Our discussion last week heavily revolved around who “they” referred to. We noted that it certainly pertained to those directly responsible for Jesus being on the cross, but in another sense, it may refer to all of us, for all have sinned (Rom. 3:23) and need His forgiveness. Briefly today we will consider the meaning of this short prayer, or what Jesus prayed for.
Of course, the text indicates that Jesus prayed for their forgiveness. What is forgiveness? What Jesus intended by forgiveness here is not in doubt. The plea of Jesus was that the Father not hold against them (and us) the sins they (and we) have committed. This is significant because Paul says in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.” The death here is a separation from God (see Is. 59:1-2) that will lead to eternal death when life is over. Jesus died so that we can be forgiven and not be lost eternally.
But let’s consider what Jesus was not praying for here. Jesus was not praying for His Father to unconditionally grant them forgiveness. How do we know that? 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” Surely what Jesus said on the cross involved coming to repentance. His desire for them on the cross was that they would come to repentance so that they could be saved.
In fact, He said in Luke 13:3, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Jesus did not have a change of heart on the cross. We can conclude that Jesus’ prayer was conditional. It involves them meeting the conditions of the Father so that they can be saved from their sins. This saying of Jesus from the cross does not universally pronounce mankind as being saved. But it certainly reflects the wonderful grace of our Lord that is available and accessible by all. He prayed desiring and making possible their salvation, and ours, while He was on the cross! Oh, what a Savior!
Next week we will complete our study of this prayer of Jesus from the cross.
Daren Schroeder
