The Pleading King
Monday, April 21
Luke 23:33-34 (NKJV)
“And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.”
Devotion
He could’ve spoken fire. He could’ve summoned legions. He could’ve rebuked the earth and the ones who pierced it. But he didn't. At the very place where pain shouted loudest, Jesus whispered the softest mercy.
No retaliation. No lecture. No “Why did you do this to Me?” He didn’t say: “Why pierce the hands that fed you?” “Why nail the feet that chased after you in mercy?” “Why mock the One who loved to bless you?” He didn’t say, “I forgive you.” He said, “Father, forgive them.”
Because even in agony, Jesus chose the lowest place, not just to forgive,but to plead for our forgiveness.
The King of majesty didn’t claim his throne. He laid it down. Fastened to a cross, he took the humble place of an Intercessor, pleading not just for the soldiers who drove the nails, or the Pharisees who raised the accusations, but for every soul that has ever wandered far. Including ours.
He didn’t just forgive with words. He forgave with his blood. He forgave with his body. He forgave with his silence. And with his final breath, he interceded. And he still does.
Hebrews 7 tells us: He lives forever to intercede for us, pleading his blood over every shame, every failure, every fractured heart. When you feel unworthy to speak, remember: He is still speaking for you. When your prayers feel too broken to rise, He is still rising to the throne, pleading your name in love.
What kind of King does this? The kind who chooses pleading over punishing. The kind who dies for the guilty and still asks the Father to forgive. The kind whose last words weren’t a rebuke, but a rescue. And those words still echo now.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Jesus, he could’ve condemned us, but instead, he pleaded for us. Even in pain, he chose mercy. Thank You for loving us that deeply. Teach us to forgive like You, to love when it’s hard, and to remember that even now, You’re still interceding for us. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Because Jesus intercedes for us with mercy instead of judgment, we are called to live with that same spirit of mercy toward others. When we are hurt, misunderstood, or wronged, we can choose the posture of intercession over retaliation. Ask: How can I pray for the ones who hurt me instead of replaying the offense? Who in your life needs mercy more than they need a lecture?
Resources