Week 9 - Reflections from the Cross

Luke 23:32-49

32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”[a] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”

36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”

38 There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[b]”

43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
The Death of Jesus
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”[c] When he had said this, he breathed his last.

47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

Footnotes:

1. Luke 23:34 Some early manuscripts do not have this sentence.
2. Luke 23:42 Some manuscripts come with your kingly power
3. Luke 23:46 Psalm 31:5

This week I find that I actually like the questions at the end of the chapter, so please consider them after you read.

Also...

Rick has often taught us that the gospels provide us with the opportunity to view the same event from different perspectives. If you have time, read the other gospel accounts of Jesus' death and note your observations.

On p. 86 the author states that Luke " continually points to forgiveness as being the key to understanding Jesus and the path he calls his followers to tread." How do you respond to this? Does it resonate with you? If so, in what ways?

The author continues to discuss forgiveness and on p. 87 declares that it requires "hard work and sacrifice." How do you see this playing out in your life?

A powerful illustration of forgiveness is given to us through the description of Robert DeNiro's movie character. Have you ever given or received such forgiveness? Describe the feelings you experienced.

On page 92, the author observes that we witness Jesus' death "from afar." He says that Jesus' final words tell the world "God forgives, God saves, God is present." How do we witness these to our world today?

Much to think about...

I hope you all have a blessed week. Please note that we decided last week NOT to meet on April 7, but to extend our study one week and wrap up on the 14th. See you Thursday!