Opening Discussion

• What was something you didn’t believe at first, but then when you got more information about it, you believed it?

Read and Discuss

Luke 23:26-31

26 As they led him away, they seized Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, and laid the cross on him to carry behind Jesus. 27 A large crowd of people followed him, including women who were mourning and lamenting him. 28 But turning to them, Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and your children. 29 Look, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the women without children, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ 31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

• Why did Simon have to carry the cross?
  • What does this show us about the physical state Jesus was in?
• Even though Jesus was in excruciating pain, why does He tell the women following Him not to weep for Him, but for themselves?
• What do we learn about Jesus’ character from this interaction with the women?

Luke 23:32-38

32 Two others—criminals—were also led away to be executed with him. 33 When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided his clothes and cast lots.

35 The people stood watching, and even the leaders were scoffing: “He saved others; let him save himself if this is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him. They came offering him sour wine 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!”

38 An inscription was above him: This Is the King of the Jews.

• Why does Jesus forgive those who are responsible for His crucifixion?
• How does Jesus forgiving others point to the fact that He was fully God and fully man?
• Why were people mocking and making fun of Jesus?
• What are some things you can learn from Jesus in this passage?
• Is there anyone you are having trouble forgiving right now?
  • What can you do to forgive them this week?

Luke 23:44-49

44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, 45 because the sun’s light failed. The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle. 46 And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.” Saying this, he breathed his last.

47 When the centurion saw what happened, he began to glorify God, saying, “This man really was righteous!” 48 All the crowds that had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, went home, striking their chests. 49 But all who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

• What was the significance of the curtain of the sanctuary splitting in two?
• How did Jesus remain faithful to the end of His life?
• The centurion had probably seen hundreds of crucifixions. What made Jesus’ death different from the other ones?
• Why did the crowds feel remorse after Jesus died?
• How do all of these passages point to Jesus really dying?
• Why does it matter that Jesus really died?

Apply it!

• What is one way you can live more like Jesus based on this passage?

Memorize it!

Luke 23:34a Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.”

Prayer TACOS

Thanksgiving- What is something you can thank the Lord for today?

Adoration- Worship God for sending Jesus to die in our place

Confess to those times you have taken Jesus death and resurrection for granted

Others- Who can you tell about the love of Jesus this week? Pray for them and that opportunity.

Self- What are some doubts you have? Ask the Lord to help you find someone to talk to about that this week