Irmela

5. Why did Pilate write the inscription, "This is the king of the Jews?" What did he mean by it? What is the full significance of this placard? At the crucifixions, it was customary for the reason of death to be written on a tablet and slung around the offender on the way to the crucifixion site. Jesus was found by Pilate to be innocent. There was no crime against Him. The Jewish leaders were jealous of His popularity and were blinded and did not see the sign of the times. To them it was blasphemous that He had claimed to be the Son of Man, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Now the placard was there proclaiming Him to be the One Who He truly was, THE KING OF THE JEWS. By God's grace also our King.

4. In his prayer, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do?" whom does Jesus forgive? Can we be forgiven if we know full well what we are doing? Was Pilate forgiven? The soldiers? The chief priests? Judas? Does that mean we will see them in heaven, or is it a "potential pardon" only which must be accepted? We are told in Scripture that Jesus paid the price for all sins. It is up to each and every individual to accept that PARDON. In John 3:16 it is... "whosoever believeth"... No restrictions are given. It is a GIFT for each and everyone. We need to accept it with thanksgiving. And live as Pardoned individuals.

3. What is the significance of Jesus being crucified among common criminals? Why does the Father allow this event to be so degrading and degraded? Jesus was obedient to the very end. Even though it meant death on the cross. Death among thieves. Now being associated with the despised of the despised and suffering a most cruel death. As saying He too is a criminal and there He bore my sins, my shame together with the sins and shame of the whole world. So He became what He wasn't so that I /we could be set free. He took my/our place amongst those thieves. This was foretold long before. Read Isaiah 53. Sin is degrading and that is what He became for me. THANK YOU JESUS, MY LORD AND MY SAVIOUR. MY REDEEMER. MY ALL.

2. Why does Jesus tell the daughters of Jerusalem to weep for themselves and their children? Jesus knows what is lying ahead. He had already publicly warned about the destruction of the temple. Terrible times were coming. It is very hard for a mother to see her child/ren suffer in any way. Here again in love Jesus reminds them that terrible times are looming ahead. This is what happened at the siege and destruction of Jerusalem.

1. What does Simon carrying Jesus' cross tell us about Jesus? About Simon? In what sense must His followers carry His cross today as they follow after Him? By this time, Jesus, who had already been flogged and beaten and endured terrible cruelty by the hands of the captors , was very weak and was no longer capable of lifting and carrying the cross-beam alone. Simon who was in from the country and among the crowd was randomly grabbed to carry the cross for Him. We need to be willing to endure shame and hardship (be willing to be rejected, shunned, ridiculed) for His Name sake, as we follow the path He has chosen for us.

7. What are we as disciples supposed to learn from this sordid story of Jesus' trial before Roman justice? 1) Justice as in real justice is not necessarily to be expected. Court systems can be corrupt and false charges taken to be true 2). As Jesus was persecuted, we too can expect persecution. Just because we are followers of Christ does not mean we are exempt of persecution. 3) Jesus shows us how to behave in the midst of excruciating circumstances. He shows us how to conduct ourselves. 4) Christ's suffering was not in vain. Our suffering too, will not be in vain. 8. Who is responsible for Jesus' condemnation to death? The Jewish leaders? All Jews? Pilate? Herod? Others? Ultimately you can choose who you want to put the blame on. Somehow in your judging you will find the responsible party. BUT Jesus came for just that, to give Himself as the Pure Lamb to be sacrificed once for all. He took the sin of the whole world upon Himself. And gave Himself. He could have come down from the cross and what would have been achieved. LOVE FOR MANKIND HELD HIM TO THE CROSS.

6. In what way is releasing Barabbas ironic? (Luke 23:18-19, 25). Some manuscripts refer to Barabbas as being JESUS BARABBAS. Here we have two people with the same name. 1) Jesus Barabbas (Jesus son of the father) who was imprisoned for insurrection in the city and for murder. 2) Jesus Son of the Father (God), who was falsely accused of the deeds Barabbas had actually done. Now the people were shouting and demanding the RELEASE of the real criminal, (the one who was a danger to Rome, and who was a murderer) and demanding the crucifixion of the innocent One. Pilate eventually gave in to their demands out of fear for losing his job.

6. In what way is releasing Barabbas ironic? (Luke 23:18-19, 25). Some manuscripts refer to Barabbas as being JESUS BARABBAS. Here we have two people with the same name. 1) Jesus Barabbas (Jesus son of the father) who was imprisoned for insurrection in the city and for murder. 2) Jesus Son of the Father (God), who was falsely accused of the deeds Barabbas had actually done. Now the people were shouting and demanding the RELEASE of the real criminal, (the one who was a danger to Rome, and who was a murderer) and demanding the crucifixion of the innocent One. Pilate eventually gave in to their demands out of fear for losing his job.

