His Prayer for His Enemies

The love of God toward sinners is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. What the Lord had required of man had been accomplished and fulfilled by Jesus Christ on behalf of sinners. He kept all the commandments of God and led a holy life despite the sinful world which surrounded Him. Whichever commandment the first Adam had failed to keep, had been perfectly kept by the Messiah even unto death on the cross. He was obedient and faithful to finish His course and mission as His Father commended Him. This act of obedience is often called the Active and Passive obedience of Christ.

One proof that shows the endurance of Jesus Christ to finish His course is seen clearly while He was still hung on the cross. Despite the excruciating pain He bore on the cross, He gave Himself unto prayer for those enemies that were still waiting for His death. There was not a thought of revenge in His heart, but rather He saw the sinfulness and the sorrow of those enemies, living without God and obeying God. He prayed to His Father saying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). As Lockyer rightly said, "For the pains Jesus received, He responded with prayers for those who ill-treated Him; He met indignities with intercession, suffering with supplication. He had taught His disciples to pray for those who would despitefully treat them: and at the Cross, He practiced what He had preached. What incomparable magnanimity! . . . He never paid people back in their own coin. He overcame evil with good. It takes much grace to kiss the hand that wounds. Retaliation was not in our Lord’s vocabulary."

How great the love of God toward sinners is! The intercessional prayer He offered to His father revealed that He had a very earnest longing for His persecutors to have another chance to repent of their sins. Jesus knew without this opportunity, His enemies would never taste victorious living and have eternal life. They will be lost in their sins and die without knowing their Messiah. This act of offering intercessional prayer was clearly predicted by the Psalmist when he said “For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer” (Ps. 109:4).