This post is written by Katie Orr as a companion for Unit 27, Session 1 of The Gospel Project for Adults, Volume 9: From Death to Resurrection (Fall 2023).
The expanse of emotions amidst adolescents is massive. Layer on top of that their impulsive nature, alongside their deep need for approval and inclusion, and you have a recipe for relational disaster. Additionally, many are at the peak of their self-focused existence. Many cannot imagine a world in which they are not the center. Thus, selfishness is ubiquitous in any circle of teen affairs.
This environment is ripe for learning opportunities as they run into one another’s ragged edges. One of those life lessons is that of forgiveness. They are presented with regular occasions to choose to wipe their relational slate clean.
Of course, these issues do not go away as we move into adulthood. Unfortunately, many adults still act like teenagers when it comes to forgiveness. The wrongs done to us (and by us) typically become weightier, and thus grievances grow greater. As they do, forgiveness is a life lesson we each must continue to learn. More than a moral to embrace, forgiveness is a tenant of our Christian faith. One that was modeled perfectly by our Savior.
Jesus was betrayed by a coward, forsaken by His followers, unfairly accused, inappropriately tried, unjustifiably condemned, and wrongfully crucified—all within a twenty-four hour period. Leaders schemed against Him. The crowd of disciples who had long followed Him scattered like roaches illuminated by the bathroom light. Rulers failed Him. Even His closest friends abandoned Him. Yet through the rising ocean of offenses, He forgave each and stayed true to His purpose: to glorify His Father by fulfilling God’s perfect will.
Through the cross, Jesus endured an unjust death penalty so that you and I could have life. Though He was faultless, sinless, and guiltless, He bore the condemnation and scorn we deserved. The perfect fellowship He enjoyed with His Father was for a time severed so that He could take the blame of all our iniquities and thus the punishment for our transgressions. He exchanged His perfect righteousness for our utter sinfulness and bore the weight of our wrongs. All so that we could receive forgiveness from God for every one of our violations: past, present, and future.
“For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). The callous betrayals, brutal beatings, and wrongful blame placed on Him were not a surprise to Jesus. He was not naive to where it all would lead. Also, He knew the stakes of His obedience, and He understood the importance of His sacrifice. Every step He took toward the cross was a step of self-denial, obedience, and forgiveness. May we also deny ourselves and follow in His footsteps as we seek to glorify God with our moments. Let us, like Christ, choose obedience, no matter the cost. Might we be men and women who are marked by forgiveness because we have been forgiven much.
Katie Orr is the author of Secrets of the Happy Soul, seven FOCUSed15 Bible studies, and is the creator of the Bible Study Hub community, where women can receive training, encouragement, and accountability to enjoy God’s Word. Katie holds an MA in discipleship from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She and her husband, Chris, along with their three children, live in central Florida.
