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 (Luke23:32-34).

Our Loving Saviour Jesus Christ, in His moment of greatest pain, did a most unusual thing. He prayed for His persecutors. “Father forgive them…” 

Even more astounding, He gave a defence for their actions. “They do not know what they are doing.”

In court, when a defendant is charged with murder, sometimes they plead “not guilty by reason of insanity”. The insanity defence may apply if the defendant is so sick that he is incapable of understanding his own actions. Perhaps the defendant does not understand what he did. He does not understand that he ended someone’s life. Or perhaps the defendant’s sickness prevents her from distinguishing right from wrong. 

“They don’t know what they’re doing…” Was Jesus giving his persecutors an insanity defence? Were the people who crucified Jesus mentally incapable of understanding their actions? Or was it more of a spiritual incapacity? Perhaps one that afflicted humanity from the time of Adam and Eve’s first sin?

“They don’t know what they are doing…” A most unexpectedly charitable defence of wrongdoers by their victim. But who is “them” and “they”? Who does not know what they are doing? To whom does Jesus wish to extend forgiveness? Pilate, who knowingly convicted an innocent man? The Roman soldiers who nailed his hands and feet to the cross? The religious leaders and crowds who demanded “Crucify him!”? The disciples, His friends who deserted Him in His time of need? Judas who betrayed Him? Certainly all these. But not just them. 

Consider these lyrics by singer Ray Boltz:

I was in the crowd

The day that Jesus died

And as He hung upon the cross

His mother cried

I saw the crown of thorns He wore

The stripes upon His back

The water and the blood ran out

And then the sky turned black

My mind was filled with anger

My heart was filled with shame

This man brought only healing

Who could bring Him pain

Why does it seem the strong

Always victimize the weak?

And suddenly I found myself

Standing to my feet

And I cried, “Who nailed Him there?

This Child of peace and mercy

Who nailed Him there?

Come and face me like a man

Who nailed Him there?”

And the crowd began to mock me

I cried, “Oh my God, I do not understand”

Then I turned and saw the hammer

In my hand

I nailed Him there

The child of peace and mercy

I nailed Him there

I am the guilty one

“They don’t know what they are doing…”

‘They’ is me! And you.

The ones so well loved by Our Saviour. But for our sin there would have been no need for an incarnation and no need for a crucifixion.

Let us pray

Lord Jesus, at the time of your loving crucifixion, as you hung dying for my sins, you said “Father forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing. Lord, give me the grace to respond by repenting always of my own sins; by coming before you in the sacrament of reconciliation saying: “Father forgive me, for I have sinned.” And so to receive the forgiveness that you bought for me at so great a price. Amen.