Mission: Possible Iron Nails. Father, Forgive Them.

Zaressa Richardson
13 hours ago
4 min read

While nailed to the cross, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them.”

Welcome back to The Fine Print. This is part four and the closing of our journey through the teaching series entitled Mission: Possible.

We have walked through The Veil Was Torn Access Granted The Perfect Lamb A Debt Fully Paid Empty Tomb Living Proof

And today we close with Iron Nails. Father, Forgive Them.

I want us to slow down right here, because the cross is not just history. The cross still has power today. And the blood of Jesus is still speaking a better word on our behalf.

For it is written, “the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” Hebrews 12:24 NIV

Now let’s talk about the nails for a moment. The Bible uses the word hands, and in the language and context of that day, the term could include the wrist area. Roman crucifixion required a placement that could support the weight of the body on wood. The point is not to get lost in anatomy. The point is to feel the weight.

He was pinned. He was bleeding. He was mocked. He was suffering.

And still, He opened His mouth and released forgiveness.

For it is written, “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’” Luke 23:34 NIV

Jesus, even reading that, my heart bows. Thank You for thinking of me. Thank You for thinking of us in that moment. Thank You for the mission that was only possible because of Your yes. Holy is Your name. Let us never forget the weight of the sin You carried, and the love that held You there.

So today, let’s look in the fine print and pay attention to the detail of forgiveness.

Holy Spirit, open our ears to hear You. I believe this will take our worship to another level, because forgiveness is not just something Jesus mentioned. Forgiveness is something Jesus modeled while it cost Him everything.

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Why “Father, forgive them” matters right now

That sentence is proof that forgiveness is not based on what people deserve. It is based on who God is.

Jesus did not wait for an apology. Jesus did not wait for people to understand. Jesus did not wait until the pain stopped.

He forgave in the middle of it.

And that is why this matters for us today, because many of us want forgiveness to be convenient. We want it after they explain themselves. We want it after they feel sorry. We want it after we feel better.

But Jesus shows us that forgiveness is not a reward for repentance. Forgiveness is obedience to God and freedom for your own soul.

For it is written, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 NIV

That means the standard is not their behavior. The standard is His mercy.

The mission of forgiveness is possible for us today

Let me say it plainly. Forgiveness is not saying what happened was okay. Forgiveness is not pretending it did not hurt. Forgiveness is not reconnecting with someone who is unsafe.

Forgiveness is releasing the debt. It is handing God what you cannot carry anymore.

For it is written, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV

And for the moments when you feel like you cannot, Scripture does not leave you without help.

For it is written, “And pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 NIV

Prayer is often the first step of forgiveness, because it shifts your heart from vengeance to surrender.

What forgiveness does for us as believers

Forgiveness guards your heart from becoming a prison.

Unforgiveness keeps the wound open. It makes you rehearse what happened until it becomes an identity. But forgiveness breaks agreement with bitterness and hands the case to God.

For it is written, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14–15 NIV

That is not God being petty. That is God protecting your heart. He knows unforgiveness will poison your prayers, your worship, your relationships, and your peace.

Walk like you have the receipt

This is the part I do not want us to miss.

Jesus paid for your forgiveness. That means you do not have to live like you are still on trial. And it also means you do not get to hold other people in a courtroom forever.

You have the receipt. Not because you were perfect. Because He was.

For it is written, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Ephesians 1:7 NIV

So when accusation comes, you pull the receipt. When shame comes, you pull the receipt. When the enemy tries to remind you of what you did, you pull the receipt. And when you are tempted to hold someone hostage in your heart, you remember the cross and you pull the receipt again.

Because the mission is still possible.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the cross. Thank You for the blood that still speaks. Thank You for forgiveness that reached me when I did not deserve it.

Teach me how to forgive like You forgave. Search my heart and reveal any place where I am holding on to a debt You never told me to carry.

Give me the strength to release what hurt me and the wisdom to set boundaries where they are needed. Let my life reflect the receipt of mercy You placed in my hands.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.