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LUKE 23:34

"THE WORD OF FORGIVENESS"

Intro: Man had done his worst. He created the world. The fell deed has been done,  suddenly
       His lips are moving; will he cry for mercy? He is praying.
                1. No longer could those hands be laid.
                2. The feet could no longer carry him on errands.

Encouragement to us:
                1. No one beyond reach of prayer.
                2. We see here the power of prayer (Acts 2..

"Then"
I. WE SEE A FULFILLMENT OF PROPHESY Isaiah 53: 12 .... He made intercession for the
   transgressor.

"Then"
II. HERE WE SEE CHRIST IDENTIFIED WITH HIS PEOPLE.
        A. This is the first time He had prayed thus.
                1. Before He had pronounced forgiveness.
                        a. Palsied man.
                        b. Woman in Simon's house.
        B. Forgiveness a divine prerogative.
                1. Scribes correct in assumption "Who can forgive sins?"
                2. Christ not exercising divine prerogatives on cross.
                        a. "Took on the form of man.. obedient unto death."
                        b. He is dying as a man for man.

"Then"
III. HERE WE SEE THE DIVINE ESTIMATE OF SIN & ITS CONSEQUENT GUILT.
        A. Lev. 5:15, 16.
                1. Sin is always sin in sight of God.
                2. Even sins of ignorance need forgiveness.

"Then"
IV. HERE WE SEE THE BLINDNESS OF THE HUMAN HEART.
        A. They were not ignorant of the fact of the crucifixion.
        B. What does He mean, "They know not what they do"?
                1. They know not the enormity of the crime.
                        a. Emphasis on what?
                2. Yet they should have known.
                        a. Prophesies of O .T.
                                1. His teaching.
                                2. His life.
                                Proof that the carnal mind is at enmity with God.
        C. Said to think of this tragedy being repented.
                1. You know not what you are doing by:
                        a. Neglecting this great salvation -
                        b. Slighting Christ, rejecting His mercy.
                2. You little know how deep your guilt.
                3. You must answer the question, "What shall I do?"

"Then"
V. MARVELOUS EXEMPLIFICATION OF HIS TEACHING.
        A. "Pray for those that despitefully use you.
                1. Notice He did not personally forgive.
                        "If thy brother trespass against you, rebuke him, and if he repents,
                         forgive."
                2. God never forgives without repentance.

"Then"
VI. WE SEE HERE MAN'S GREATEST AND PRIMARY NEED.
        A. We are unfit to stand in presence of Holy God.
                1. It matters not if I am popular or successful.
        B. We learn how forgiveness is obtained.
                1. Can a just God forgive sins?

"Then"
VII. HERE WE SEE THE TRIUMPH OF REDEEMING LOVE.
        A. "Then" vs. immediately preceding.
                1. He might have pronounced terrible judgments.
                2. He might have called for God's wrath.
        B. How opposite of Samson.

App: How tragic to oppose Christ knowingly.
        1. If you turn from His you turn from the only one who can save you from your sins.