The Roman soldiers were feared because of their fighting style which featured short swords. Jesus didn’t have a sword or armor, but he was true God. He had the power to call on thousands of angels to fight for him. Imagine how the mighty Roman soldiers would have hid from fighting angels! Jesus didn’t call on his Father for angels to fight for him. He called on his Father for another reason.
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.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 23:32-34
Jesus didn’t fight back or curse the soldiers for crucifying him. Instead, Jesus loved those who hated him. Jesus asked his Father to forgive the soldiers who didn’t know him as the Son of God. Jesus didn’t come to destroy sinners but to save sinners. Jesus wasn’t fighting against soldiers—he fought for them. The Son of God gave up his life to forgive the sins of the world. Jesus was totally different from those who fight back, hold grudges, and hate others. He loved. He forgave. He saved. Jesus was different from the rest of the world so that he could forgive and save you! “Father forgive them.” And he did—in Jesus.
Excerpt from 5-Minute Bible Studies: For Families