By Pastor Dave Holland
“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.” (Luke 23:32–34 NIV)
Picture yourself in a church in ancient Rome, Corinth or Ephesus in the second century. Your pastor has just received a scroll from Dr. Luke describing the death of Christ. As a Roman citizen, you feel uneasy, because it was your people who carried out the crucifixion. In truth, humanity itself drove the nails.
Two criminals were led out with Jesus to be executed. They were guilty; He was not. Pilate admitted as much. It was hatred, pride and greed that demanded Jesus’ death. Yet, in His agony, Jesus prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Who was He forgiving? The criminals? The soldiers? The religious leaders? The crowd? The truth is staggering: Jesus laid bare the promise of forgiveness for us all. Past, present, and future.
The cross was not His darkest hour, but His finest. This is the peak of Christian revelation—grace revealed as forgiveness.
We see this same spirit in Acts 7 when Stephen, as stones rained down upon him, prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Forgiveness is the rarest, most heroic act of faith. Paul echoes it in Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Even Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor and philosopher, seemed to glimpse this truth. Each morning he reminded himself: “Today you will meet unpleasant people; they will hurt you, insult you. But you cannot live like that. You know better.”
The Place of the Skull
What is Calvary—the place of the skull? It’s where humanity told God, “We don’t want You interfering in our lives.” And yet it is also where Jesus showed us what to do with humanity’s worst sins: forgive. That is the Jesus prayer. It must become ours, too.
A Modern Picture of Grace
Jessica, a young woman from Guthrie, Oklahoma, recently offered a living example. While shopping, a man stole her wallet. She tracked him down quietly and said, “I think you have something of mine. You have two choices—return it and I’ll forgive you, or I can turn you in.”
Ashamed, the man handed it back, apologizing repeatedly. Jessica then stunned him further—she walked with him to the checkout and paid $27 for his groceries: bread, milk, bologna, crackers, cheese and soup.
“The last thing he said was, ‘I’ll never forget tonight. I’m broke, I have kids, I’m embarrassed, and I’m so sorry.’”
Critics said she should have pressed charges, but Jessica replied, “Sometimes all you need is a second chance.”
That is Christian forgiveness—releasing someone from what they owe, even when they don’t deserve it.
Forgiving Like Jesus
So, who has wronged you? Who took from you, spoke against you, betrayed you, or hurt you deeply? Jesus absorbed the blame of the world so you wouldn’t have to carry it. Your part is to extend the grace you’ve received.
The place of forgiveness is not easy ground. It often feels like the skull—bleak, painful, humiliating. Yet, it is the place where resurrection hope begins.
When bitterness tempts you, return to Calvary. Listen again to Jesus’ words: “Father, forgive them.” Then make them your own.
Dave Holland pastored churches for over 38 years before retiring in Destin, Florida. He recently released a new devotional Bible study based on the Gospel of Luke titled Every Day Jesus: Experience the Jesus Who Ignites Your Soul. Learn more at DaveHolland.org or by emailing davidvholland54@gmail.com. Pastor Dave is also available to preach and teach in churches and conferences.
