TEXT: Luke 23:33-38
TEXT: “…Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…” (23:34).
Introduction: The words of the Lord Jesus as He hung upon the cross are precious. Spikes had been hammered through His quivering flesh; the instrument of torture had been raised and allowed to fall into its receptacle with such a jolt that all His bones were out of joint; He had been spat upon; His body had been lacerated with Roman whips; yet in excruciating pain the first words that fell from his lips were those of forgiveness-”…Father, forgive them…” (23:34). Here we see:I.The Prayer of Forgiving Love
(Luke 23:34 KJV) Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
1) The Submissiveness of His Petition FATHER
2) The Inclusiveness of His Intention.FORGIVE THEM
3) The Redemptiveness of His ContentionFUTURE
II. The Power of Forgiving Love (23:34)
1) It Is Magnetic—it will draw you to him
(Luke 23:40 KJV) But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation
(Luke 23:41 KJV) And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
(2)
(Luke 23:42 KJV) And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
2) It Is Dynamic—it will change you
(Luke 23:43 KJV) And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
III. The Pattern of Forgiving Love (23:34)
1) There Is a Cross that We Must Bear
HE SHARED THAT DAY HIS LIFES BLOOD FOR EVERY SINNER(Luke 23:34 KJV) Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
2) There Is a Christ that We Must Share
Conclusion:
Peter tells us, “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example…” (1 Pet. 2:21). He is the Pattern of forgiving love. May we exemplify that power by forgiving others in love
SHARE HIM BY ENTHUIASIM
SHARE HIM BY EXPERIENCE
THE GREATEST WORDS HE EVER SAID WAS I FORGIVE
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