorrow, the guilt will be enormous I imagine, and I wonder how many perhaps thought “Well, He might actually be whom He claims to be!” but they were too afraid to stand against the crowd so they just went along with the others. Like Jesus said, “…they know not what they do!” All who were involved in this event will one day stand before Him in judgement and there they will see the truth in Jesus’ words…HE IS THE SON OF GOD! Just like HE claimed to be! And yet, they mocked Him, scourged Him, spit at Him, and hated Him – all because He loved them enough to DIE!
I also wonder how many times we just follow the crowd in our modern world. We’re too afraid to stand up against those who don’t truthfully want to follow Jesus. We’re not brave enough at times to TRULY obey all His commandments because it might “cost” us too much. We don’t want to place our faith COMPLETELY in Him and His Word, because that means DYING to self and our OWN desires. I wonder how often Jesus looks at OUR lives and says the same thing “…they know not what they do”.
He IS the Son of God and He DESERVES our 100% devotion, love, and obedience – no matter WHAT it costs us! Remember, our salvation cost Jesus EVERYTHING! And WE ALSO will one day stand before Him and give an account of our lives!