As Jesus journeyed to the cross, He looked nothing like a king. He was under a sentence of death. He had been brutally beaten, His body was drenched in blood from his head, hands, and feet. People mocked him with intense insults. Where were all the trappings of majesty? Where was his army of warriors…his devoted followers? We learn something about our Lord from this. He was resolved to complete His rescue mission on behalf of humanity. That should give us bold assurance that God’s plan will be accomplished in us. ~Pastor Dave
Open: Have you ever felt conflicted about something you did not have a clear perspective on? Share your story. How did you process this? How did you feel once you gained the right perspective on the situation?
Read: Luke 23; Matthew 27
Discuss:
1. Very little is known about the two thieves who hung beside Jesus. But of what is written about them, how would you describe them? Why were they being put to death by crucifixion?
2. Read Luke 23:32-37. Notice the way they derided Jesus. Take a moment to categorize each statement. What were they questioning Jesus about? Read Matthew 27:38-44. Notice that it emphasizes that the two thieves questioned Jesus as well. Were these insults questions of doubt or statements of fraud against Jesus? Why? How did Jesus respond to these insults? What makes His reaction so counter cultural? How should this be an example to us in a culture increasingly throwing insults toward Christians?
3. The first criminal continued to ridicule Jesus. How do his questions demonstrate his perspective of Jesus? In what ways was he fixated on himself? In what ways do we blindly fixate on our circumstances instead of our Savior? Do you agree with this statement, “Jesus never came to meet our needs…He came to change our lives”? Why or why not?
4. The second thief comes to a different conclusion. Describe his process of reasoning. What do you think moved him from deriding Jesus (Matthew 27:44 indicates that he did as well) to confessing to Jesus? Describe the progression of his salvation story.
5. Jesus responds to this second thief with a promise. Read Luke 23:43. Describe the elements of this promise. Describe paradise. How should this promise cause assurance for believers? What areas do you need assurance in your faith? How does this verse encourage you?
Pray: Ask God to make you aware of the areas that you are being moved by the crowd or circumstance. Pray that God would give you assurance in your salvation. Take a moment to ponder the fact that your impact will be tied to your delight in what Christ did for you on the cross.
Memorize/Meditate: But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior. Titus 3:4-6
