Number 1: Luke 23:34- “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do ….” by Minister Ovester Armstrong Jr.

03/24/2013 23:45

In his final moments of life, Jesus finds it in his heart to stand in the gap for the people! These are the same people who beat him, humiliated him, and placed upon him a brutal and uncontested agonizing death. Jesus stands in the gap, and asks God for forgiveness on their behalf. I always found this very interesting, compelling, and touching. Jesus, in his dying moments, asks for forgiveness of the people who caused it. In doing so, Jesus demonstrates his humility by going to his Father on behalf of these people. Furthermore, this demonstrates God’s love for us that, in spite of, who we are and what we have done, WE CAN BE FORGIVEN. In spite of WHAT WE HAVE DONE, WHO WE HAVE DONE IT TO, WHO WE HAVE HATED ON, WE CAN BE FORGIVEN! Now think about that, how awesome is our God to forgive us for our wrong doing, no matter what it is. It is evident that Jesus had reason to believe that the people who caused this horrid death could be forgiven. If Jesus did not believe this, he would not have asked his Father.

 

“FORGIVE THEM: FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO….” In other words, they know not the cost of their sin. They are not knowledgeable of the debt that they owe. Do we not sin because we do not know better? Or do we sin when we do know better? Think about it. How is it that we continue to do wrong, when we know when to do right? This is just as bad, if not worse, as the one who does not know better and continues to sin? If we know who we are, whose we are, and of where we come from, we should sin less. The operative word here is SHOULD. However, one’s lack of understanding could and will cause them to sin and vice versa. Jesus asks for forgiveness for the unrighteous man/woman, because the same person does not know the cost of their sin. Seemingly, the righteous man/woman who does would sin less. BUT WE DON’T. Therefore, we must seek forgiveness, repentance, and a remission of sin.

 

So, I challenge you to ask for forgiveness today. Why? Because you can. Because you should. Because it is required of you. I challenge you to look back upon your life and think about the sin that you have done and the sin that you caused. Also, think about your relationship with God and ask God for FORGIVENESS. Say this prayer with me:

 

Father forgive me

I knew better

I know better

I want to be Christ Like

I want to be better

I want to be forgiven

Lord Forgive me ……..AMEN!

 

The awesome thing about forgiveness and in asking for it……GOD FORGIVES! That’s the shouting point of this message. God FORGAVE THE PEOPLE WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS. If he can forgive the ones who committed such a heinous crime, HE CAN ALSO FORGIVE YOU!