Praying for Power Luke 23:32-42 Praying for Power Luke 23:32-42 The prayers of Jesus Last week, Jesus’ prayer taught us… “Lord, give me strength to endure what is ahead” Today, his prayer tells us… “Lord, give me power to forgive”

Jesus is surrounded by criminals Two obvious ones, on his right and left Less obvious ones before him

Luke Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.

We are about to be crucified We are not guilty What is the first thing we would say? ? ? ? The first thing Jesus says is… “Father, Forgive”

34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Lord, they do not see the bigger picture They can not see past today They think they are protecting you

They gamble for his clothing as Jesus slowly dies People watch; curious to see what might happen The religious rulers showed contempt for Jesus Save yourself! If you are who you say you are

34 …And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”

The soldiers also made fun of him They offer him wine vinegar Not a gesture of kindness Only to speed up the process of death To numb and poison The victims had to be disposed of before the Feast of the Unleavened bread began Save yourself! If you are who you say you are

36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

One of the criminals insulted him Only an idiot would willingly endure this cruelty! Save yourself and me! If you are who you say you are

39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Only one person understood Not a disciples or religious leader Not wise nor learned person Just a common criminal “Jesus remember me”

Everyone was saying or shouting… show us your power! Impress us Make us believe But they were missing the obvious They could not see… Jesus did show his power!

He could have behaved like most of the people present Fear Anger Hatred Punishment Take control Courage Compassion Love Restraint He was in control

If Jesus would have behaved like those surrounding him If he would have behave liked us Where would we be today?

The message for us today? Lord give us power to forgive Power to do what we have to do Power to not give into the evil forces of anger and hatred Power to see beyond the momentary things

It takes no training to be angry, hateful or violent To show restraint and see down the road it takes God’s power Therefore we ask God… “Lord, give me strength to endure” “Lord, give me power to forgive”