Luke 23:34 - Classified Ad for Free Forgiveness

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots."  Luke 23:34

An account based on a true story is told of Paco, a young Spanish man who ran away from home, estranged from his father.  Realizing the need for reconciliation with his son, the father put an ad in the Madrid city newspaper, El Liberal, which read “"Paco, meet me at the newspaper stand at noon on Sunday. All is forgiven! Love, Papa."  The father did find his son at the newspaper stand on Sunday, along with many other young men named Paco who were also looking for love and acceptance from their dad!

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For Jesus, He tells us to meet Him at the Cross today, now.  There, he says, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  In ancient days, people didn’t forgive others very often, least of all their enemies.  For Jesus to ask His Father to forgive those who crucified Him to the cross was to put into practice what He taught others to do:  “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)

Forgiveness is a virtue, and its importance is demonstrated as Jesus’ first words from His lips when He was crucified.  God wants to show His love for us; in fact, Jesus prayed and asked His Father to forgive His enemies so we could see the loving heart of the Father for all mankind.  His forgiveness is not some general thought; the cross is His “classified” ad to us!  If we would meet Him at the cross today, ask forgiveness for all of our sins, and turn away from our old life and turn totally to Him – He says, “All is forgiven!  Love, God the Father.”  

Won’t you turn to Him today?  Listen to the whole sermon below.