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LUKE 23:34

Intro: Man had done his worst. He who made the earth had come to it. No room -  killed babies.
       The foul deed has been done - He is now hanging on the cross. His lips are seen to move.

I. HE IS PRAYING!
        A. His public ministry opened in prayer.
                1. Here it closes with a prayer.
        B. What a lesson for us.
                1. His hands can no more be placed on the sick.
                2. His feet can carry Him on no errands.
                3. Ministers still--in prayer.
        C. What can we learn from this.
                1. Ministry of prayer outlasts all other ministries.
                2. No one beyond the reach of prayer.
                3. The power of prayer.
                        a. Acts 3:17 Peter "I know through ignorance you did it."
                        b. He prayed also for us. John 17:20.

"Father forgive."
II. HERE WE SEE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHESY.
        A. Isa. 53 "Made intercession for the transgressors."

"Father forgive."
III. HERE WE SEE CHRIST IDENTIFIED WITH THE PEOPLE.
        A. First time requested the Father to forgive.

"Father forgive."
IV. HERE WE SEE SIN AND ITS CONSEQUENCE.
        A. Under Levitical laws even sins of ignorance must be atoned for.
        B. Search me O God. Keep me from secret sins.

"Father forgive."
V. HERE WE SEE THE HARDNESS OF THE HUMAN HEART. "THEY KNOW NOT  WHAT THEY DO."
        A. They should have known.
                1. Prophesies (search the scriptures).
                2. His perfect life.
                3. His ministry.
        B. How sad - repeated by sinners today.

"Father forgive."
VI. TREMENDOUS EXAMPLE OF OUR TEACHING. "PRAY FOR THEM THAT  DESPITEFULLY USE YOU"

"Father forgive."
VII. HERE WE SEE MAN 5 GREAT AND PRIMARY NEED FORGIVENESS.

Then said Jesus, "Father forgive."
VIII. HERE WE SEE TRIUMPH OF REDEEMING LOVE.
        A. Mark when this prayer offered.

IX. HOW DREADFUL TO OPPOSE CHRIST KNOWINGLY.