Calvary's Merciful Intercession

The horrors of Roman crucifixions had hardened the soldiers who carried them out. They had grown accustomed to the atmosphere of rage, cursing, taunting, and derision that always seemed to accompany those very public executions. But the conduct of Jesus of Nazareth proved a marked departure from the norm. He did not descend into that typical atmosphere, but instead prayed for those who were putting Him to death and for those who were taunting Him. His prayer was answered at the time and has continued to be answered ever since.