The purpose of the crucifixion is summed up in Jesus’ first recorded utterance on the cross-forgiveness (Luke 23:34). Ponder this verse: the Greek text uses a diversitive conjunction which is better captured by the English ‘but’ than ‘and’ or ‘then’; so the contrast between man’s action and Christ’s action is most marked. The contrast is between man’s base action and Christ’s forgiveness; man’s utter unworthiness for this forgiveness cannot be over stressed. This is forgiveness at its most gracious level. This verse draws our attention to another deeply involved Person in this ultimate drama—the Father. Jesus’ plea, “Father, forgive them for they do not fully know what they are doing!” was the most urgent plea imaginable. Surely, nothing could provoke the Father to anger more than to humiliate, abuse, and then execute as a common criminal His spotless, sinless, beloved only Son? Only the Son could stay Him. How can we know what pain our sins put God the Father through?