Walking through Holy Week: The Crucifixion

Today, Good Friday, we come to the story of Jesus being crucified. Let's read.

³² Two other men were also led out with Jesus to be killed. Both of them had broken the law. ³³ The soldiers brought them to the place called The Skull. There they nailed Jesus to the cross. He hung between the two criminals. One was on his right and one was on his left.

³⁴ Jesus said, "Father, forgive them. They don't know what they are doing." The soldiers divided up his clothes by casting lots.

³⁵ The people stood there watching. The rulers even made fun of Jesus. They said, "He saved others. Let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."

³⁶ The soldiers also came up and poked fun at him. They offered him wine vinegar. ³⁷ They said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."

³⁸ A written sign had been placed above him. It read, -this is the king of the jews.-

³⁹ One of the criminals hanging there made fun of Jesus. He said, "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself! Save us!"

⁴⁰ But the other criminal scolded him. "Don't you have any respect for God?" he said. "Remember, you are under the same sentence of death. ⁴¹ We are being punished fairly. We are getting just what our actions call for. But this man hasn't done anything wrong."

⁴² Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

⁴³ Jesus answered him, "What I'm about to tell you is true. Today you will be with me in paradise."

Jesus Dies

⁴⁴ It was now about noon. The whole land was covered with darkness until three o'clock. ⁴⁵ The sun had stopped shining. The temple curtain was torn in two. ⁴⁶ Jesus called out in a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my very life." After he said this, he took his last breath.

Luke 23:32-46 (NIrV)

Discussion

• When Jesus was crucified, was He crucified alone?
• Of those who were crucified that day, who deserved to die?
• Who recognized that Jesus did not deserve to die?
• What did he receive for believing this?
• What reaction did the people who crucified Jesus have?
• Do you think they felt like they had finally beaten Jesus?
• Do you think they felt better about themselves by making fun of Jesus?
• How do you think they would have felt if Jesus had saved Himself?
• Would Jesus have been doing God's will if He had saved Himself?
• We read that it was dark for three hours - during the daytime!
• Does this remind you of what Jesus said to those who arrested Him?
• Does this mean that the forces darkness and evil have won?
• What was the significance of the temple curtain being torn in two?
• The temple curtain was what separated the people from the holy of holies in the temple. This is where the high priest would only be allowed to go one day a year to make a sacrifice for the people. It was the most sacred place in the temple.
• The tearing of the curtain when Jesus died signifies how His death gives us access to the holiness of God.
• When Jesus died, was it willingly?
• He committed His soul to God.
• He took His last breath
• It sounds like He died exactly when He wanted to die.

Walking through Holy Week: Jesus' Arrest

It had to happen. Jesus knew it would. He was arrested. He was out praying and His closest disciples were with Him (although they were having trouble staying awake).

⁴⁷ While Jesus was still speaking, a crowd came up. The man named Judas was leading them. He was one of the Twelve. Judas approached Jesus to kiss him.

⁴⁸ But Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you handing over the Son of Man with a kiss?"

⁴⁹ Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen. So they said, "Lord, should we use our swords against them?" ⁵⁰ One of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.

⁵¹ But Jesus answered, "Stop this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.

⁵² Then Jesus spoke to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders. They had all come for him. "Am I leading a band of armed men against you?" he asked. "Do you have to come with swords and clubs? ⁵³ Every day I was with you in the temple courtyard. And you didn't lay a hand on me. But this is your hour. This is when darkness rules."

Discussion

• Did Jesus let the fact that He was about to be arrested keep Him from what He was doing?
• Did the people who wanted to arrest Jesus finally think they had the advantage?
• Who led the crowd that was arresting Jesus?
• How did Jesus disciples react?
• Did Jesus approve of a violent reaction by His disciples?
• Did Jesus go with the people who arrested Him willingly? Why or why not?
• Why did Jesus say they arrested Him at night? What did He mean by this?