The first statement we look to from Jesus on the cross may be the most difficult for us to comprehend. After being hoisted upon the cross, beaten and bloody, crown of thorns pressed upon his brow, nails piercing his hands and feet, listening to ridicule from some in the crowd, laughter from others. . .sadness from some, he says it.
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
This statement gives us such insight in the power of our God and the love of Christ. "Father" evokes knowledge of intimacy, love, security, and hope. It's a word that reminds us of the relationship that is available to all who receive Christ.
Without "Father", forgiveness isn't possible.
Many of us are stressed out in life. The workplace, the home, relationships, finances, etc. all bring stress into our lives.
According to a study released this year by the American Psychological Association, more adults report that their stress is increasing. 39 percent state their stress levels have increased in the past year.
More than half of Americans reported personal health problems as a source of stress.
When faced with stress, only 29 percent state they feel they are doing a good job managing or reducing it.
What causes this stress?
- 75 percent – money
- 70 percent – work
- 67 percent – economy
- 58 percent – relationships
- 57 percent – family responsibilities
- 53 percent – family health problems
- 53 percent – personal health concerns
- 49 percent – job stability
- 49 percent – housing costs
- 32 percent – personal safety
As we look at the pressure audit of Jerusalem, we discover that many of the characters in the story (i.e. the people in Jerusalem) were facing stress at different levels. This audit reveals what develops into stress for us. Also, you can see some short-term and long-term effects of stress on the body in the chart below:
Some practical reactions to stressful situations:
- People react according to their interpretation of the event. (Ex. Caiphas sees a financial threat. Crowd sees potential king to challenge Rome. Pharisees see an influence threat.) How do you interpret events at work and life? Stress is about perception.
- People’s beliefs about a situation determine their reactions. (Ex. Authorities believed Jesus couldn’t be genuine. Suspicions rampant.) What do you believe about the events at work or in your life? Stress is about reacting to internal beliefs.
- Anger and frustration are central to stress build up. (Ex. Peter cutting off ear.) How angry are you at work? With others? Stress is about anger.
- Change is often the pressure point. (Ex. Jesus’ arrival changed or threatened to change many peoples’ ideas and circumstances.) How do you react to change? Stress is about reacting to change.
- The body is affected by stress. (Ex. The disciples falling asleep. Pilate’s wife having a disturbing night’s sleep.) Is your body showing signs of stress? It’s a physical reaction.
So, based on this, here’s our working definition of stress for this journey:
MY ANGRY MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL REACTION TO INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL CHANGE.
How did Jesus address and handle this?
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Father – a prayer. A prayer of intimacy. A reach for the source of hope and power. Three of Jesus’ last seven statements on the cross were prayers. The first was and this is key.
Father – a statement of identity and worth. It’s relational. It’s intimate.
Father – a statement of security.
Father – a statement of values and beliefs. All Jesus did was for the glory of the Father. It’s all about Him and will always be all about him. We must learn from this.
Then – "FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO.”
Forgiveness melts stress. Forgiveness heals wounds. Forgiveness is not possibly apart from the Father.
Jesus forgives. No one asked him to. They didn’t deserve it. Yet, it’s given.
Forgiveness is not saying “what you did is OK.” It is saying “I choose not to hold it against you.” That’s huge and difficult and challenging and freeing and holy and Godly.
Forgiveness is not easy. It is often costly. It is sometimes messy.
Do you have someone to forgive? Most likely. “Forgive them, for they do not know what do.”
What if the one you must forgive is . . .you. This often keeps us from healing. “Father, forgive me, for I know not what I do.”
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