Sunday Sermon
|
The Cross and Forgiveness Dave Shaner March 7, 2004 |
|
|
|
Introduction: The greatest claim in history is over an execution that took place with a man we believe to be the son of God.
Jesus had seven different sayings from the cross:
Forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.
Today you will be with me in Paradise.
Mother, behold your son... behold your mother.
My God, my God why have you forsaken me?
I am thirsty.
It is finished.
Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.
Crucifixion was a slow, torturous method conveying a warning to not mess with Rome.
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. - Isaiah 53:7
Text: Luke 23:26-37
As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!' Then "'they will say to the mountains, "Fall on us!" and to the hills, "Cover us!" 'For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?" Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."
I. Luke 23:34 - Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.
A. Father -
B. Forgive -
1. He asks God to liberate us from sin not tolerate it.
2. Jesus did not go to the cross in God's place but your place.
C. Them
1. How could He do this for such a callous crowd?
2. Sin comes with a price that must be paid.
3. He asks God not to overlook sin but to judge Him for it.
D. They do not know what they are doing
1. Ignorance can not be equated with innocence.
2. Acts 3:13-19
The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. "Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord"
3. Acts 17:20
You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.
II. How good are you at praying like this?
A. We tend to love retaliation.
B. Ezekiel 33:11
Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?'
III. What will forgiving like Jesus demand?
A. ______________ - Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
B. ______________ - Philemon 18
If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.
C. ______________ - Matthew 5:44
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
Conclusion: Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
 |
Home Page |
|
Prayer Requests |
|
|
About Us |
|
Services & Classes |
|
|
Church Bulletin |
|
Sunday Sermon |
|
|
Missions & Outreach |
|
Youth Group |
Comments and suggestions:
webmaster@dgchurch.org