“Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”]] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” Luke 23:32-38

“All major religious traditions carry basically the same message; that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.” (Dalai Lama)

 “Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”  Bonhoeffer writes, “God (himself)…absolves the world…Now there is no more godlessness, no more hatred, no more sin which God has not…(Himself)…expiated.  Now there is no more reality, no more world, but it is reconciled with God and at peace.  God did this in (His) dear Son Jesus Christ.”  Jesus Christ is the way (to truth), the truth (itself, which is God), and the life (now and eternally).”

How can we forgive others if we have not first turned to the Father and ask for forgiveness? Yes, Jesus offers us unconditional forgiveness, unconditional love, and endless grace. But how can we live into that kind of love and forgiveness if we do not offer the same to each other? It is hard, yes – that is probably why, as the Dalai Lama states, all major religious traditions place forgiveness and love as most important.

Pastor Dave

“Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people,and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. I will therefore have him flogged and release him.” Then they all shouted out together, “Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!”(This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.)Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again;but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.” But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished.” Luke 23:13-25

“The resurrection of Jesus changes the face of death for all His people. Death is no longer a prison, but a passage into God’s presence. Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. You can nail it to a cross, wrap it in winding sheets and shut it up in a tomb, but it will rise!” (John Stott)

This is written by Gustav Janouch called “Conversations with Kafka”: 

Kafka suddenly stood still and stretched out his hand.  “Look! There, there! Can you see it?”  Out of the house…ran a small dog looking like a ball of wool, which crossed our path and disappeared around the corner…  “A pretty little dog,” I said.  “A dog?” asked Kafka suspiciously, and slowly we began to move again.  “A small, young dog.  Didn’t you see it?”  “I saw.  But was it a dog?” Kafka asked.  “It was a poodle.” I said.  Kafka said, “A poodle?  It could be a dog, but it could also be a sign.  We Jews often make tragic mistakes.”  “It was only a dog,” I said.  “It would be a good thing if it was,” Kafka nodded.  “But (that) only is true only for him who uses it.  What one person takes to be a bundle of rags, or a dog, is for another a sign…There is always something unaccounted for.”  We walked in silence….I said, “Bloy writes that the tragic guilt of the Jews is that they did not recognize the Messiah.”  “Perhaps that really is so,” said Kafka.  “Perhaps they really did not recognize him.”

Pastor Dave