This morning for Christian Education, we are exploring Luke’s account of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, focusing especially on the conversion of the thief and centurion (see Luke 22:66-23:49)
Questions for the Passion According to Luke 22:63-23:49
1. What is the significance of Luke using the term “blasphemy” for the way the guards treat Jesus in 22:63-65
2. “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer.”(22:67-68) What is Jesus saying about his accusers and judges?
3. What would be considered “blasphemous” about Jesus’ response in 22:69-71? Given his answer, what options are left for the Sanhedrin?
4. In 23:1-5, what do you think the Sanhedrin accused Jesus of before Pilate, he stirs up the people teaching what? Why do you think Pilate dismisses their charges so quickly?
5. Discuss the pressure being exerted on Pilate by the Sanhedrin.
6. Do you remember who Herod thought Jesus was before his interview with him (see Matt 14:1-2)? Discuss Herod’s reaction to Jesus and Jesus’ silence before Herod. Why do you think Herod dressed Jesus’ in kingly robes?
7. “Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. I will therefore punish and release him.”(23:15-16) Why do you think Pilate offers to “punish” Jesus.
8. Why do you think the Sanhedrin wanted Pilate to execute Jesus?
9. All four gospels record the release of Barabas and the demand that Jesus be crucified rather than released. What is the significance of Barabas’ being set free?
10. Why do you think the crowd is so urgent to have Jesus crucified when many of the same people welcomed him into Jerusalem a week before?
11. How do you think Luke knows Simon of Cyrene’s name? Simon literally takes up Jesus’ cross and follows him. Discuss the significance of Simon’s role in the passion.
12. Jesus warns the women of Jerusalem of future calamity. What do you think he’s talking about?
13. Why do you think Luke spares so few words describing Jesus’ crucifixion?
14. What is the significance of the soldiers dividing Jesus’ clothing?
15. What does it mean for Jesus to say: they know not what they do? What is the relationship between Jesus prayer for their forgiveness and their ignorance?
16. Which groups mock Jesus? What do you think brings the one criminal to repentance?
17. Discuss the faith of the criminal. What does he know and what does he not know?
18. What is the difference between what the criminal requested and what Jesus promised?
19. What supernatural events take place before and after Jesus’ death?
20. How does the crowd respond to Jesus’ death?