Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
Source: The Life Application Study Bible
34 “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive these people, because they do not know what they are doing.’ And the soldiers gambled for His clothes by throwing dice.” ~ Luke 23:34
Jesus asked GOD to forgive the people who were putting Him to death – Jewish leaders, Roman politicians, soldiers, and bystanders – GOD answered that prayer by opening up the way of salvation even to Jesus’ murderers. The Roman officer and soldiers who witnessed the Crucifixion said, ‘Truly, this was the Son of GOD!’ – Matthew 27:54. Soon many priests were converted to the Christian faith. – “GOD’s message was preached in ever-widening circles. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, also.” – Acts 6:7 – Because we are all sinners, we all played a part in putting Jesus to death. The good news is that GOD is gracious. HE will forgive us and give us new life through HIS Son.
The Roman soldiers customarily divided up the clothing of executed criminals among themselves. When they gambled for Jesus’ clothes, they fulfilled the prophecy in Psalms 22. – “They divide My clothes among themselves and throw dice for My garments”. – Psalm 22:18 – 36 “The soldiers mocked Him, too, by offering Him a drink of sour wine. 37 They called out to Him, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ 38 A signboard was nailed to the cross above Him with these words: ‘This is the King of the Jews’.” – Luke 23:36-38 – The sign was meant to be ironic. A king, stripped and executed in public view, had obviously lost his kingdom forever. But, Jesus, who turns the world’s wisdom upside down, was just coming into His Kingdom. His death and resurrection would strike the deathblow to Satan’s rule and establish Christ’s eternal authority over the earth. Few people reading the sign that bleak afternoon understood its real meaning, but the sign was absolutely true. All was not lost. Jesus is King of the Jews – and of the Gentiles and the whole universe (somebody give me an Amen)!
44 “By this time it was noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’ clock. 45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the thick veil hanging in the Temple was torn apart. 46 “Then Jesus shouted, ‘Father, I entrust My spirit into YOUR hands!’ And with those words He breathed His last.” – Luke 23:44-46 – Darkness covered the entire land for about three hours in the middle of the day. All nature seemed to mourn over the stark tragedy of the death of GOD’s Son. This significant event symbolized Christ’s work on the cross. The Temple had three parts: the courts for all the people; the Holy Place, where only priests could enter; and the Most Holy Place, where the high priest alone could enter once a year to atone for the sins of the people. It was in the Most Holy Place that the Ark of the Covenant, and GOD’s presence with it, rested. The curtain that was torn was the one that closed off the Most Holy Place from view. At Christ’s death, the barrier between GOD and humanity was split in two. Now all people can approach GOD directly through Christ. – 19 “And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 This is the new, life-giving way that Christ has opened up for us through the sacred curtain, by means of His death for us. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over GOD’s people, 22 let us go right into the presence of GOD, with true hearts fully trusting HIM. For our evil consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.” – Hebrews 10:19-22 – Christ’s sacrifice transforms our life and heart and makes us clean on the inside. No barrier of sin or weakness on our part can stifle HIS forgiveness.
HALLELUJAH! Praise YOU, Father GOD and Thank You Jesus! How blessed we truly are Father, that we are forgiven and have been given the eternal gift of salvation and life with YOU! And because of Jesus Christ, we are able to come boldly before YOU, Father GOD with true hearts, trusting fully in YOU. We are washed clean by the blood of Christ and our lives have been transformed. There is no barrier of sin or weakness that can stifle YOUR forgiveness. Thank YOU Father. JESUS CHRIST is KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS!
Photo: Pigeon Forge (Tennessee)
Photographer: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge