Cross Words, 2of9

~ Words To His Father Expressing Forgiveness & Compassion ~

Jesus Christ made seven gripping last statements while He was dying for our sins on the Cross of Calvary.  This is part of a Sunday series looking at the last words of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The Passage (phrase 1)  ~  “There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death.  And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.  Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’.” (Luke 23:32-34a).

Comments  ~  A good one-word summary of the message of the Bible is “forgiveness.”  The Cross answers the question regarding the penalty and remedy for sin. 

Don’t Miss This  ~  (1) In the midst of intense physical and spiritual suffering Jesus Christ was focused on others rather than His own difficult circumstances.  (2) Forgiveness is hard to do in our human nature.  (3) The Christian has been given a new—divine—nature.  (4) Those who truly understand how much they were forgiven at the Cross are able to forgive others for the wrongs against them—and they are both capable and have the responsibility to do so!  Not to forgive is to deny the power of the Cross in your life.  (5) The only sin God will not forgive is the failure to accept the payment for your sin by Jesus Christ—The Messiah on the Cross of Calvary. 

the key question: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). This is the most important question you will ever answer. If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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