I wrote a series of devotion for my church on the Seven Last Words of Jesus for this Lent season and sharing them here. I am happy to discuss the answers to the questions in the comments below. So feel free to engage me in a dialogue. =)
First of Seven Last Words of Jesus
Luke 23:34 (NASB): “But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.”
Theme: FORGIVENESS & LOVE
Read: Luke 22:47 – 23:34.
- Who are the “them” that Jesus referred to and what did “they” do that required forgiveness?
- In your opinion, do you think “they” deserve forgiveness? Why?
- Spend some quiet moments before the Lord and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you people whom you need to forgive, or even yourself. Allow the love of God to fill you and release forgiveness and love to the person(s).
JESUS’ TEACHING AND APPLICATION
Read Matthew 5:43-48.
On His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus not only taught about forgiveness but a leap further to love our enemies. There are two levels of forgiveness had to be extended – from Jesus the person whom the wrong was done, and also from God the Father who loves Jesus whom the wrong was done.
Our Teacher not only taught in words, He demonstrated the lesson in action to the fullest. Instead of feeling indignant and angry towards His aggressors, Jesus chose to love them before they were repentant, even while they were still doing wrong to Him. From another perspective, what were the chances that Jesus needed to forgive the people when His heart was so filled with love for them? Perhaps this casts some light to Paul’s commendation, “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8 (NASB)
- Who was Jesus’ focus when He was going through the wrong?
REFLECTION & MEDITATION
Think of moments in your life when you have been wronged and treated unjustly that may have cost you much. What were your thoughts and emotions? Who was the focus in your thoughts, emotions and actions in the process? What can you learn from the example of Jesus and His teaching that you can apply to the situation in the past, present and even future?
SONG OF MEDITATION
Forgiveness https://youtu.be/FRow02vAWwM
It’s the hardest thing to give away
And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those that don’t deserve
It’s the opposite of how you feel
When the pain they caused is just to real
It takes everything you have just to say the word…
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
It flies in the face of all your pride
It moves away the mad inside
It’s always anger’s own worst enemy
Even when the jury and the judge
Say you gotta right to hold a grudge
It’s the whisper in your ear saying ‘Set It Free’
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness
It’ll clear the bitterness away
It can even set a prisoner free
There is no end to what it’s power can do
So, let it go and be amazed
By what you see through eyes of grace
The prisoner that it really frees is you
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness
I want to finally set it free
So show me how to see what Your mercy sees
Help me now to give what You gave to me
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
