Father Forgive Them
February 13, 2005 - Luke 23.32-38
Open It
When have you had to endure teasing or abuse?
How were you dependent on your parents when you were young?
Explore It
What do Jesus' words on the cross reveal about his character? (23:34)
How was Jesus treated by others while he was hanging on the cross? (23:35-39)
Get It
What prevents many people from turning to Jesus?
For what do we need to approach Jesus?
For what are we dependent on God?
How does Jesus' response to his approaching death set an example for all Christians?
What does this passage teach you about forgiveness?
How should we imitate Christ's example of forgiveness?
Why did Jesus choose not to save himself from His suffering on the cross?
Toward what people do you need to follow Christ's example of forgiveness?
Apply It
With what prayer could you say thank you to Jesus this week for his gift of forgiveness?
How can you place a new area of your life in Christ's hands?
Notes
Luke 23:34: Jesus asked God to forgive the people who were putting him to death-Jewish leaders, Roman politicians and soldiers, bystanders-and God answered that prayer by opening up the way of salvation even to Jesus' murderers. The Roman centurion and soldiers who witnessed the crucifixion said, "Surely he was the Son of God" (Matthew 27:54). Soon many priests were converted to the Christian faith (Acts 6:7). Because we are all sinners, we all played a part in putting Jesus to death. The gospel-the Good News-is that God is gracious. He will forgive us and give us new life through his Son.
Luke 23:34: Roman soldiers customarily divided up the clothing of executed criminals among themselves. When they cast lots for Jesus' clothes, they fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 22:18.
Luke 23:38: This sign was meant to be ironic. A king, stripped and executed in public view, had obviously lost his kingdom forever. But Jesus, who turns the world's wisdom upside down, was just coming into his kingdom. His death and resurrection would strike the deathblow to Satan's rule and would establish Christ's eternal authority over the earth. Few people reading the sign that bleak afternoon understood its real meaning, but the sign was absolutely true. All was not lost. Jesus is King of the Jews-and the Gentiles, and the whole universe.