Book of Luke -Lessons.  35

Chapter  23:27-56
 

Introduction: We have stated before that The Twenty Third chapter of Luke records the DARKEST HOUR in the history of man --the crucifixion of the ONLY perfect man who ever walked on the face of the earth, Jesus Christ!

        1. Verses 27-33 tell us that a "a great company" followed, as these wicked people took Jesus away to be crucified. Among them were "women" who "bewailed and lamented him." Jesus turned and gave them some instructions to focus on a broader picture. He told them NOT to weep for Him but for themselves and their children. They needed to see that when people would do this kind of evil act in the light of day, so to speak -- "in a green tree" -- what can be expected of them in "the dry"? He points to the terrible consequences. We are told that "two other malefactors" were lead away with Jesus to be put to death, also. He died between two thieves, one on each side of Him. What a sight.

        2. A most incredible thing occurred that causes any reasonable person to see that Jesus stands above every other person who every lived (Lk. 23:34). He prayed: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." This points to the destructive nature of ignorance. Had these people known what they were doing, they would surely not have done it (Cf. Acts 3:17; 1 Cor. 2:7-8). Yet, let us be perfectly clear: Ignorance is no excuse, and sin of ignorance is not excused! These people "parted his garments, and cast lots." What a terrible scene! They wrote over the cross in three languages "King of the Jews"!

        3. The people stood by and watched, while the "rulers derided," saying His claim of being able to save others were manifestly empty, because He could not save himself; the soldiers "mocked (Vs. 35-38). Such foolishness on their part is outstanding. One of the thieves "railed on him" saying "If thou be the Christ, save thyself and us." However, one of the thieves saw the matter differently, recognizing that he and the other thief were being treated "justly," but that Jesus had "done nothing amiss." (Vs. 39-43) This one thief ask Jesus to "remember" him when he came into His kingdom! He was promised a place "with" Jesus in "paradise" that day!

        4. About the 6th hour, at midday, "darkness" occurred over all the earth for the space of three hours. Surely this is indicative of the terrible deed that was being done! (Vs. 44-49) Jesus cried to the Father, commending His spirit into His hands and gave up the ghost. The centurion recognized that a "righteous man" had died! His "acquaintance, and the women" who had followed watched.

      5. Joseph of Arimathaea went to Pilate and "begged the body of Jesus." He was permitted to take it down, wrap it in linen and lay it in a grave "hewed in stone," a new grave. Being the day of "preparation," and the Sabbath drawing near, it had to be done quickly. Women followed and saw where they laid the body, and returned and "prepared" certain spices and  such to be applied and rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment (Vs. 50-56).

QUESTIONS:

1. Who "followed" Jesus as they led Him to be crucified (Lk. 23:27)?

2. What message did Jesus give the weepers (Lk. 23:28-31)?

 3. Where was Jesus and the two thieves brought to be crucified (Lk. 23:32-33)?

4. What request did Jesus make to the Father (V. 34)?

5. How did the "rulers" and "soldiers" react to Jesus on the cross ( v.s. 35-38)?

6. How did the "malefactors" react to Jesus being crucified (vs. 39-42)?

7. How did Jesus respond to the thief who asked to be remembered (v. 43)?

8. What happened "about the sixth hour" (Vs. 44-45)?

9. When Jesus cried to the father and gave up the ghost, how did different people react (vs.46-49)?

 10. Who went to Pilate requesting Jesus’ body (Vs. 50-53)? What day was approaching (vs.54-56)?

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