Cross Words: Who Does God Forgive?

SPEAKER

Steve Hill

SCRIPTURE

Luke 23:32-43

BIG IDEA

God forgives guilty sinners.

OUTLINE

1. Even on the Cross, Jesus forgives.
   • Soldier
   • Criminal
   • Crowd
   • Religious Leaders
   • Peter
   • Me
2. God’s Forgiveness is Final.
   • Instant
   • Free
   • Complete
3. Grace is greater than guilt and shame.

Key Application: Jesus forgave those who tortured Him and I should forgive ________ .

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. For what reason have you felt guilty in the past?
2. When you do feel guilty (or are guilty), do you tend to blame others, deflect guilt, accept responsibility, or something else?
3. Who is one person you have made feel guilty in the past week? How did that situation work out?
4. With whom in the story do you most identify (crowd, religious leader, soldier, criminal)? Why?
5. At times we feel upset because our rights are violated. Practically all of Jesus’ rights were violated and he responded in an unanticipated way. What does Jesus’ response mean for us today when we believe our rights are violated?

NEXT STEP

• I will choose to forgive ________________ today.