Sermon Notes Courtesy of Dr. Tamala R. Maddox
45 Way of the Cross
Forgiveness
Luke 23:33 –
Father forgive them for they know not what they do.
Lessons to be learned from how Jesus died. We can learn to live better by looking at how He died.
When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.
How do you forgive someone like that? Where do you go to find forgiveness under those circumstances.
Luke wrote, “There they crucified Him.” Simple words. Doesn’t tell how horrific crucifixion was. There was no worse death than crucifixion. It lasted hours and the purpose was to make the person being crucified to suffer. Wanted others to know, don’t mess with us. It was the most extreme torture. Jesus’s mother didn’t recognize Him by the time He actually made it to the cross. It was not simple that He did for us.
What is it about Jesus’s crucifixion that shows us how to live?
First word He said on the cross was Father. He starts praying audibly.
I. His prayer reinforces the significance of Relationship
Him saying Father reinforces the significance. It implies a relationship that is beyond any other. Jesus never had anything of material wealth. For all He didn’t have, the one thing He did have was a relationship with His Father. When things were bad, when the disciples were not listening…He turned to His Father…the listening ear. He consistently looked to His Father. In the Word, He proclaimed that I and the Father are one. The same relationship that I have, you can have. Jesus is the reason we have a relationship with the Father. He created bond with us and the Father. We should not let a moment go by that we’re not saying Our Father.
II. His prayer elevates the practice of forgiveness
He said two words – “Father forgive” Christ didn’t think of Himself. He didn’t ask for relief or pray about His suffering. He wasn’t trying to escape His torture. He prayed for others. He prayed for what WE needed most, not what He needed most. When the “hotness” of life hits you, what’s in you slips out.
He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our inequities. The chastisement of our peace was upon him. And by His stripes, we are healed.
With every lash, we got better.
III. His prayer is a mirror to my soul
He said “Father forgive them” Who is them? Who was responsible? We need to come to grips with our own complicity in this act. None are innocent….Paul says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We all could have been standing there. We need to examine our own role. Are we the “them”? We have problems with diversity. We want everyone to be like us. How many times have we remained silent because it made us feel uncomfortable.
IV. His prayer brings conviction
That’s what his prayer was about. You must accept your own guilt.