About This Sermon
Steven Morris teaches from Luke 23 and Matthew 27 about three prayers Jesus prayed from the cross. Even while dying in agony, Jesus continued to address God: "Father, forgive them," "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" and "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." These prayers show Jesus trusting God with his enemies, his suffering, and his final breath.
The message traces how Jesus practiced what he preached about loving enemies, how he experienced the separation from God that our sin deserved, and how he modeled praying Scripture in the darkest moments. Because Jesus was forsaken in our place, those who trust him will never face that separation.
Scripture: Luke 23:32-34; Matthew 27:45-46; Luke 23:44-46; Psalms 22:1; Psalms 31:5; Matthew 18:21-35; Romans 3:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21
Study Guide
A few ideas to carry with you, discuss with your group, or revisit during the week.
Practical Takeaways (5)
- Jesus prayed even in his most difficult moment, showing us we can trust God enough to pray when it is hard.
- Forgiven people forgive people, and we can start by going before God even when we cannot resolve the whole relationship.
- Jesus was forsaken so that believers would never have to be separated from God.
- Jesus prayed Scripture back to God, showing us the value of knowing and praying God's Word in crisis.
- God can be trusted with our sin, our suffering, and our last breath.
Discussion Questions (5)
- What stands out to you about the way Jesus addresses God in each of these three prayers?
- Is there someone the Holy Spirit may be bringing to mind that you need to forgive?
- How does Jesus' experience of being forsaken on the cross affect how you think about your own sin and distance from God?
- What would it look like for you to pray Scripture back to God in a difficult moment you are facing?
- How can you continue entrusting yourself to God in your daily life, not just in how you die but in how you live?
From the Series
Pray Like Jesus - NK
Prayer was never an afterthought in the life of Jesus. It was the foundation of everything He did. Before the crowds, before the miracles, before the cross, Jesus continually met… Read morePrayer was never an afterthought in the life of Jesus. It was the foundation of everything He did. Before the crowds, before the miracles, before the cross, Jesus continually met with His Father. In Pray Like Jesus, we’ll journey through the Gospels to discover how Jesus prayed in every season of life. We’ll see His pattern of daily dependence, His prayers for others, His surrender in suffering, and His unwavering trust in the Father. More than learning about prayer, we’ll be invited to experience the same relationship with God that shaped every moment of Jesus’ life. Whether your prayer life feels vibrant or you’ve struggled to know where to begin, this series will help you grow in confidence, intimacy, and dependence on God as you learn to pray like Jesus. Show less
Before Anything Else
Aug 16, 2026
Start with God
Aug 23, 2026
Lord's Prayer
Aug 30, 2026
With JOY
Sep 6, 2026
