Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 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. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

–Parallel verses:
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭7‬
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

There are so many nuggets here regarding all that happened surrounding Jesus’ death on a cross. He was crucified with criminals, at a place called the Skull, known for torture and death. Casting lots for his clothes, the soldiers didn’t even have the respect to return these to his family, it seems. For many, Jesus was their hope of a new life and freedom from Roman oppression. For some, they saw more …. that he was a spiritual Savior.

Some of you may wonder: “Why did I choose the Philippians 4 passage as parallel verses to this passage describing Jesus’ death?” It is a fair question. Rejoicing about a crucifixion seems almost revolting and feels like showing a lack of honor to Jesus.

But as I was praying about this passage, what struck me was the statement “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And I wondered: How could Jesus find it in his heart to forgive so much evil and wrongdoing all directed towards him in a barrage of action over a night and a day? I mean, the betrayal of Judas, the denial of Peter, and desertions of his disciples were bad enough. Now the people rebelled against him too. I wonder if Peter and the other disciples and even the crowd thought: “If he is not going to use his power to lead us in a revolt against the Romans and these conceited Jewish leaders, then I am not going to stand up for him anymore!” Peter was definitely wired to fight.

No matter the motive, they turned on Jesus, 180 degrees. And Jesus forgave them. How? It was because he had learned how to REJOICE! in the Lord and to be thankful in any and all situations. The Philippians verses tell us (Joe’s paraphrase): “Rejoice and be overcome with the Joy of the Lord! Be so gentle that all can see this heavenly quality exuding out of you. If you take every situation to God, and be thankful for his ultimate deliverance and victory, then you can erase any anxiety building up in you. Pray hard and petition God with your requests, and he will give you an out-of-this-world, abundant peace that will blow the minds of all around you.”

Lord Jesus, you are the Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords, not just because of your all-knowing, ever-present, or all-powerful nature. No, it is also because of your amazing love, your incredibly gentle Spirit, your faithfulness in prayer and petition to God, and your UNQUENCHABLE JOY in any and every circumstance. Teacher, teach me your ways, for I am in awe of them! Mold me and use me, I pray!