Luke 23:33-38 "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified HIM, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said JESUS, FATHER, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they parted HIS raiment, and cast lots. And the people around beholding. And the rulers also with them derided HIM, saying, HE saved others; let HIM save HIMSELF, if HE be CHRIST, the CHOSEN of GOD. And the soldiers also mocked HIM, coming to HIM, and offering HIM vinegar. And saying, If THOU be the KING of the Jews, save THYSELF. And a superscription also was written over HIM in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrews, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."
This prayer is the only public intercessory prayer JESUS spoke during HIS incarnation. All other times we read regarding the LORD's prayers, we discover that they were spoken privately between FATHER and SON. The LORD began the practice of solitary prayer early in HIS ministry (Mark 1:35 pictured above). HE prayed the night before HE was crucified, with only the disciples watching (Matthew 26:39-46). HIS practice was so frequent that HIS disciples begged HIM to teach them how to pray (Matthew 6:8-13).
What do we learn from this intercessory prayer ? First, it is obvious that our LORD wanted the people to hear HIS attitude as HE approached HIS impending death. HE was not screaming HIS innocence or begging for clemency. Second, HIS prayer indicated HIS willingness to accept HIS fate. HE knew that the events being played out were determined before the "foundation of the earth" (Ephesians 1:4-5). HE came to Earth to do the will of the FATHER (Luke 2:49; John 5:30). Third, this prayer shows part of CHRIST's ministry because it is an intercession for HIS people. An ordinary, sinful man would have pleaded for retribution, but HE yearned for the forgiveness of these executioners. Fourth, HE presented to all the depravity of their actions in putting to death the SON of GOD. Even though HIS substitutionary death was divinely planned in ages past, it did not take away the LORD's standard for righteousness and dignity at that moment. Fifth, JESUS used this opportunity to declare one final time that HE was ONE with the FATHER. HE was declaring THEIR relationship with each other. And last, just as JESUS forgave HIS executioners, we too must forgive those who wrong us (Ephesians 4:30-32 pictured above). KGL
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
