Father, Forgive Them

It's been said that we only see the true character of a person when they are suffering and under pressure. The rest of the time it's all too easy to put on a good front. On the cross, having been betrayed, unjustly sentenced to death, mocked, beaten, spat at and nailed to a cross, in the midst of such suffering and pressure we see the true character of Jesus. The first words Jesus utters from the cross are a prayer - "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Here, we are shown the true character and heart of the Son as he prays... for his enemies... his executioners! And at the same time he reveals the heart of the Father - with him there is forgiveness... full redemption!