March 19th, 2024
Today let’s prepare our hearts for what is the very center of our faith, the death of Jesus. Let’s stand with Jesus in his final hours of His FINAL WEEK. Prayerfully reflect and ponder on Luke’s Gospel chapter 23, verses 32 – 43 using the H.E.A.R. method. As you read the passage, do the following:
H- highlight the verses that stand out to you.
E – explain the verse(s) in your own words of what God is saying to you.
A – apply the verse to your life. (What would it look like to live this truth in your
life?)
R – respond in prayer by writing your heart to God.
A bit of background - Jesus, from 9 a.m. to noon, is nailed to the cross. He is crucified along with two thieves.
He is given wine (vinegar) mixed with gall to drink while on the cross which he refuses. Roman soldiers also cast lots for his clothes. This is a dark and sad day as the Creator dies for the creation’s sin.
Zoom in to Vs. 34 – “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.”, Jesus spoke seven times in His final hours of suffering on the cross. His words have powerful meaning.
Jesus spoke these words of forgiveness, which must have been a shock to the soldiers who were executing him. These soldiers would be accustomed to criminals cursing them, but here is One who is praying for their forgiveness.
Pause and Reflect – Who was Jesus asking the Father to forgive that day? Yes, the soldiers, the religious leaders, the crowd – but He was also praying for you.
Allow this reality to startle your soul with His love. Express your heart to Him with thanksgiving and worship.
As you think of His love to forgive you all your sins, consider others who have sinned against you. Recognize Jesus’ forgiveness now freely gives you the capacity to forgive ones who have hurt you. “Forgive one another, even as God in Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4: 32). Lead your heart to pray a prayer of forgiveness for the ones who have hurt you.
H- highlight the verses that stand out to you.
E – explain the verse(s) in your own words of what God is saying to you.
A – apply the verse to your life. (What would it look like to live this truth in your
life?)
R – respond in prayer by writing your heart to God.
A bit of background - Jesus, from 9 a.m. to noon, is nailed to the cross. He is crucified along with two thieves.
He is given wine (vinegar) mixed with gall to drink while on the cross which he refuses. Roman soldiers also cast lots for his clothes. This is a dark and sad day as the Creator dies for the creation’s sin.
Zoom in to Vs. 34 – “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.”, Jesus spoke seven times in His final hours of suffering on the cross. His words have powerful meaning.
Jesus spoke these words of forgiveness, which must have been a shock to the soldiers who were executing him. These soldiers would be accustomed to criminals cursing them, but here is One who is praying for their forgiveness.
Pause and Reflect – Who was Jesus asking the Father to forgive that day? Yes, the soldiers, the religious leaders, the crowd – but He was also praying for you.
Allow this reality to startle your soul with His love. Express your heart to Him with thanksgiving and worship.
As you think of His love to forgive you all your sins, consider others who have sinned against you. Recognize Jesus’ forgiveness now freely gives you the capacity to forgive ones who have hurt you. “Forgive one another, even as God in Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4: 32). Lead your heart to pray a prayer of forgiveness for the ones who have hurt you.
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