Forgiveness and Grace: Jesus' Last Words on the Cross
Summary
In reflecting on the significance of last words, we are reminded of their profound impact, whether they are humorous, tragic, or enlightening. The last words of Jesus Christ, spoken from the cross, hold unparalleled eternal significance. As we delve into these words, we begin with His first statement, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," recorded in Luke 23:34. This prayer, uttered amidst His crucifixion, reveals Jesus' routine of prayer, His request for forgiveness, and His reasoning behind it.
Jesus' routine of prayer is evident throughout His ministry, beginning with His baptism and culminating in His final moments on the cross. His consistent communication with the Father challenges us to cultivate a similar pattern of prayer in our lives. Remarkably, His prayer on the cross was not for Himself but for His enemies, exemplifying the depth of His love and grace.
The request for forgiveness is profound, as it fulfills prophecies and demonstrates Jesus' role as our intercessor. His prayer was not a one-time utterance but a continuous plea for those who crucified Him. This act of intercession fulfills the prophecies of Isaiah and the Psalms, highlighting Jesus' obedience to the Father's will and His role as the mediator between God and humanity.
Jesus' reasoning, "for they know not what they do," underscores the ignorance of those who crucified Him. While ignorance does not absolve guilt, it opens the door for grace and forgiveness. This statement invites us to recognize our own ignorance and need for forgiveness, urging us to accept the pardon offered through Christ's sacrifice.
The prayer of Jesus serves as both a monument of forgiveness and a model for us to follow. It challenges us to forgive others as we have been forgiven, transforming our hearts and lives. The impact of Jesus' prayer extends beyond the immediate context, reaching across time to include all of humanity, offering hope and redemption to all who believe.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Prayer in Suffering: Jesus' consistent prayer life, even in His final moments, challenges us to maintain a routine of prayer, especially in times of suffering. His prayer for His enemies exemplifies the depth of His love and grace, urging us to pray for those who wrong us. [06:48]
2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' prayer on the cross fulfills multiple prophecies, demonstrating His obedience to the Father's will and His role as the mediator between God and humanity. This fulfillment of prophecy underscores the divine plan of salvation and invites us to trust in God's promises. [09:59]
3. Ignorance and Grace: Jesus' statement, "for they know not what they do," highlights the ignorance of those who crucified Him, opening the door for grace and forgiveness. This invites us to recognize our own ignorance and need for forgiveness, urging us to accept the pardon offered through Christ's sacrifice. [23:43]
4. Forgiveness as a Model: Jesus' prayer serves as a model for us to forgive others as we have been forgiven. This act of forgiveness transforms our hearts and lives, breaking the cycle of bitterness and revenge, and aligning us with the heart of God. [22:32]
5. The Offer of Pardon: The pardon offered through Jesus' sacrifice must be accepted to be effective. Ignorance does not absolve guilt, but the offer of forgiveness invites us to embrace the grace and redemption available through Christ, transforming our lives and securing our eternal hope. [32:24]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:07] - The Significance of Last Words
- [02:09] - Tragic and Angry Last Words
- [03:03] - Despairing Words of John Wilkes Booth
- [04:30] - Jesus' Last Words on the Cross
- [05:55] - Jesus' Routine of Prayer
- [06:48] - The Crowning Jewel of God's Love
- [08:47] - Jesus' Sacrificial Prayer
- [09:59] - Fulfillment of Prophecy
- [11:11] - Interceding for Sinners
- [13:33] - Impact on the Roman Soldiers
- [16:12] - The Ripple Effect of Forgiveness
- [19:04] - A Model for Forgiving Others
- [23:43] - Ignorance and Accountability
- [32:24] - The Offer of Pardon
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 23:34
- Isaiah 53:12
- Psalm 22:18
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#### Observation Questions
1. What was the first statement Jesus made on the cross, and what does it reveal about His character? [04:30]
2. How does the sermon describe Jesus' routine of prayer throughout His life and ministry? [06:48]
3. What prophecies are fulfilled by Jesus' prayer on the cross, as mentioned in the sermon? [09:59]
4. How did the Roman soldiers react to Jesus' prayer, and what impact did it have on them? [14:46]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Jesus' prayer for His enemies teach about His understanding of forgiveness and grace? [08:47]
2. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' prayer reinforce the divine plan of salvation? [09:59]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that ignorance opens the door for grace and forgiveness? [23:43]
4. How does Jesus' prayer serve as a model for believers in terms of forgiving others? [22:32]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own prayer life. How can you cultivate a routine of prayer similar to Jesus', especially during times of suffering? [06:48]
2. Consider a situation where you have been wronged. How can Jesus' example of praying for His enemies inspire you to forgive those who have hurt you? [08:47]
3. How can the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' life encourage you to trust in God's promises for your own life? [09:59]
4. Identify an area in your life where you might be acting out of ignorance. How can you seek God's grace and forgiveness in that area? [23:43]
5. Think of someone you find difficult to forgive. What steps can you take this week to begin the process of forgiveness, following Jesus' model? [22:32]
6. How can you actively accept the pardon offered through Jesus' sacrifice in your daily life? What changes might this require in your thoughts or actions? [32:24]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt the need to retaliate. How can Jesus' example of non-retaliation guide you in responding differently in the future? [20:04]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Prayer in Adversity
In the midst of His crucifixion, Jesus exemplified the power of prayer by interceding for His enemies, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." This act of prayer, even in His suffering, challenges us to maintain a routine of prayer, especially when we face trials. Jesus' consistent communication with the Father throughout His life, culminating in this moment, demonstrates the depth of His love and grace. His prayer was not for Himself but for those who wronged Him, urging us to pray for those who hurt us and to cultivate a heart of forgiveness. [06:48]
Luke 6:27-28 (ESV): "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you."
