One of my earliest memories involves a broken fossil, my grandparents’ home, and a powerful lesson in grace. At five years old, I disobeyed a clear instruction and felt the immediate sting of guilt, shame, and fear. My grandfather, instead of anger, offered a silent embrace. This act of unexpected love has stayed with me, shaping my understanding of grace: loving people when they least expect it and least deserve it. Jesus exemplifies this perfectly. This message explores the profound depth of Christian love, particularly focusing on Jesus’ forgiveness on the cross.
The Weight of the World and the Gift of Forgiveness
Luke 23 paints a vivid picture of Christ’s crucifixion. Between two criminals, Jesus, mocked and tortured, utters the words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” This seemingly small detail fulfills Psalm 22:18, one of over 300 Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, with more than 30 fulfilled in Jesus’ final 24 hours.
These prophecies, including Micah 5:2 (birth in Bethlehem), Zechariah 9:9 (entry into Jerusalem on a donkey), and Psalm 22:16 (pierced hands and feet), offer compelling evidence for the credibility of Scripture. The statistical probability of one person fulfilling even just eight of these prophecies is astronomically small, strengthening the argument for the Bible’s divine inspiration. Even prophecies that seemed impossible at the time they were written, such as Revelation 11:19’s description of global witnesses to a future martyrdom, become plausible in light of modern technology.
The Seven Sayings and the Power of Pre-Decisions
Jesus’ seven sayings on the cross carry immense weight, spoken amidst excruciating pain. Each word, from “I thirst” to “It is finished,” resonates with profound meaning. But his prayer for forgiveness stands out. It’s a testament to agape love, the unconditional love that defines Christian faith. It’s the longest of his sayings, and arguably the hardest words he ever spoke.
This act of forgiveness requires a pre-decision, a choice made before facing the challenging situation. Just as we make financial pre-decisions about tithing, or relational pre-decisions about prioritizing family, we can choose to forgive in advance. Proverbs 19:11, “It is to the glory of a man to overlook an offense,” becomes a powerful guiding principle. Choosing to be un-offendable can save us from bitterness and resentment. Praying for those who offend us, as Jesus did, transforms our hearts and allows us to extend grace even in difficult circumstances.
The Sermon on the Mount Embodied
Jesus’ forgiveness on the cross embodies the core teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. He loved his enemies, prayed for his persecutors, blessed those who cursed him, turned the other cheek, went the extra mile, and gave even the clothes off his back. He broke the curse of sin, symbolized by the crown of thorns, and offered the cup of blessing.
His final words, “It is finished” (Tetelestai in Greek), signify the completion of a transaction. Like a paid receipt, it declares our debt of sin cancelled through Christ’s sacrifice. We are debt-free, forgiven, and cleansed.
The Gift of Forgiveness: Setting Ourselves Free
Bob Goff’s pre-emptive note of forgiveness for his daughter beautifully illustrates God’s love for us. Before we were even born, Christ offered forgiveness through his sacrifice on the cross. 1 John 1:8-9 reminds us that confession is the key to unlocking this forgiveness.
Corrie ten Boom’s powerful story of forgiving a concentration camp guard demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness. It’s not about mustering willpower, but allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us. As we extend forgiveness, we discover that we are the ones set free.
Embracing Forgiveness: A Call to Action
Take time this week to reflect: Is there any unconfessed sin? Is there any unforgiven sin? Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you toward healing and freedom. Embrace the power of forgiveness, and experience the fullness of life that God intends for you. Just as Jesus prayed for those who crucified him, he prays for us today. Let us extend that same grace to others, knowing that through Christ, all is forgiven.
