Father Forgive Them
While he was hanging on the cross, Jesus made several statements. These have often been the topic of HOLY WEEK sermons and services. Probably the most amazing statement he made was this, “FATHER, FORGIVE THEM. THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO” (Luke 23:34). How true that was! These executioners surely had no idea that the very deed they were carrying out was the very event which could enable God to forgive them and all other men. They didn’t know what they were doing! They were performing a sacrifice of the innocent for the guilty, the perfect for the sinful.
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WHO IS JESUS ?
WHO IS JESUS ? As the Christian calendar turns to the annual celebration of PALM SUNDAY, it is great to reflect on the meaning and message of that amazing day. It was a bit like a ticker tape parade. A bit like a rock concert with screaming fans. There was genuine admiration, emotional patriotism, and a little group hysteria. Fronds from the palm trees, wraps from their robes…whatever was handy…tossed on the street in front of the donkey which Jesus rode into the city! Of course some folks frowned, clucked their tongues and shook their heads. And among the ones cheering, there were those who were jubilant for the wrong reason. They thought their national liberation was at hand. Nonetheless, it was a potent moment for that day and place and for those people of Jerusalem.
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