Luke 23:32-34 (NIVUK)
32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 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. 34 Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
The extent of God’s grace is perhaps seen most sharply here as the incarnate Son is numbered literally with those whose misdemeanours were considered so bad that they warranted the death penalty, and in his call for his Father to forgive those who killed him. I can’t imagine how grace could be any deeper than that. If you’re in any doubt as to how to respond to someone, choose grace – Jesus always did (although please note, showing grace is not the same as being naive, but that’s a thought to explore another time).
Jesus, thank you for your amazing grace that goes further and deeper than we could ever imagine.
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