March 23, 2010

Opening Hymns:
My Lord, My Love was Crucified (http://nethymnal.org/htm/m/l/mlmlwcru.htm)
Blessed Redeemer (Christiansen) (http://nethymnal.org/htm/b/l/blessedr.htm)

Scripture Reading:
Luke 23:1-49

Message “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing”
Imagine this scene. Jesus, the Son of God has gone through much throughout His ministry. He is now reaching the end of it. He has suffered through temptation and ridicule. Because of actions that people took He even has become angry at times, and rightly so. In John 2:15, 16, it describes Jesus' reaction to some of the people's corruption: “Making a whip out of cord, he drove them all out of the Temple, sheep and cattle as well, scattered the money changers’ coins, knocked their tables over and said to the dove sellers, ‘Take all this out of here and stop using my Father’s house as a market.”

In today's scripture Jesus is being killed without cause. He has done nothing to deserve death or punishment... especially not death on a cross, one of the most shameful deaths there was. He has every right to be angry. He has every right to condemn. He also has the power to do just that. He could do a similar thing like He had done in John. He could save Himself and tell them the wrong they are doing. He could yell, he could punish. Instead, He chooses to forgive. His choice is so precious and beautiful. I can imagine Him setting aside all anger, and instead looking on them with pity as He quietly prays for them.

Jesus came into the world to forgive. By His death and His words “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing,” His mission is fulfilled. We are all of us forgiven, so long as we choose to accept that forgiveness. I know that I have sinned many times throughout my life... it is a blessing to be able to correct my actions... and it is even more of a blessing to hear Jesus' forgiving response.

Time of Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
Jesus Remember Me

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God