Theological Sketch-book Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. I. OBSERVE THE PETITION ITSELF. 1. The magnitude of the blessing prayed for. 2. The extreme unworthiness of the objects. 3. The heinous nature of their offence. 4. The efficacy of the petition in securing the blessing prayed for. II. THE PLEA BY WHICH THE PETITION IS ENFORCED — "THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO." 1. It is such as would have not been found by any other advocate. 2. It is a plea which shows theft sin has different degrees of guilt, according to the circumstances under which it is committed. 3. It is a plea which teaches us that for some there was no mercy, though there might be for those on whose behalf it was offered. There is a sin unto death, which has no forgiveness in this world, nor in that which is to come (Matthew 12:32). 4. Though their ignorance afforded a plea for mercy, they were not to be pardoned without repentance. Application: 1. We see there is that in the nature of sin which surpasses all our conceptions. 2. Still, we learn that notwithstanding the evil nature of sin, there is no reason for despair, not even for the chief of sinners. 3. The conduct of our blessed Lord is set before us in this instance as an example, teaching us what must be our spirit towards our enemies and persecutors. Stephen followed this example, and we must learn to do the same (Acts 7:60; Matthew 5:44, 45). (Theological Sketch-book.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. |
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