Yes, Jesus' plea for forgiveness was significant because it rested on the ignorance of those who crucified Him, providing God's loophole for Israel.
Scripture records Jesus saying, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do' (Luke 23:34). Les Feldick explains that this ignorance was the basis for the plea, not merely grace alone. Because Israel did not know who Jesus was, God could extend mercy instead of immediate destruction. Peter later echoed this in Acts 3, saying they acted in ignorance.
Luke 23:34 — This is the direct verse where Jesus asks forgiveness, citing their ignorance as the reason.
In Luke 23:34, Jesus says, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.' This indicates that those crucifying Him were acting without full knowledge of His identity. The apostle Peter later affirms, 'And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers' (Acts 3:17). Similarly, Stephen prays, 'Lord, lay not this sin to their charge' (Acts 7:60), showing a consistent recognition of Israel's ignorance.
Les Feldick emphasizes that Jesus' prayer 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do' was a plea based on the ignorance of the Jewish nation. He explains that had they known who Jesus was, they would not have crucified Him, but because they acted in ignorance, God provided a 'loophole' for Israel. This ignorance allowed mercy, preventing the immediate destruction of the nation. Les also links this to the Old Testament concept of cities of refuge for accidental killings, and to Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 2:8 that had the rulers known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Jesus prayed for forgiveness because those crucifying Him did not know who He was. Les Feldick notes that this ignorance was the basis for the plea, as God could not have forgiven deliberate rejection. The plea was primarily for the nation of Israel, who bore the responsibility.
Les explains that Israel should have known who Jesus was from the Old Testament, but they did not. This ignorance, though not excusing their guilt, allowed for mercy. Peter and Stephen both appealed to this ignorance in their messages, offering Israel an escape route for repentance.
If Israel's leaders had known who Jesus was, they would not have crucified Him, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:8. Les notes that had they known, God would have had to destroy the nation for deliberate rejection. Their ignorance prevented such immediate judgment and opened the door for future mercy.
Why Israel Rejected Their Messiah — Acts 7 & Joseph Explained
coming again, to the nation of Israel. Whether they believe it or not, He's coming again. And there's going to be that same glorious emotional reunion when Israel recognizes their Messiah. I was reading in the Jerusalem Post here a while back, that the mayor, the ex -mayor, Teddy Collick, 80 some years old now, and he has just brought Jerusalem, you might say, from nothing to the beautiful city th…
God's Loophole for Israel
Les explains that Jesus' prayer cited Israel's ignorance as a 'loophole,' allowing God to spare the nation from immediate destruction.
Peter's Use of Ignorance
Les shows that Peter offered the same excuse of ignorance, linking it to Jesus' prayer and Stephen's similar plea, giving Israel an 'option' to repent.
Israel Should Have Known
Les emphasizes that Israel should have known who Jesus was, yet did not, making their ignorance the foundation for the forgiveness plea.
Escape Route for the Nation
Peter uses ignorance as an escape route for Israel, acknowledging their guilt but offering mercy because they didn't know who they were killing.
Leaders Didn't Know
Paul's statement that the princes did not know who Jesus was explains why they crucified Him; ignorance prevented them from recognizing the Lord of glory.
Ignorance as Mercy Basis
Les highlights that both Peter and Stephen claimed ignorance, showing that God did not zap humanity because their act was done in total ignorance.
Primarily for Israel
Les notes that Jesus' prayer was primarily for the Jewish nation, who bore the responsibility, rather than the Romans.
Luke 23:34: Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Jesus directly asks forgiveness, citing their ignorance.
Acts 3:17: And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
Peter tells Israel they acted in ignorance, echoing Jesus' prayer.
1 Corinthians 2:8: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Paul states that had the rulers known who Jesus was, they would not have crucified Him.
Acts 7:60: And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Stephen prays for forgiveness for his persecutors, following the same principle of ignorance.
Jesus asked forgiveness because the people acted in ignorance, not fully knowing who He was. This ignorance provided the basis for mercy, as God could not judge them as deliberately rejecting their Messiah.
Jesus primarily asked forgiveness for the nation of Israel, which bore the responsibility for His crucifixion, rather than the Romans.
If Israel had known, they would not have crucified Him, and God would have had to destroy the nation for deliberate rejection. Their ignorance prevented immediate judgment.
Watch the Teaching: Why Israel Rejected Their Messiah — Acts 7 & Joseph Explained