Luke 23:26-38

1. We ought to notice our Lord's words of prophetic warning.
2. We ought to notice our Lord's words of gracious intercession.

"Let us beware of supposing that the Lord Jesus holds out to man nothing but mercy, pardon, love, and forgiveness...He delights in mercy. But we must never forget that there is justice with Him as well as mercy."

"The Lord Jesus is indeed most pitiful, most compassionate, and most gracious. None are too wicked for Him to care for. None are too far gone in sin for His almighty heart to take interest in their souls."

Questions:

1. If you are from the West, you know that a good portion of so-called churches will talk of the love of God, but will speak nothing of His wrath. May we not be deceived! There is rich mercy in Christ, but that mercy will one day end, and justice will be executed on the earth against all who did not repent and believe. Are we clear on this when we talk with others about the gospel of Jesus Christ?
2. Ryle points out that the first of Jesus' seven sayings on the cross is for the Father to forgive His murderers! We see in Christ a heart gracious to forgive and pardon those who turn to Him, and we also see an example of loving our enemies. Beloved brother or sister, for those whom are our enemies, can we say that we love them and pray God would forgive them? May God grant us grace for it to be so!