5. What kind of power do Jesus' enemies exert over Pilate? Why does Pilate finally give in? (Luke 23:23-24) It is basically the drive exerted by the chief priests and scribes, the Jewish leaders, that causes Pilate to give in to their request to crucify Jesus. According to Pilate and Herod, Jesus is innocent. Yet these people force Him to be punished in the most cruel way. Scourged flogged and finally crucified. That's the outside pain. Then also, the mocking, taunting, blasphemous shouting etc..... mental torture. Pilate sees if he does not give in there will be a riot and he needs to prevent that at all cost.

3. Why does Pilate send Jesus to Herod Antipas? (Luke 23:6-12) Galilee fell under Herod's jurisdiction and Herod was a higher authority than Pilate. This was an unpleasant matter and Pilate saw no need for the death penalty. He was more than relieved when he could hand over the matter to Herod. 4. Why doesn't Jesus answer any of Herod's questions? (Luke 23:9) Herod is interested in entertainment, not truth. Jesus is silent before him and does not give in to the taunts and accusations made by "all and sundry". Jesus ignores the empty assertions of Herod and the chief priests and scribes. He means business and is not there for entertainment. Today also.

2. Why doesn't Jesus answer unambiguously when Pilate asks him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Why does he answer with," Thou sayest"? (Luke 23:3) Jesus knows the hearts of people. He knew the thinking process of this man also. Jesus gives him a chance and lets him think it through himself and thereby reach his own conclusion. Each of the Gospel writers is basically saying "you are stating the fact", believe it if you will. John does broaden out that Jesus says that His Kingdom is not of this world. Jesus gives no right/need, as it were, to Pilate to fault Him. (He is not a stirrer or trying to get people to revolt against Rome etc)

1. What charges do the leaders of the Sanhedrin bring against Jesus before Pilate? (Luke 23:2) Which of these were true or partly true? *He perverts, corrupts, misleads the people. ... This was certainly not so. Jesus attended the synagogue meeting just like the others, He abides by the "laws/rules" as set out BUT does not hold to the bits and pieces that have been added by man. So the man made rules and thoughts added to the original LAW were not adhered to by Jesus. *He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar. ... This too is not so. When He had been asked if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, He had asked them whose inscription was on the coin. Then He said render to Caesar what is his and to God what is His. *He claims to be Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One, a King ... For the Jews claiming the titles Son of Man or Son of God would be blasphemous but for the Romans it was much more important to say he caims to be a king, as this could have political implications and should not be ignored.

Philippians 3:9; Genesis 15:6; Habakkuk 2:4) Abraham had been a moon-worshipper. According to Genesis 15:6, how does he come into right relationship with the God who created all? How can a person today become righteous by faith? What is involved in really "trusting" Christ? Abraham believed God. Firstly he trusted Him and followed Him ? when God told him to leave his land and his kindred. Abraham did so. God promised his seed to be countless and Abraham believed Him. This absolute believing God is counted to him as righteousness. We too need to trust God implicitly. Nothing that we do will make us be righteous. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:22-23).

(Philippians 3:7-8) How do legalism and the resulting spiritual pride prevent us from trusting in Christ by faith, and knowing him? How has your pride in yourself kept you from drawing closer to Jesus? We trust in ourself or what the "world" has put in place. ? This is not trusting Christ by faith and waiting on Him. It stunts ones growth in Him and prevents many "Christ blessings" from reaching us. ? By the above i am not saying there is no pain or hurt. Life's full of it.

Acts 9:10-18) Why do you think God sends Ananias to Paul rather than revealing directly? Why does Ananias argue with God? Why does it take courage to obey? What does Ananias do and say? Have you ever had God guide you to talk with someone and minister to him or her? Have you followed through? As a witness. Not only for just then, but also for the other brethren who would find it hard to believe Saul. Ananias has obviously heard about Saul's infamous deeds of persecuting the brethren. Before this experience Saul would have imprisoned Ananias. Ananias had to convince himself that he was not walking into a trap. It took faith to believe this absolutely amazing turn of events. Ananias obeys and shows clearly he believes the change is real, by addressing him as "Brother Saul." Yes, I serve an amazing God who used even me.

. (Acts 9:4-5; 26:14) Why does persecuting Christ's people constitute persecuting Christ himself? What kinds of goads or prods have you seen God use on you to move you along Christ's path? When you "kick against the goads" is it harder on you or on God? Christ said quite plainly, "What you do unto the least of these, My brethren, you do unto Me." Be this in the good or bad sense. So when Christ's people are persecuted, it is Christ Himself that is being persecuted. My conscience. There again it is me doing it to myself, and it is as if I am fighting Christ by going against that which I know is right. So there too, He too is hurt as I am hurt.

