Seven Sayings from the Cross -- Forgiveness
Luke 23:34

Sermon Outline from the Morning Service - 12 March 2000

I. They didn't know what they were doing. (Acts; 3:17 13:27; 1 Cor. 2:8)

A. "Them" refers to the Jewish leaders and people who shouted for His crucifixion, Pilate & the Roman soldiers who crucified Him.

1. They thought they were merely executing a man, a criminal. But they did know that the trial and treatment of Jesus was not right.
2. They didn't know that He was God, the Son -- Acts 2:23. (See also Gen. 50:20)

B. Though they didn't know what they were doing, God was accomplishing His purposes by this. No one is beyond the reach of our prayers!

C. There is sin, guilt and punishment even for sins done in ignorance.   Ignorance is not a basis for forgiveness (e.g., if you don't know it, it's okay). Ignorance is not a valid excuse, though it does diminish guilt.

II. Jesus' response to mistreatment is instructive.

A. Jesus prayed. (not schemed, manipulated, worked.....)

B. Jesus prayed for His enemies; He audibly expresses His heart's desire concerning them to God.

C. Jesus prayed for their forgiveness.

1. He could have prayed for no greater thing. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute sin. Not all their sins were forgiven, only this one, by the divine right of whom it was against.
2. Jesus was following what He Himself taught. 6:27-28. Jesus was practicing what he preached. He didn't teach what He Himself would not do.
3. Jesus was praying as a man, and not speaking as God. He leaves it to the Father's prerogative to act.
4. He was teaching us to learn and imitate. If you've experienced His love, you can imitate that love in your relationships with others.
5. Jesus taught us to have an attitude of forgiveness even when others haven't sought forgiveness. This doesn't condone sin, but it does love the sinner. "Love suffers long and is kind....endures all things."