Step 4

JESUS IS CRUCIFIED

Luke 23:1-56 

Key Verse 23:33-34

When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

1. Verses 1-25 describe Jesus’ trials before political rulers. During the proceedings, Jesus remained silent except to answer Pilate’s question, “Are you the king of the Jews?” What does Jesus’ answer (“Yes, it is as you say”) tell us about him? (John 18:36-37; 4:22-24) 

2. In verses 26-31 Jesus prayed for those who wept for him. What does this passage tell us about Jesus? 

3. Draw in your mind the picture of Jesus crucified in the middle of the two criminals in verses 32-33. What does this scene tell us about Jesus? 

4. Read verse 34. Who were “they”? In what respect didn’t they know what they were doing? What does Jesus’ prayer tell us about him? 

5. Read verses 35-39. People asked Jesus to save himself. Yet, why did Jesus not save himself?

6. Read verses 40-43 and think about: 1) the man’s rebuke to the other criminal; 2) his request to Jesus; and 3) Jesus’ answer to the man’s request. What can we learn from the man who said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”? 

7. Read verses 44-56. What do the following indicate about Jesus’ sufferings and death on a tree?  1) The sun stopped shining (for a time); 2) the curtain of the temple was torn in two; 3) “Surely this was a righteous man.”

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