Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.  When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.  Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.’’

Matthew 23:32-34

Jesus’ first words on the Cross. 

Jesus said very little in self-defense either before the Jewish leaders or the Romans during the early morning when they gathered to deal with him.  The Jewish leaders demanded his death!  The Romans went along with that and so treated Jesus as a common criminal but without a formal trial at all.  Two other men, both proven criminals, were convicted with Jesus and the three were led out of Jerusalem to be put to death, not by the Jews, who could not officially kill anyone, but by the Romans.

He did not resist arrest, nor did he try to prove them wrong in their accusations. Truly he was led as a lamb to the slaughter, not opening his mouth to defend himself.  And no one came forth to defend Jesus.  His disciples deserted him!  No man was ever more alone than Jesus.  The executioners led the three outside the city to a horrid place, called “The Skull.”  I shudder when I am reminded that is Jesus Christ, Co-Creator of the universe, Son of God Almighty.  Who can understand his pathos of soul?  No innocent man was ever treated like this.

When he was finally nailed to the cross his first words were not for himself but for those who were intent on killing him. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  These were Roman soldiers who no doubt had no love for God at all.  They were just doing their nasty duty.  Jesus may have had in mind the Jewish leaders who insisted on his death.  Did they know that Jesus was the Promised Messiah?  Not a bit.  They saw Jesus as the enemy of God.  In any case, Jesus forgave his enemies, and He asked his Father in heaven to do so as well.

Is this same spirit in me?  Do I find satisfaction in condemning others?  Lord Jesus, give me the grace to bless, not condemn!