Discussing Jesus’ request on the cross, concerning the people complicit in his crucifixion (as well as Stephen, when he made a similar request as the Jews stoned him). Did God the Father “honor” this request, were these people truly forgiven, or perhaps just given “another chance” to repent? (as Peter told them in Acts and elsewhere, all would still be expected to change and repent, otherwise face eternal judgment at the hands of Christ as Supreme Judge) After all, even if they “didn’t know” He was the Son of God, they were still fully complicit in the murder of a man they all knew to be innocent (the Jewish leaders, the Roman leaders, the Roman soldiers, the Jewish mob, etc. etc.). Jesus in one way was stating to the Father that “it had to happen” for the plan of God to succeed.

Charles Melear

Charles Melear is the conference planner and an elder of the United Church of God serving the Loveland, Colorado, congregation.