February 8, 2026

Richard White, Pastor

Luke 23:32-38

The Depths of Mercy

1. What does Jesus’ request to forgive while in the middle of his suffering reveal about Him and the nature of true forgiveness?
2. 1 John 1:9 speaks of confession and cleansing associated with forgiveness. How is what Jesus is praying different from that? What is he really asking for?  What proof do you have that the Father has answered Jesus’ prayer?
3. Jesus forgives people who haven’t apologized or changed. How does that shape your understanding of what forgiveness is, and what it isn’t? What makes this kind of forgiveness difficult for us?
4. What do you think Jesus meant by, “They know not what they do?” How is this a help to you in how you view others and forgive those who sin against you?
5. How does Jesus prayer from the cross show the difference between forgiveness as a choice and forgiveness as a feeling?
6. In what way is forgiveness costly? What did it cost Jesus to forgive? What does it cost you to forgive people who hurt you and don’t apologize?
7. In the sermon four responses to hurt were mentioned: Get Even,  Suppress the Hurt,  Rise Above It,  Forgive Completely.   Which is your go to response?   What needs to happen in you to be able to forgive completely? Where does your heart need to start in this process of forgiving others completely?
8. Is there someone you need to forgive? How can you tap into the mercy of Jesus to free and empower your heart to do so?