Prayer Focus-Forgiveness From The Cross

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the prayer of Jesus from the cross, requesting forgiveness for His enemies.

Yes, Jesus had His enemies, and they were in His presence when He died on a cross. Before He died, He prayed for His persecutors in Luke 23:34. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Whenever we speak against Christ or bring harm to one of God’s followers, Jesus takes that personally. An example of that is in the actions of Saul, who was on the road to Damascus to persecute Christians. Jesus met him on the way and asked, “Why are you persecuting me?” Eventually, Saul changed course and found forgiveness in God’s saving grace. That offer of forgiveness is still available for us today.

Romans 5:8 is a marvelous mystery to ponder-“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

The prayer of Jesus from the cross, requesting forgiveness for His enemies, is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com