Words of Forgiveness (Sunday Morning, 3-24-19)

Introduction:

A. Final words have great significance (Lk. 23:34; Is. 53:12).

B. Remarkable calmness of Christ in purchasing our redemption (Mt. 27:34; Lk. 23:34; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 2:23).

C. “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Lk. 23:34).

I. These Words Reveal the Depth of His Love.

A. They were spoken in the midst of unspeakable cruelty (Lk. 23:33-37; Mt. 27:44).

B. The measure of sacrificial love (Jn. 15:13; Rm. 5:6-10; 8:35, 37-39).

C. Where do your thoughts turn in times of suffering? (Is. 53:5; Hb. 12:2; Lk. 23:34).

II. These Words Reveal the Consistency of His Life.

A. Jesus taught the importance of forgiveness (Mt. 18:21-22, 35).

B. How much are you willing to forgive? (Col. 3:12-13; Lk. 23:34 cf. Lk. 17:3-4).

C. Jesus’ prayer from the cross is our standard (Lk. 23:34; Acts 7:60; Mt. 26:53; Ph. 2:8; Mt. 5:43-44

Conclusion:

A. Ultimately, sin is a personal affront to God (Ps. 51:4).

B. Christ’s prayer was not answered independently of human will (Acts 2:37-38; 3:17; 1 Cor. 2:8).

C. “Not knowing” does not absolve us from sin (Jn. 8:32; 2 Th. 1:7-9; Rm. 1:20; Acts 17:27; Jn. 14:6 ; Mt. 7:7; Jn. 20:27).