And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. Luke 23:34 (RSV)
In about twelve hours, Jesus has been betrayed, arrested, denied, falsely accused, beaten, rejected, humiliated, and crucified. This abuse of an innocent man would be enough to turn nearly anyone bitter and resentful of their tormentors.
Yet as the wounds in His hands and feet are still burning with the pain of the spikes driven through flesh and bone, the jarring of His entire body as the cross is dropped into place, the first words Jesus speaks are words of divine mercy.
'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' Forgive the betrayer, the denier, the disciples who fled, the priests and scribes who falsely accused, Pilate for his cowardice, the soldiers who drove the nails, the howling mod mocking and tormenting, forgive the whole world.
Such mercy lies beyond comprehension, and the mind falters at grace so profound. Sadly, many ears were deaf to this mercy. Many were pleased with themselves that they had done God the favor of getting rid of Jesus. Many were doing their duty to Pilate and Rome. Many had turned from shouting 'hosanna' on Sunday last to demanding His crucifixion on Friday. Many had come out to 'see the show' of the suffering of the crucified. Yes, some came to be forgiven, for they knew that Jesus was the hope of the world.
Among those whose ears were listening was a common thief crucified next to Jesus. His partner dying next to Jesus was demanding Jesus bail him out, get him off the cross, help him avoid yet again the consequences of his choices. The other, just a guilty, just as condemned, indeed just as hopeless, does not beg for his life. He has heard Jesus forgive any whose ears have heard. Perhaps for the very first time in his life, this thief finally saw that the Father's love was his as well.
In the words of Jesus, he heard of mercy and grace that he finally understood was his. He knew he had no claim on Jesus. He looked at the truth of his life and saw no hope, save in the man dying next to him. 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.'
This day, Jesus promises, this day you will be with me in paradise. This day as death seeks to do its worst, as we bleed out and die. As we are laid cold in our graves, even today, you will be with me. The forgiveness Jesus offers is the gate of paradise, the promise of heaven through the Father's mercy.
Good Friday is good through the forgiveness Jesus offers to any who has ears to hear and faith to trust the promise of the dying Savior. Faith trusts that today is not death's day. It is the beginning of paradise.