The Seven Statements of Jesus on the Cross:
Praying as an Intercessor for Mercy
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."
Luke 23:18-39
How did Jesus respond to His oppressors? 1Peter 2:19-23; Matthew 5:43-48
(Jesus exemplified the character and conduct that He requires of us.)
Were Jesus’ oppressors forgiven when He prayed? 1John 1:9; Luke 17:3-4; Acts 3:14-19
(cf. Jesus’ prayer for forgiveness versus personal forgiveness Luke 5:20; 7:48-50; 23:43)
How important was prayer in the ministry of Christ? Luke 3:21; 6:12
(Jesus’ hands and feet were nailed and His physical strength was failing; but He could still pray!)
What Do We See?
Jesus as an Intercessor (Isaiah 53:12b; Hebrews 7:25)
Ignorance is no Excuse (Numbers 15:27-28; Acts 17:30-31; John 12:48; 7:17)
Man’s Blindness to Sin’s True Nature & Effect (Proverbs 10:23; 14:9; 2Corinthians 3:14-16)
(Did not know what they were doing – but they should have!)
A Remarkable Display of Love (Judges 16:28-30; Philippians 2:3-5)
They lied about Him.
They beat Him.
They scourged Him.
They condemned Him.
They crucified Him
THEN, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them…”