Bengy

Other than His mother Mary, Jesus own family were not there to ask. Also, because they thought He was being unreasonable and at an earlier time wanted to take Him in charge, had Mary gone with them, they may well have sought to keep her silent - after all, look what these teachings ended up doing to her son. He knew John loved Him. He knew John believed in His way and His truth. Mary, we are told, pondered these things in her heart. John has also been revealed as someone who pondered Jesus life, works and words. Because John really loved, he would be the best person to really look after His mother and and share thoughts and knowledge about Him. Many of these thoughts would later culminate in John's writings for the benefit of us all. Jesus first two words about forgiveness would have been heard by John and Mary. On reflection they would have realised that those words of forgiveness were not only for those crucifying Him but also for His absent disciples and relatives. Looking upon all those who had let her son down in His final hour with the love and merciful understanding of her son would free Mary and John to keep His words and works alive and in their ponderings, sharings and discussions would, together with the help of the Holy Spirit, reveal much to all Jesus disciples.

Jesus first words on the cross were "Father forgive them for they know not what they do". Knowing Jesus was innocent and knowing what Pilate had written on the cross, the theif was given the grace to recognise Jesus as the Messiah. Hence he asks Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. the