This reflection was inspired by thoughts and suggestions from my wife during our daily Bible study (The Bible Recap). Today, her “God Shot” came from Psalm 115:2-8 (NIV), which speaks to God’s mercy and enduring presence. She shared the example of Jesus’ mercy on the cross, the story of Ruth and Naomi, and her thoughts on those who are blessed with the gift of spiritual sight—an ability to understand God’s truth, received only by grace. Together, we reflected on how this gift carries a responsibility to extend forgiveness, as Jesus did.
Of course, I also considered a recent reminder from J.D. Vance, urging us not to abandon family or friends over political differences. His words resonated, especially in light of this season, as a reminder that lasting relationships and forgiveness are often tested in divisive times. This post weaves those thoughts together—faith, sight, mercy, and the call to forgive, even when we don’t always see eye to eye.
Bible Study: Forgive Them, For They Do Not Know What They Do
Key Verse: “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'” – Luke 23:34 (NIV)
As Jesus endured the agony of the cross, surrounded by mockers and soldiers who failed to recognize His divinity, He prayed for their forgiveness. His words reflected profound mercy, rooted in His awareness that spiritual blindness kept them from understanding the truth.
1. Forgiveness Amidst Spiritual Blindness
In praying, “Father, forgive them,” Jesus demonstrated that understanding and recognizing God’s truth is a gift from God. His response showed compassion for those unable to grasp His identity, echoing what He said in Matthew 13:16-17: “But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.” Jesus acknowledges that spiritual sight isn’t self-generated; it’s God’s blessing. This calls us to avoid condemning those who do not see, instead praying that God would reveal His truth to them, just as Jesus did.
2. The Story of Ruth and Naomi: The Freedom to Choose
The story of Ruth and Naomi reminds us of the power of personal choice. When Naomi urged her daughters-in-law to return to their people, Ruth chose to stay with Naomi, declaring, “Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16, NIV). Yet Orpah, who decided to stay in Moab, was not condemned for her decision. Augustine beautifully says, “You can’t take credit for anything in this world. The blessings are a gift from God.” Ruth’s choice and Orpah’s choice each reflect the freedom God grants us in response to His call, highlighting that while some recognize God’s light, others may not yet see, and we are called to respond with understanding.
3. The Thief’s Response: A Last-Minute Choice to See
As Jesus was crucified, He hung between two thieves. One mocked Him, but the other saw who Jesus truly was, asking, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42-43, NIV). This exchange illustrates that even in moments of darkness, some are given the grace to see the light, as John 1:5 says: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jesus did not condemn the unrepentant thief; instead, He welcomed the one who responded, exemplifying mercy for those still blind to His grace.
4. Faith as a Gift of Grace, Not a Reason for Pride
Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Our ability to see and understand God’s truth is not by our effort or merit but is a divine gift. Isaiah 64:6 reinforces that our own righteousness is “like filthy rags.” This humbling truth reminds us not to judge others for their lack of spiritual sight but to remember that seeing, believing, and responding to God’s light is an act of grace, not a personal accomplishment.
5. The Nations’ Rejection of Israel: The Struggle Against God’s Light
Psalm 137 laments Israel’s sorrow in exile, where surrounding nations failed to see God’s work in His chosen people. This rejection of God’s light parallels Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:4-6: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ.” Just as those at the cross failed to understand Jesus, others miss God’s presence. Instead of condemnation, Jesus calls us to intercede with compassion for those yet to receive His light.
6. The Call to Compassion and Forgiveness
Christ’s prayer from the cross teaches that our response to spiritual blindness should be compassion, not judgment. Those who are spiritually blind are not condemned by us, for only God grants sight. We are called to emulate Jesus’ forgiveness, understanding, and intercession example. Our eyes and hearts are opened by God’s grace alone, as seen in John 9:39-41, where Jesus says, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” Recognizing our limitations, we are urged to pray for others, asking God to reveal His light to those who cannot yet see.
Conclusion:
Jesus’ plea, “Father, forgive them,” shows us the grace extended to everyone, underscoring that spiritual sight and understanding come solely by God’s grace. Like Jesus, we are called to forgive and show compassion, remembering that faith, sight, and understanding are gifts given by God. Just as Jesus prayed for those who did not yet see, we, too, are to forgive, show patience, and pray that others may one day see the light of Christ.
Sources
- “Holy Bible, New International Version.” Biblica, https://www.biblica.com/bible/niv/luke/23/
- Augustine, “Confessions,” Book IX.
- “The Story of Ruth,” Bible.org, https://bible.org/article/story-ruth
- “Forgiveness and Spiritual Blindness in Matthew 13,” BibleGateway, https://www.biblegateway.com
- “The Grace of Faith: Ephesians 2:8-9,” BibleHub, https://biblehub.com
- My Diane