"Father, Forgive Them"

"Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.'" (Luke 23:34)
 
The people directly involved with the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ did not know what they were doing. Peter said they did it in ignorance even though it had been foretold by the prophets (Acts 3.17). Paul said that if the people in authority had known what they were doing, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2.7).

People marginalize, persecute, and even kill believers. They do this even thinking they offer God service. Jesus predicted they would do these things because they have not known the Father or Him. Who would reject such a glorious message knowing how gracious, merciful, and loving God is (John 16.3)? Why would anyone choose to work hard to amass a self-righteous life if they understood the full and free salvation Jesus gained for them? A few may attempt to do so, but the vast majority would not.