He sees and understands that their death is grievous, and so he forgives them all the more. As I grow older, I'm more aware of my moral weakness and that my days are numbered. In the end, my life will be completely in God's hands realizing that my being is totally dependent of God. Humility is truth about our dependence on God and nothing bring about this realization more readily than the shortness of life.
Death is the great equalizer.
It does not matter who you are, how important you are, if you are rich or poor, liked or disliked. Everyone must die. To contemplate death helps us to realize our dependence of God. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.