Jesus: Forgiveness In The Midst of Pain (Forgiveness Part 4)

But Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know

what they are doing.” Then they threw dice to divide his clothes.

--Luke 23:34

Two betrayals, deserting disciples, relentless mocking, and a brutal night of pulverising beatings. Jesus, hung on the cross, life leaking out of him. With whatever fortitude remained, he asked God to forgive those inflicting the most cruel punishment devised by mankind.

​Dr. Paul Brand, in his book, In His Image, points out the tremendous suffering Jesus paid to purchase our forgiveness. He said Jesus experienced the "full unadulterated fury" of a perfectly functioning nervous system—transferring every inflicted pain throughout his body.

Jesus's request to forgive those who crucified him carried high stakes. How could Jesus make such a request? He said they didn't know what they were doing.

Oh, the soldiers knew they were crucifying a man with each wack at the nail head, while lifting a cross made of hard wood, and dropping it with a thud in the hole.

And the religious rulers? They knew exactly why they wanted this man executed—he threatened their privileged position in society.

Jesus meant the significance. They didn't know the higher purpose behind their deeds.

But Jesus knew his purpose. Hebrews 12:2 states:

Jesus didn't come to take a walk on the wild side. He came to die so we might live.

The soldiers and the religious leaders thought they were stamping out a threat. To their chagrin, Jesus didnt remain dead; he rose from the grave three days later. He broke death's curse, harking back to God's promise in Genesis 3:15—the serpent would strike at his heel, but he would crush the serpent's head.

We face painful trials, too. Like Jesus, we must forgive those who sin against us. Not an easy example to follow when pain sears deeply. By forgiving others, Christians not only obey a command, but act in a way that reflects Jesus. Through our obedience, we extend Christ's work on the cross—we bring light into dark places and reconcile the lost to God.

The Apostle Paul, said it elegantly in 1 Corinthians 15:55, "Death, where is thy victory, grave where is thy sting."

When we forgive, the wound loses its sting—just as Jesus robbed death of its own.

Thank you for a moment of your time,

David Harlen

Posts, in this series:

1. ​An Introduction: Forgiveness Isn't For Them—It's For You​
2. ​God Forgives Us—And That Changes Everything​
3. ​Forgiveness isn't Optional for Believers—It's Essential​
4. Jesus’s Example: Forgiveness in the Midst of Pain
5. The Healing Power of Forgiveness
6. Set Yourself Free: Practical Steps Toward Forgiveness

Ministry Update

Praise God for evangelistic videos such as The Crossing, where a young man who died of leukemia returns to help his high school buddy understand Christ’s love by dying for his sins. We showed the Tagalog version to the kids, and they understood the message. After the discussion, seven kids and one parent prayed for forgiveness. Pray that the seed planted in their hearts will grow and produce godly fruit. Thank you for your prayers and support.

By His grace,

Dave & Tina

Prayer Requests

• Pray that the seed planted in the hearts of the children and the parent will grow and produce godly fruit.
• Pray for God’s guidance so we can tailor the topics appropriately for various levels of comprehension.
• Pray that members of our online Bible studies will glorify God in their respective jobs and ministries.
• Pray that rising prices of gas and transportation won't discourage people from attending REACH's 50th Anniversary (May 1-3). Pray also for safety as many of us travel to Manila.
• Pray that the testimonies delivered during the anniversary will re-invigorate people to make disciples.
• Pray for Dave’s writing projects to stay on track and minister to readers’ needs.

How to Give

If the Lord is leading you to support His work in the Philippines, you may make your check payable to Reach Ministries International, designated for Dave & Tina Brooks and send to: Reach Ministries International, c/o CRM, P.O. Box 77160, Corona, CA 92877. You may also give online through the RMI website: https://www.reachministriesinternational.com/donate/​​

To learn more about Dave’s writing ministry, visit: https://www.davidharlenbrooks.com/​​

Post Script

Coming soon: Behold, All Things Are Become New (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). Will Tyler remain chained by the abuse his father inflicted upon him—or find the freedom of forgiveness? Stay tuned.

Other Available Stories:

​Will It Ever Be Well?​

Following his father’s death, eighteen-year-old Thomas is left wrestling with grief and an uncertain future. As he stands on the brink of adulthood, will he choose faith to guide him, or leave his life to chance?

​A Father's Heart​

With a sick child and an angry wife, Fernando must rise to the occasion or live the life of a broken man.