PARADOX OF FORGIVENESS

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jesus shows how to forgive

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Forgiving Like Jesus: The Ultimate Act of Grace

Bible Passage: Luke 23:34

Intro: As we approach the season of Easter Today we are starting a New sermon series on what some would call the seven last words of Jesus it is saying that Jesus would mumble while entering into the final moment of his Earthly ministry. That’s what brings us to our first saying In Luke 23 :34. To Give us context Jesus is getting ready to be crucified and is brought before Pontius Pilate amd he stands before his accusers and Pilate and Because they want Jesus to be crucify on the cross the Demand Jesus would be beat and hung on a cross. Pilate says that he cant find anything wrong in Jesus matter fact Pilate ask a question what evil has he done? So Pilate tells Jesus accusers to take him before King Herod and they did And King Herod had heard about Jeus and wanted him to show some super natural sign and beacuse Jesus didnt he sent him back to Pontius Pilate. So Pilate says I still can not find no wrong so i will punish him and then release him. But that wasn't good enough for them they said away with this man they wanted to put to death. Matter of fact they wanted to do away with Jesus so bad that demanded that you give us Barabbas. Now Jesus had done no wrong he has healed sick people,open blinded eyes, he has made lame people to walk again ,he forgave sins of the people He was perfect in all of his ways Jesus was and is what some think we are and that is perfect. Matter fact In first Peter 2:22 The Bible says talking about Jesus said He did no sin and no guile was find in his mouth. In other words Jesus didn't commit no sin nor did he speak deceitfully . But yet because of their strong disdain For Christ they demanded that a murderer and riot starter would be release to them. SO Pilate grants them their request and gives into the death of Jesus. And now Jesus is their Hanging on the Cross in pain but he mustered up enough strength to utter the words Father forgive them. While he is therer in pain and agony bleeding from his head because they press a crown of thorns on his Head, With his back whipped up because he was beaten with a cattails that pulled chunks of flesh of out of his with every hit. With Nails in his hands and Nails in his suffering. And to add insult to injury they are casting lots for his clothes in other words they gambling for his clothes in the midst of that Jesus offers up word of prayer not to release his pain but that his beaters would be forgiven.

Summary: In Luke 23:34, Jesus, despite enduring immense suffering, utters a prayer of forgiveness for those who are crucifying Him, demonstrating unconditional love and mercy even in his final moments.

Application: This passage teaches us that true forgiveness can be offered even in the most painful and unjust situations. It encourages Christians to reflect on their own hearts and relationships, urging them to extend grace and forgiveness to those who hurt them, just as Christ forgave from the cross.

1. Forgiveness Amidst Agony

Luke 23:34a

In contrast to the hate and rejection expressed in crucifixion (cf. Ps. 22:6-8), Jesus manifested love and forgiveness for the soldiers who crucified Him. He prayed for them, basing His petition for mercy on their ignorance, even though at the same time they were stealing and gambling for His garments—in fulfillment of prophecy (Ps. 22:18). Luke's inclusion of Jesus' prayer for His executioners harmonizes with his emphasis on Jesus offering grace and forgiveness to sinners (cf. 7:40-43; 19:10). If Jesus had had any sins of His own to confess, this would have been the time to do so. He did not, so He prayed for others who were sinners instead. Stephen followed Jesus' good example here when he later died at the hands of his persecutors (Acts 7:60). Luke may have wanted his readers to see Jesus' act as a good model for disciples.

Application: Jesus Shows us that even in the most painful circumstances forgiveness should always be available. There saying that say sticks and stones may break my bones b ut words will never hurt me that a lie. There are some deeds and words that can cause us some pain in our hearts. But even those painful places we should still offer forgiveness.

2. Forgiveness in Ignorance

Luke 23:34b

Jesus utters not only father forgive them. But hes says for they know not what they do. Now when i use to read this text it use confuse me because i didn’t understand what Jesus meant when he said they know not what they do. When i look at early church History this was not the first time someone had been crucify. This not the first time that the Jews has condemned some to death. But also it not the first time the Romans nailed someone to the cross. A matter of fact this was common practice for them this why others feared them because Romans had a history of using blunt force to get what they want. This is why when we read later on in the gospels we see two thieves hanging there next to Jeus on the cross this was a common practice. Crucifixion was a common method of punishment in the Roman Empire. Victims were suspended from a large cross and left to die from asphyxiation or exhaustion. The process was long and drawn out, and was extremely painful . In other words they knew what they was doing it was by an accident. The Holy sprit lets me know they knew what they was doing. But they didnt know to whom they were doing it to. They didnt know the one who be hanging on the cross and being crucify would turn out to be not just king of the jews But he would be the king of kings. In theier ignorance of him He still finds compassion to forgive them.

Perhaps focus on the phrase 'for they know not what they do.' Jesus extends His compassion to those acting in ignorance. This highlights the depth of His understanding and patience with human failings. We often encounter people who hurt us unintentionally, and reflecting on Jesus' perspective can inspire us to forgive those who might not even realize their wrongdoing. This lesson can transform how we view others' offenses, opening our hearts to forgive more freely.

3. Forgiveness as Salvation

Luke 23:34c
Maybe explore the finality and hope in Jesus' prayer for forgiveness. His words don't just address the moment but extend to all of humanity, signifying God's overarching plan for salvation. This global perspective on forgiveness mirrors the call for believers to 'forgive as the Lord forgave you' (Colossians 3:13). Encouraging your audience to see their personal forgiveness as part of a bigger picture can inspire them to practice grace universally.

LUKE 23:34 : 

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