Radical Forgiveness

Can you remember a time you have cried out some words that were significant?  They were aimed for a purpose…

Stop!

…to a child running into the street

Don’t touch that!

…to a child near a hot stove

Watch out!

…car coming into your lane 

However, these statements are pale in comparison to the significance of the cries of Jesus from the cross.  It makes sense to heed to someone’s cries – but even more so considering the source!  What did our Savior say from the cross when he was paying the penalty for our sin?

Throughout the Lord’s crucifixion, he made 7 cries from the cross:

1.      John 19:26-27 – “Woman, behold thy son…Behold thy mother!”

2.      John 19:28 – “I thirst”

3.      John 19:30 -- “It is finished!”

4.      Matthew 27:46 – “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

5.      Luke 23:34 -- “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!”

6.      Luke 23:43 – “Truly, I say to you, this day you shall be with me in paradise.”

7.      Luke 23:46 – “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

I want to look at just one of these cries and see how we must learn from and embrace the love of Jesus with radical forgiveness.

Luke 23:34 -- “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!”

DEFINING OUR TERMS:

The Greek word for “forgive” in Luke 23:34 is in the imperative form, meaning “to forgive, release, or let go.”  The use of the imperative form suggests an urgent and authoritative plea.  This same verb is often used in scripture for releasing debts (Lk. 7:42) or sins (Luke 5:20).

The phrase “they know not what they do” implies ignorance, but not necessarily innocence.  Jesus acknowledges their lack of full awareness, yet He still intercedes for them.

CULTURAL AND THEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

Even in extreme suffering, Jesus fulfills His role of intercessor mentioned in Isaiah 53:12.  So, Jesus acts as the ultimate High Priest, praying for the forgiveness of those crucifying Him.

It is interesting to note that Stephen, the first Christian martyr, prayed a similar prayer with, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60).  Many believe this suggests that early Christians saw Jesus’ attitude of forgiveness as central to discipleship.

We should also note that the Romans would crucify criminals to intimidate and shame them.  Criminals would commonly curse their executioners, but Jesus blesses them instead.  This prayer from the cross was a radical declaration of grace and very much countercultural!

SACRIFICAL LOVE WITH FULL KNOWLEDGE:

Jesus does not speak out of ignorance.  He is fully aware of the wickedness of the people around Him.  They had just beaten Him until blood was pouring down His face, bruises covered His body, and even His beard had been ripped from his skin.  Make no mistake, Jesus knew these people well.  He knew them experientially, intellectually, and emotionally.  He knew their intent was to kill Him, yet He demonstrates a love of extreme sacrifice and humility in response to that knowledge!

Is love blind or naive? Not in this scene. Jesus loved these people…He loved you and me…before we ever showed interest in Him! God possesses full knowledge of wicked choices, but still declares, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”  Christ’s love is revealed with full knowledge.  This is genuine love!

What about us?  Do we love like Jesus loves? Do we forgive like Jesus forgives? Christ-like love (Jn. 13:34-35; Eph. 4:32) leads to forgiveness.

  • Is our “love” negatively affected by unkind actions?

  • Is it really “Christ-like love” if we require kindness from others to love them?

  • Is it really “Christ-like love” if we complain about being first to forgive?

  • Is it really “Christ-like love” if we refuse to forgive?

There was a father and his teenage son who had a strained relationship.  One day, after a heated argument, the son ran away from home.  The father searched everywhere for him but couldn’t find him.  Desperate, he placed an ad in the local newspaper that read:

“Dear Son, all is forgiven.  I love you.  Please meet me in front of the town square at noon on Saturday. – Your Father”

That Saturday, the father arrived at the town square and was astonished to find not just his son but hundreds of young men, all hoping to be reconciled with their fathers. (Source: Unknown)

Jesus, through His sacrifice on the cross, placed an invitation before the world; “All is forgiven. Come home.”  Have you settled the question of your eternal destiny?  Jesus Christ’s love and forgiveness is so much beyond our understanding, that in the face of His execution, He asks God the Father to forgive His executioners!  Jesus also loves you in the face of your wickedness and He stands ready to forgive you.  All you must do is simply ask Him (Ps. 86:5; Jn. 3:16; Rom. 10:9-10, 13). LEARN MORE.

Church, when was the last time you reevaluated your demonstrations of genuine, Christ-like love seen in radical forgiveness?  Do you really love like Jesus loves you? Christ-like love will move you to embrace radical forgiveness towards others.