Tonight at institute we studied the “7 Words of Christ” on the cross — or rather seven phrases:

1. Luke 23:34 — “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
2. Luke 23:43 — “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
3. John 19:26–27 — “Woman, behold your son. Son Behold your mother.”
4. Matthew 27:46 & Mark 15:34 — “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”
5. John 19:28 — “I thirst.”
6. John 19:30 — “It is finished.”
7. Luke 23:46 — “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

I heard HWN in pondering these statements — and the one that stuck out to me today was Christ forgiving those who were crucifying him. This is particularly powerful in the context of His recent suffering in Gethsemane. He had experienced the choice to crucify Christ (himself) from the perspective of those who crucified him. He had first-hand knowledge of that choice — first-person perspective of committing the sin.

Had He not forgiven those who were crucifying Him, it would have been as if he were not forgiving Himself. And because Christ was perfect, and able to enter into God’s presence, all while having the first hand experience of sin (even sin against Himself!), it would follow that justice and mercy require the same opportunity be afforded those who committed the sin. Thus they are allowed forgiveness as they repent.

p.s. Kyle Collinsworth got is 10th triple double tonight at Loyola Marymount!!! (4 more than the 2nd place national record!)