March 26, 2024 -- Luke 23:34 -- How often should I forgive my brother?

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Luke 23:34 ESV

As Jesus was nailed to that cross, His words were not cursing, not condemning, but they were full of grace and truth. He prayed to His Father that those crucifying Him would be forgiven. Those reviling Him would be forgiven. Those gambling for His clothing would be forgiven. Those disciples who fled the scene at Gethsemane would be forgiven. They know they are putting a criminal to death. But the fact of the matter is that Jesus is wholly innocent. He alone is truly the only man Who never sinned, never lied, never cheated, never disobeyed and therefore is the only man Who did not deserve to die. With His dying breath He proved He is accomplishing what He came to earth to do, to atone for sin so that by His reconciling blood man can approach God.

Earlier in His earthly ministry, Jesus’s disciples asked Him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?” (Matthew 18:21). It is an interesting question from Peter, who, like the rest of us had already countless times asked forgiveness from God. Often for the same offense, over and over again, looking to heaven and hoping for grace. Grace that is granted.

Now, tangibly, memorably, showing Himself truly divine and truly human, Jesus prays to His Father for the forgiveness of those who are putting Him to death. In response to Peter’s question, Jesus had answered “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22). As often as your brother needs forgiveness, give it to him. This teaching Jesus demonstrated. Under unimaginably harsh circumstances and great torture, He prayed for the forgiveness of those who did not even seek it. This demonstration of His infinite love gives us confidence to boldly approach the throne of grace because we go to Him who is full of compassion, rich in mercy, and both able and ready to forgive.

Truly Jesus is the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. By His reconciling blood all who approach Him, turning away from their sins and confessing them, find forgiveness full and free. Hallelujah, what a Savior.

Ash Wednesday Prayer

O Mighty God, and merciful Father, who hast compassion upon all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made; who wouldest not the death of a sinner, but that he should rather turn from his sin, and be saved: Mercifully forgive our trespasses; receive and comfort us, who are grieved and wearied with the burden of our sins. Thy property is always to have mercy; to thee only it ^appertaineth to forgive sins. Spare, O Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed; enter not into judgement with thy servants, who truly repent us of our faults, but so make haste to help us in this world, that we may ever live with thee in the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

^appertaineth, to belong to by right, nature

From: the Book of Common Prayer, page 613

https://youtu.be/wcrS8rFWMXQ?si=zlFuJZ2vzIHhjFeQ “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”

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