“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do,” Luke 23:34.

We have considered some background truths regarding Who it is that is speaking on the cross. He is the Lord of Glory!

We begin now to consider more closely this first statement by the Saviour.

HERE IS A LESSON ABOUT FORGIVING OUR ENEMIES

To forgive any who have wronged us is not easy but to forgive our ENEMIES is contrary to human nature. It is something that needs to be repeatedly urged upon Christians. Matt 5:44, Luke 6:27, 35. The words in Matthew 5 were spoken some three years before His crucifixion. Learn that the Lord Jesus practiced what he preached! Learn from the Lord’s dealings with us, Rom 5:10.

1. He thus desires the salvation of the worst of men. “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance,” Matthew 9:13. Luke 19:41.

2. Christ is praying here for His bitterest enemies. Even those who had just nailed Him to the cross. Their sin was fresh before Him! So He would have us to do, Matt 5:43-48.

3. Note that Christ does not ‘pronounce’ forgiveness but ‘prays’ that it might be granted by His Father. There must be repentance before forgiveness, Luke 17:3-4. Repentance is given of God, Acts 5:31; 1 John 1:9: John 6:44-45, 65.

4. The Lord would have us do as He did. “It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord,”Matthew 10:25. We are required to forgive OUR enemies.