Bible Passage: “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’” (Luke 23:34 NIV)
Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:1-2
One of the biggest opponents of doubt is evidence.
It’s what our justice system is based on; in any court case, does the evidence overcome all reasonable doubt?
This is the way we often feel about our sin.
Why?
Because we doubt God’s forgiveness when the evidence of our guilt is clear.
But is that all the evidence in your case?
Let me show you what I mean.
In Luke 23, while He is hanging on the Cross, and His accusers and executioners insult, jeer, and gamble for His clothing, Jesus says a prayer.
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
In other words, even while they were His attackers, He was their advocate before the Judge.
You and I may have never done those things to Jesus, but we still have sin.
And we tend to believe that our sin is too big for Jesus to truly forgive.
We see the evidence of our guilt and doubt the fullness of God’s love and forgiveness.
The apostle John must have understood this, and two other things:
The heart of men and the heart of Jesus.
And in his writings, John wanted his readers to know how much Jesus loves them, even when they sin.
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One…” (1 John 2:1, emphasis added).
Just as Jesus was His executioners’ advocate, He is ours, too.
But it’s even more than that as John continued to write:
“He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2, emphasis added).
Our doubt says that our sin is too big, but God’s Word says that Jesus can handle the sins of the whole world. And this was written 2000 years ago. That’s a lot of sin for Him to deal with.
So, the next time, try not to sin. But if you do, know that the evidence is clear:
God’s forgiveness is greater.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You that Your forgiveness is bigger than my sin. Help me to trust Your evidence and know I am forgiven. Amen
Reflection: What is one sin you have committed that you feel is too big for Jesus to forgive? Confess it to Him and hear what He wants to say to you about it.
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