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Father Forgive Them

The following outlines are from Michael Catt’s sermon series on the Cross and the seven last words of our Savior spoken on the Cross. The tapes are available and can be purchased from Sherwood Baptist Church.

FATHER FORGIVE THEM
LUKE 23:33-38

The words we consider today are important because of the person who spoke them and the place where they were spoken.

  1. The Prayer He Prayed. “Father forgive them.” In the Greek it is in the imperfect tense meaning ‘Jesus continually prayed this prayer.’ THREE REASONS THIS PRAYER IS SO SIGNIFICANT.
    1. Jesus was practicing what he had preached. Matt. 5:44
    2. Jesus was fulfilling prophecy. Isaiah 53:12
    3. Jesus was petitioning the Father to take over.

  2. The People He Prayed For. “forgive them”
    1. What the prayer doesn’t mean.
    2. Who He was praying for.
      “forgive them” same word used in Matthew 19:24 “suffer”

  3. The Power of His Prayer. Col. 2:13, 14; Acts 3:17; Acts 6:7; 1 Cor. 1:18.

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE
LUKE 23:39-43

  1. The Thief’s Request of the Lord.
    1. Revelation of reverence.
    2. Confession of sin.
    3. Request of the savior.
    4. Acknowledgement of deity.
    5. Confidence in the savior.
    6. Concept of the future.

  2. The Lord’s Response to the Thief.
    1. His response is punctual.
    2. His promise was personal.
    3. His promise is precise.
    4. His promise is perfect.

STANDING BY THE CROSS
John 19:25-27

  1. A Word of Truth for Mary.
    The greatest of all privileges was to bring the greatest of all sorrows!

  2. A Word of Revelation from the Lord.
    “Woman” – at the temple – Jesus was stating His allegiance to His Father.
    “Woman” – at Cana – Jesus was making the transition from son to Servant.
    “Woman” – at the cross – Jesus was making the transition from Servant to Savior.
    1. Mary is to be honored, but not worshiped. Luke 1:46, 47
    2. Mary is never mentioned in connection with prayer. Acts1:14;1Timothy 2:5 J. Oswald Sanders – “He refrained from using a word that would spring naturally to His lips, but that could be twisted into authorizing idolatry through rendering worship to Mary as Mother of God.”
  3. A Word of Responsibility for a Disciple. Who does Jesus seek out to minister in His name?
    1. Those who love Him.
    2. Those who make themselves available.
    3. Those who are prepared to obey.
  4. A Word for Us Today.
    1. Mary can’t save Jesus, but Jesus can save Mary.
    2. To find purpose and direction, come to the cross.
    3. To excuse responsibility based on your ministry is inexcusable. 1 Tim. 5:8.
    4. To leave the cross unchanged is impossible.
    5. If you come to the cross, others will know it.

Scars are the price which every believer pays for his loyalty to Jesus Christ.