1. Contrasts in the Life of Jesus  Rich and Poor (2 Cor. 8:9)  Loved and Hated (Jn. 15:9, 18).  King and Servant (1 Tim. 6:15; Acts 3:13)  Greatest Contrast - Prayer from the Cross  Rich and Poor (2 Cor. 8:9)  Loved and Hated (Jn. 15:9, 18).  King and Servant (1 Tim. 6:15; Acts 3:13)  Greatest Contrast - Prayer from the Cross “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

2. Where is the Contrast?  Not in the principle of prayer:  Began ministry with prayer (Lk. 3:21)  Ended it with prayer (Lk. 24:50-51)  Prayed before selecting apostles (Lk. 6:12)  Taught disciples to pray (Mt. 6:9-16)  Prayed night before betrayal (Jn. 17)  The prayer & the situation in which it was offered.  Not in the principle of prayer:  Began ministry with prayer (Lk. 3:21)  Ended it with prayer (Lk. 24:50-51)  Prayed before selecting apostles (Lk. 6:12)  Taught disciples to pray (Mt. 6:9-16)  Prayed night before betrayal (Jn. 17)  The prayer & the situation in which it was offered.

3. Contrast  Angry mob  Prejudice  Hatred  Jealousy  Indifference  Racism  Mocking  Cursing  Angry mob  Prejudice  Hatred  Jealousy  Indifference  Racism  Mocking  Cursing  Purity  Love  Total subjection to the will of the Father  Prays for the forgiveness of his enemies

4. Lessons from a Prayer  Greatest act of love ever seen…  Generous spirit, noble-minded  John 15:13  Rom. 5:6-8  1 John 3:15-18  Greatest act of love ever seen…  Generous spirit, noble-minded  John 15:13  Rom. 5:6-8  1 John 3:15-18

5. Lessons from a Prayer  Greatest act of love ever seen…  Man is accountable for sins committed in ignorance --“They know not what they do.”  God holds everyone accountable:  Matt. 15:14  Acts 3:17  Acts 17:30  Mk. 16:15 -- Why? -- Gal. 3:22  Greatest act of love ever seen…  Man is accountable for sins committed in ignorance --“They know not what they do.”  God holds everyone accountable:  Matt. 15:14  Acts 3:17  Acts 17:30  Mk. 16:15 -- Why? -- Gal. 3:22

6. Lessons from a Prayer  Greatest act of love ever seen…  Man is accountable for sins committed in ignorance --“They know not what they do.”  Jesus practiced what he taught others…  Matt. 5:44  Acts 1:11  1 Peter 2:18-25  Greatest act of love ever seen…  Man is accountable for sins committed in ignorance --“They know not what they do.”  Jesus practiced what he taught others…  Matt. 5:44  Acts 1:11  1 Peter 2:18-25

7. Lessons from a Prayer  Greatest act of love ever seen…  Man is accountable for sins committed in ignorance --“They know not what they do.”  Jesus practiced what he taught others…  It is the Father who forgives…  Were these people forgiven?  Was this prayer answered?  When was it answered?  Acts 2:38-41  Greatest act of love ever seen…  Man is accountable for sins committed in ignorance --“They know not what they do.”  Jesus practiced what he taught others…  It is the Father who forgives…  Were these people forgiven?  Was this prayer answered?  When was it answered?  Acts 2:38-41