"FATHER, FORGIVE THEM"

Luke 23:20-56
Key Verse: 23:34a

"Jesus said, `Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'"

* THE CRUCIFIXION (23:20-33)

1. Review Jesus' trials. (22:66-23:19) What was Pilate's final ruling? (22, cf 4) Why did he have Jesus punished (flogged) if he was innocent? Why did he have him crucified? Why did Jesus need help carrying the cross? How might this event affect Simon?

2. Read verses 27-31. Why were the women crying? What did Jesus tell them? What does this mean? When will men want to hide under a mountain? (Hos 10:8, Is 2:19, Rev 6:15-17) What should be our reaction to the crucifixion of Jesus?

3. Read verses 32-33. Describe the crucifixion. Why did Jesus suffer and die like this? (Isa 53:4-8; 1Pe 2:24; Jn 1:29)


* FATHER FORGIVE THEM (23:34-43)

4. What did Jesus pray? (34) How could he pray like this? What can you learn from him about forgiveness?

5. Read verses 35-43. How did the people, the rulers, the soldiers and the criminal mock Jesus on the cross? Why? What couldn't they understand? How did Jesus minister to one criminal even while on the cross?


* JESUS’ DEATH AND BURIAL (23:44-56)

6. Read verses 44-46. What happened when Jesus died? What does this reveal about the meaning of his death? How do Jesus’ final words reveal his love for God and his assurance?

7. Read verses 47-49. What confession did the centurion make? Read verses 50-56. Who was Joseph and how did he show his faith? What is the meaning of the burial of Jesus? (44-56; Isa 53:9)