Reflection: Think of someone who has wronged you. How can you begin to pray for them today, asking God to help you extend His love and forgiveness to them?
Day 2: Prophecy Fulfilled Through Obedience
Jesus' prayer on the cross fulfilled multiple prophecies, showcasing His obedience to the Father's will and His role as the mediator between God and humanity. This act underscores the divine plan of salvation and invites us to trust in God's promises. By fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah and the Psalms, Jesus demonstrated His commitment to the Father's plan, even in the face of immense suffering. This fulfillment of prophecy reassures us of God's faithfulness and encourages us to trust in His divine plan for our lives. [09:59]
Isaiah 53:12 (ESV): "Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors."
Reflection: Reflect on a promise from God that you find difficult to trust. How can you actively choose to trust in His faithfulness today, even when circumstances seem challenging?
Day 3: Ignorance Opens the Door to Grace
Jesus' statement, "for they know not what they do," highlights the ignorance of those who crucified Him, opening the door for grace and forgiveness. While ignorance does not absolve guilt, it allows for the possibility of grace and redemption. This statement invites us to recognize our own ignorance and need for forgiveness, urging us to accept the pardon offered through Christ's sacrifice. By acknowledging our own shortcomings, we can embrace the grace and redemption available through Jesus, transforming our lives and securing our eternal hope. [23:43]
Acts 3:17-19 (ESV): "And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you may be acting out of ignorance. How can you seek God's wisdom and grace to transform this area today?
Day 4: Forgiveness as a Transformative Model
Jesus' prayer serves as a model for us to forgive others as we have been forgiven. This act of forgiveness transforms our hearts and lives, breaking the cycle of bitterness and revenge, and aligning us with the heart of God. By following Jesus' example, we can experience the freedom and peace that comes from letting go of grudges and extending grace to others. This transformative power of forgiveness not only impacts our own lives but also has a ripple effect on those around us, fostering a culture of love and reconciliation. [22:32]
Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Think of a specific person you need to forgive. What steps can you take today to begin the process of forgiveness and reconciliation with them?
Day 5: Embracing the Offer of Pardon
The pardon offered through Jesus' sacrifice must be accepted to be effective. Ignorance does not absolve guilt, but the offer of forgiveness invites us to embrace the grace and redemption available through Christ. By accepting this pardon, we can experience transformation in our lives and secure our eternal hope. This invitation to embrace grace challenges us to let go of our past mistakes and to live in the freedom and joy that comes from being forgiven. [32:24]
Ephesians 1:7-8 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you struggle to accept God's forgiveness. How can you embrace His grace today and allow it to transform your life?
Quotes
"Now, keep in mind that this prayer on the cross is not for himself, but for his cruelest enemies, those putting him to death. Back in the 1800s, Pastor Charles Spurgeon called this prayer the crowning jewel in the diadem of God's love." [00:07:14] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And the crown jewel isn't so much the fact that he prayed, but what he prayed. And that's the second point I want to make here. We have his routine, and now secondly, we have his request. Again, at verse 34, Jesus said, Father, forgive them." [00:07:41] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Now, this prayer request reflects two qualities that are important. I want to make an observation here of both of them. First, his prayer request fulfills prophecy. Actually, there are a number of prophecies fulfilled here. If you're older in the faith, you're probably aware of them." [00:09:39] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Luke writes in the last part of verse 34, and they cast lots to divide his garments. This fulfills the prophecy of Psalm chapter 22, verse 18. They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. They didn't do this for David. They did this for the son of David." [00:10:05] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus wasn't just praying. He was applying Scripture that he knew to his own life and in his obedience to the will of the triune God for eternity. past, he makes sure at the outset he's interceding. And this is his heart, interceding for sinners." [00:10:36] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"This prayer is going to convict this crowd. They're going to leave beating their breasts knowing what they did. The impact of an innocent man dying, at least they knew that. But the soldiers are going to be impacted. In fact, they're calloused to the scene." [00:13:17] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"These soldiers had no idea that the mediator between God and man was hanging just above them as they gambled on the ground. They had no idea the tunic they were gambling for belonged to the great high priest. Jesus is praying for them." [00:15:53] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"One author wrote that this prayer was like a rock thrown into a lake, forming at first a very small circle and then the ripples widening out into a wider ring and soon a larger sphere until the whole lake feels the effects." [00:16:40] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Now, let me go on and say that this moment isn't just a monument of his forgiveness for others. It's really a model for us to follow. This, to me, becomes very convicting. In fact, Spurgeon again wrote on this text, let us go to Calvary to learn how we, we may be forgiven, and let us linger there to learn how we may forgive others." [00:18:21] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Let me put it this way. Jesus offers forgiveness and declares the reality of our ignorance, but His offer must still find our acceptance. No one can plead ignorance and get into the middle of it. Heaven." [00:30:45] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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