Easter According to Jesus: Forgive

He was Scourged – This is not just a whipping = Scourging tears the flesh from the body - A Crown of Thorns – Like nails into the scalp - Most of his beard pulled out - Clothes put on and ripped off - Large wooden cross put on His shoulder - Iron spikes driven through hands and feet - Arms tied - Cross dropped in hole muscles and tendons stretch and rip - Left to die.

What follows are 7 amazing statements that truly show the character of our Lord; the depth of His love; His suffering, concern, dedication and sacrifice.

His first words were for us!

Luke 23:34 But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.

(1)  "Father”

Intimacy never broken - Notice the consistency of His relationship and feelings toward God

This is a sign of Real maturity! Many forget what they know and react emotionally. We should not be like Job's wife; she let her emotions control her! She forgot Who God is and gave in to her emotions. Just when her husband needed her she blurted out “Curse God and Die!” This is reactionary. Can you imagine if Jesus had done this, The very creatures He created were now nailing Him to cross! 

Remember what you know and act on it(may still involve emotion but not controlled by it

(2) "Forgive them"

His Compassion is never failing -  This is the worst and painful time in His life, yet He still is more concerned about others – Consider: If His Father had Struck out as He saw His Son in Danger!

Philippians 2:3–8 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Jesus knew what the Father could do if He struck out from Heaven.

(3) "For they do not know what they do"

Jesus understood Man:

Acts 3:17 “And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also.

Once ignorance is gone – the Warning becomes less heard: NATHAN...NAthan - nathan – The volume of God’s voice lessens as we resist!

We should learn from history:

 Acts 28:28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.”

Sadly Israel did not listen. In 70 A.D. Roman General Titus leveled Jerusalem!

We should listen to the Forgiveness Of Christ!   

Have you accepted His forgiveness? What’s stopping you? Why not admit you’re a sinner, agree you cannot live perfect, ask Christ to forgive you of your sins and make you a child of God?