Forgiveness from the Cross (Luke 23:32–49)
In Luke 23:32–49, we witness the most powerful moment in history—the death of Jesus on the cross. It’s a painful scene, but also one filled with love, forgiveness, and hope.
Crucified with Criminals
Jesus wasn’t crucified alone. Two criminals were also sentenced to die that day, and they were placed on either side of Him. This was part of how the world treated Jesus—as if He were just another criminal. But even in this horrible situation, Jesus was different.
As the soldiers nailed Him to the cross, Jesus said something shocking:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Think about that. While He was suffering, Jesus prayed for the very people who were hurting Him. He didn’t respond with anger or hate. He responded with forgiveness.
Mocked by Many, Trusted by One
As Jesus hung on the cross, some people stood nearby mocking Him. They said things like, “If you’re really the King, save yourself!” Even one of the criminals beside Him joined in the insults.
But the other criminal saw something different in Jesus. He told the first man to stop, saying they were being punished fairly, but Jesus had done nothing wrong. Then he turned to Jesus and said,
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
And Jesus replied with incredible kindness:
“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Even in His final moments, Jesus offered mercy and hope to someone who believed in Him.
Darkness and Death
Around noon, the sky went dark for three hours. It was as if all of creation was mourning what was happening. Then Jesus cried out loudly, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,” and He died.
At that moment, something amazing happened. A Roman centurion—a soldier who had likely seen many executions—praised God and said,
“Surely this was a righteous man.”
The people who had come to watch were filled with sorrow. They had seen something they couldn’t explain—something holy and heartbreaking all at once.
What This Means for Us
This passage shows us that Jesus didn’t just die—He died for us. He took on the punishment we deserve so we could be forgiven. He showed love to His enemies, gave hope to a criminal, and stayed faithful to God until His last breath.
Even in death, Jesus was full of grace.
It also shows us that no one is too far gone. The criminal on the cross had nothing to offer, no time to fix his past, and no way to earn forgiveness. All he did was trust Jesus—and that was enough.
Final Thought
Luke 23:32–49 reminds us that the cross is not just a symbol of pain—it’s a symbol of love, forgiveness, and the open door to eternal life. Jesus gave everything so we could have a fresh start with God.
If you’ve ever wondered whether God can forgive you, look at the cross—and remember what Jesus said:
“Father, forgive them.”
That includes you.
Luke 23:32-49 (WEB)
23:32 There were also others, two criminals, led with him to be put to death. 33 When they came to the place that is called “The Skull”, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots. 35 The people stood watching. The rulers with them also scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen one!”36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming to him and offering him vinegar, 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”38 An inscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”39 One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!”40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Don’t you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”43 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 45 The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last.47 When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous man.” 48 All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their chests. 49 All his acquaintances and the women who followed with him from Galilee stood at a distance, watching these things.