Forgiveness at the Cross

Luke 23:34 “34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.”

Introduction:

Good morning, church. Today, we gather around one of the most profound, powerful, and heart-wrenching moments in all of Scripture: Jesus hanging on the cross. Just to add some context for my message.

Jesus had just finished praying in the garden of Gethsemane and he went back to where the disciples were. (You know they kept falling asleep while he prayed).

Then comes a crowd of religious folks, soldiers and Judas was there!

Remember, I told you Jesus had just finished praying, let me interject here that after you've been praying and worshipping that the devil will always show up.

Just adding some context

They arrest Jesus take him before the high priests and the Sanhedrin council then they take him before Pontius Pilate, because priests and the Sanhedrin didn't have authority to initiate capital punishment.

Pilate questions Jesus and Jesus responds “you have said so” pilot declares Jesus to be innocent sends him to Herod. Herod is excited to meet Jesus, hoping that Jesus would perform a miracle. But Jesus never says a mumbling word. Out Herod’s frustration he mocks and ridicule Jesus and send him to Pilate.

Pilate does all that he can to let Jesus go.

He has Jesus beaten and whipped (the whip had metal and bones in it. To cause pain and suffering.)

Pilate believed that beating him was enough, Pilate believed that whipping him was enough.

But the people declared give us Barabbas and and CRUCIFY HIM.

Pilate’s wife said have nothing to do with this man!

Pilate washed his hands before the people and he released Jesus to the people to be crucified.

The soldiers beat and whipped our savior all night long. they beat our savior all the way up the via delarosa they laid the cross on his back while the people kept on shouting crucify him, crucify him.

Thank God today that there was FORGIVENESS AT THE CROSS. For after all that Jesus had suffered HE still said

“Father forgive them for they know not what they do”

Three things and I’m out of your way!

Point 1: Forgiveness is Initiated, Not Earned

Jesus initiated forgiveness. The soldiers didn't ask for it. The crowd didn’t plead for it. The religious leaders didn’t admit wrongdoing. Yet, Jesus said, "Father, forgive them."

He didn’t wait for them to deserve it. He led with grace.

Why? Because forgiveness is not about waiting for the other person to make things right. It’s about choosing to do what's right in God’s eyes, even when it feels impossible.

Forgiveness is not a transaction. It is an act of faith.

So must we.

Point 2: Radical Forgiveness happens when Suffering!

Picture it: Jesus is nailed to a cross, struggling to breathe, being ridiculed by those He came to save. And His response is not anger, not bitterness, not revenge.

His response is prayer. His response is compassion.

"Father, forgive them."

That’s not normal. That’s divine.

Illustration: Think of someone who hurt you deeply. Now imagine yourself in the middle of that pain, not after you’ve healed, but right there in the heat of it. And now imagine saying, from your heart, “I forgive you.” That’s hard. It feels almost unnatural. That’s why forgiveness is supernatural.

Point 3: Forgiveness Reflects the Heart of the Father

Jesus doesn’t just forgive. He prays for forgiveness. He intercedes: “Father, forgive them...”

He could have called down angels. He could have judged. Instead, He reflects the very heart of God: one full of mercy.

Forgiveness is not just something God does—it’s who He is.

Hebrews 7:25 says Jesus always lives to intercede for us. That prayer from the cross wasn’t a one-time thing. He’s still interceding for us today.

Point 1: Forgiveness is Initiated, Not Earned

Point 2: Radical Forgiveness happens when Suffering!

Point 3: Forgiveness Reflects the Heart of the Father

Forgiveness at the Cross

Chorus At the cross, at the cross Where I first saw the light, And the burden of my heart rolled away, It was there by faith I received my sight, And now I am happy all the day!

Forgiveness at the Cross

Reflect on the biblical story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers. Years later, when they come seeking aid during a famine, Joseph has a choice—to hold on to bitterness or to initiate forgiveness. Rather than seeking revenge, Joseph chooses to embrace his brothers, reminding us of the transformative power of forgiveness. His story serves as a powerful illustration for teens and adults about initiating forgiveness, reinforcing that forgiveness is often a brave and necessary step towards healing and restoration.

Closing Challenge:

So let me ask you: Who do you need to forgive today?

Forgiveness doesn’t mean you excuse the wrong. It doesn’t mean you forget the pain. It means you no longer carry the bitterness. You no longer carry the burden.

“Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free… and realizing you were the prisoner.”

The cross is not just a symbol of suffering. It is the symbol of release. It is where sin was paid for and where forgiveness was poured out.

Let it pour into your heart today.

Let it pour into that relationship.

Let it pour into your past.

Let the forgiveness that flowed from Jesus flow through you.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the forgiveness we see at the cross. Teach us to forgive like Jesus. Heal our wounds. Soften our hearts. Make us more like You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Optional Ending: (If you’re including communion or ministry time) As we prepare our hearts for communion, let’s remember the words of Jesus: “Father, forgive them.” If there is anyone you need to forgive today, don’t take communion lightly. Let the Holy Spirit speak. Let forgiveness flow. Amen.