Luke 23:34 (ESV)
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

When Jesus prayed for the forgiveness of those who were crucifying him, he may have had in mind everyone who participated in his condemnation. That would include those who mocked him and the Jewish and Roman leaders.

But, think with me for a moment about one of those who heard Jesus pray for his forgiveness. I’m talking about the centurion who very likely was in charge of carrying out Jesus’ execution. He had probably overseen many executions, but this one affected him differently.

Mark tells us, “And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39 ESV)
It is interesting to think that while Peter and the other disciples were denying Jesus, this man was confessing him openly.

I believe this was most likely his open confession of faith. He couldn’t have said anything at that moment that would have revealed his faith more that this. He acknowledged that Jesus is God’s Son.

Jesus’ prayer for forgiveness was based upon the ignorance of those who were condemning him (“for they know not what they do”). But at this point, the centurion had realized what he had done. Isn’t that the first step in repentance, to admit you did wrong? The centurion had come to realize that he had participated in crucifying the Son of God.

Think about it: in heaven today most likely is the centurion who nailed Jesus to the cross, forgiven by the Lord even while he was crucifying him.