"FORGIVE THEM FATHER"
Introduction:
1. Luke 23:34.
2. This is the first of the seven sayings from the cross. One of
the most amazing utterances on the pages of history.
3. Jesus had been hounded, slandered, betrayed, denied, tried
before an unjust court, let out of the city and nailed to a
cross.
4. Yet, his first word was not a complaint; it was not a plea for
his own innocence, though innocent He was; it was not a cry
for vengeance, but it was a prayer for their FORGIVENESS.
5. This implies his own willingness to forgive them; for only a
man with a forgiving soul can or will pray such a prayer.
6. The GRACE of FORGIVENESS: O, for the need of it today.
Body:
I. THE NEED FOR FORGIVENESS:
1. There are many who attend religious services with amazing
regularity who hold enough malice to damn their soul.
2. Many free from immoral practices, held high in the esteem of
their fellow man, yet not with a forgiving spirit.
3. Our God does not so act. He is represented as a "God of
Mercy," more willing to forgive than are we.
4. Blessed id the man who can forgive, who holds no malice, who
has mercy toward men's trespasses.
5. that one has attained the likeness of God; he is God's
child.
6. Certainly there is a great need for forgiveness in world.
II. WHOM SHOULD BE FORGIVEN?? MERCY TOWARD WHOM???
1. Forgive your JUDASES -- Those who prize you less than money.
Judas thought less of the beautiful life, the tender
compassion, of the marvelous power of Christ; than he did
for thirty pieces of silver.
Yet, Jesus was willing to forgive.
There are those who pretend to be your friends, but are
ready to sell you for little or nothing.
Deal not harshly with them, but forgive.
2. Forgive the UNFAITHFUL FRIENDS -- Disciples forsook Him when
the mob came, but Jesus later called them "my brethren."
When the hour of misfortune and you fall, and friends
forsake you, hold no malice, forgive them, with prayer.
3. Forgive your SIMONS -- who are too weak to own you.
Peter bravely said, "I will not deny you when others do."
"Even if I die with thee, yet will I not deny thee."
Yet, a few short hours later, Peter cursed and sword, "L
know Him not."
Moved with a concern for his own safety. Could it be
possible that there are preachers who are more concerned
with their job, than they are with the truth.
The disciple denied the Master, but the Master did not deny
him. After Jesus was raised, he found Simon, forgave him,
restored him.
If friends deny you in the hour of trial, be not sever with
them; seek a loving interview with them; restore them to
your fellowship.
4. Forgive your PILATES -- Who are too cowardly to defend you.
Pontius Pilate knew Jesus had done no wrong, but he was too
fearful to defend him.
Jesus did him no harm, did not deal harshly with him.
There are those today who know the innocence of your
character, yet will deliver you to the beast to save
themselves.
Be not bitter toward your Pilates; for he, not you should be
the object of pity.
By standing for the right, even to the point of suffering,
you will impart strength to wavering souls.
5. Forgive your HERODS -- Could not appreciate Jesus.
Today, there are many who do not appreciate the lives of
Christians; their stand for righteousness and goodness.
It may be necessary to withdraw from them, have no
association with them; but, do them no injury.
Let love prevail in all things.
6. Forgive your EXECUTIONERS -- who have nailed you to a cross
of pain and shame.
Jesus looked from the cross and prayed for those who had
just driven nails into his hands and feet. Oh, the agony!
Some may have wounded you, smeared your good name, spoken
evil of you; yet, have mercy and forgive.
II. WHY FORGIVE?????
1. "For they know not what they do."
They did not realize what they were doing.
Much of the evil was not meant for evil, some of it was even
meant for good. They thought they were doing God's
service.
Saul of Tarsus "breathed threatenings and slaughter against
the disciples," but he thought he was doing the work of
God. He confesses that he did it in ignorance.
Some, while dealing unfairly and unjustly with you, may
think they are loyal to the Lord.
Thought the deed is sometimes evil, the motive may not
always be wrong.
2. Forgive, because YOU HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN:
Children of God have received forgiveness of all sins.
This should create a spirit of mercy in our hearts.
Matt. 18:21-23 -- The unjust servant would not forgive.
Having been forgiven a huge amount, but would not in
turn forgive a small amount.
We have received the forgiveness of our sins; yet will not
forgive even the smallest injustice.
All who have received mercy should give mercy.
3. Forgive, lest malice multiply in your soul.
Hatred will rob one of the joy of being a Christian.
Our fellow man will injure us often, even unintentionally.
Unless we forgive, malice will built up higher and higher
until we are covered with darkness.
The heaviest of all hearts is the unforgiving heart.
We simply cannot live together and enjoy life until we are
willing to have a forgiving spirit.
4. Forgive, because we stand on the verge of eternity!!!
No man knows the hour that he shall pass into eternity.
How can we, who live in a world that is so unstable, afford
to harbor ill feelings, even hatred, in our soul.
IV. WHEN SHOULD WE FORGIVE???
1. When all else seems to fail, forgive.
2. When you are hurt by sins not your own, forgive.
3. When foes are mocking and ridiculing, forgive.
4. When heaven itself seems silent and unresponsive, forgive.
5. Seventy times seven, forgive.
6. Keep the prayer on your lips at all times, "FATHER, FORGIVE
THEM, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO."
Conclusion:
1. We are not saying that when we forgive those about us that
they are forgiven by the heavenly Father.
2. Forgiveness by Jehovah must be preceded by repentance.
3. But, we must leave judgment up to the heavenly Father.
4. Whether or not others repent, we must still have a forgiving
spirit, a forgiving heart.
5. God will forgive YOU. But, you must repent and obey Him.
Eph 4:32
Col. 3:13
1 John 1:9; 2:12
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