1. How did the temple soldiers abuse Jesus? (Luke 22:63-65) Why did they abuse Him, do you think? They mocked and beat Him. They spat on Him showing their contempt. The anger and hatred from their superiors had penetrated to them also. The mocking was by blindfolding Him and tempting Him to tell them who it was that struck Him. It was as if they stripped the role of prophet from Him. Also His power was ridiculed by the severe beatings. 2. Why was it important to Jesus' opponents to get him to admit to being the Messiah? (Luke 22:67a) What kind of Messiah were they expecting? If Jesus admitted to being the Messiah then they could get on with the business of doing away with Him politically. (It could then be taken as a threat to Rome) They needed a valid excuse to have Him killed. Then they could say He blasphemed. Actually what they did was illegal. To have Him stand trial at night and try to reach a verdict. {They were expecting a Messiah that would overthrow the Romans ruling over them. They expected He would set them free from foreign rule.} They did not want it to be Jesus as the spiritual side of things was being "stirred up" good and solid also. 3. Why are Jesus' opponents often unable to listen to truth told them by credible people? (Luke 22:67b-68) How does understanding this help us to be more faithful disciples? Actually they are not interested in hearing the truth. They want to hear something that will give them legal right to pursue their own preconceived ideas. Jesus knew this and bore the insults and ridicule of His enemies as an example that we too can be expected to follow. 4. Read the passage about the Son of Man that Jesus refers to in 22:69 -- Daniel 7:13-14. What does this tell us about Jesus' preferred title of Son of Man? What does it tell us about Jesus' true nature? It tells us of His belief of being fully man as well as being fully God. He is humble and obedient. Willing to submit totally to God's will. Coming as a man (truly being Son of Man). 5. What, if anything, do the concepts of Messiah and Son of Man have in common? What are the differences between them? The Messiah comes as the deliverer from sin and death. The Redeemer who offers LIFE. The Son of Man sits on the right hand of the Father and is reigning King of an unshakeable Kingdom. 6. What did Jesus' Jewish opponents mean by the term "Son of God"? What do Christians mean by the term "Son of God"? Why is Jesus as the Son of God so important to our understanding of Him? The Jews understood this as a political Messianic deliverer. We understand it to be the same in relation as of father and son. Each has their own role to fufil. 7. What goals did Jesus' opponents achieve in his trial before the Sanhedrin? What liability did they incur by means of these proceedings. They did not really understand what He was saying just took it to be blasphemous. The way the questions are set and answered, Jesus is actually giving it back to them to answer it themselves. Ye say that I am By all this they eventually accepted that Jesus had agreed to their accusations and now they could go ahead and have Him killed.

6. Why does Peter weep bitterly? He feels terrible that he denied the Lord in such a manner. He is overwhelmed with grief and shame 7. Only a few stories are told in all four Gospels. Why do you think Peter's denial is one of these? Why do you think Christians can relate so easily to this story? One can only surmise. Easy to say there are important lessons to be learnt from it. So are many happenings. In spite of the "bigness" of Peter's sin, he was forgiven and restored as leader of the Apostles. I think it is an example and encouragement for us to do likewise. When there is repentance, forgive in the real sense of the word. Allow the person to start anew.

4. What does Peter's denial consist of? Why is it so serious? In what ways do modern-day Christians deny Christ in similar way? (v57) Woman, I do not know Him! He denies being associated with Him. (v58) You are one of them also. Peter said, Man, I am not! He denies belonging to the group who was with Jesus. (59 & 60) This man also was with Him, for he too is a Galilean! Peter said, Man, I do not know what you are talking about! He denies knowing Jesus. We too get into the 'denying' situation by remaining silent, or by our actions not being Christlike and then we make excuses about them. 5. What effect does it have on Peter when Jesus turns and establishes eye contact with him? What do you think is communicated in that look? I think Peter had pushed into the background what Jesus had said about the denial. It was only when the rooster crowed and he met Jesus' gaze, that it really penetrated what he had done. Peter remembers and is devastated for his actions. Peter knows that Jesus knows. I think Jesus' look is full of sadness and yet forgiveness.

3. Why do you think Peter's courage melts so quickly? Peter is alone in a crowd of people who captured the Lord. The intent was to bring Him before the high priest, without the crowd of people who followed Him by day and happily hung on His every Word. Who believed Him to be the awaited Messiah. In darkness, Peter could still mingle undetected in the crowd. But daylight was fast approaching. Then when the servant girl recognized him among the men and openly spoke the truth, that he had been with Jesus, Peter's courage started to melt. A second one recognized him and then a third one. The big thing was also guilt. He had said He would follow even if it meant being killed. Now he was denying Him. So we find courage melting into fear.

2. Who is seated around the fire in the courtyard? (To whom does "they" refer in verse 55?) Was Peter's danger real or imagined? What evidence do you have to support your answer? The temple soldiers who have been instrumental in arresting Jesus are now waiting in the courtyard, possibly with other servants on (guard) duty at the house of the high priest. I guess it was real. Peter had been the one resisting them to arrest Jesus and had been the one to cut off the ear of the high priest's servant. The courtyard where they had gathered was not open to just anyone. Another person might not have gotten in. Only those known to the one at the gate could come in. At first no one said anything about Peter, it was dark he could mingle with the crowd. As it got lighter, he was recognized (it was not so easy to hide anymore) and bravado gave way to fear, which gave way to denial. Three times he was recognized before he up and fled when Jesus looked at him (after the rooster crowed)

1. Does the clause, "Peter followed at a distance," reflect positively or negatively upon his character? Why is he there at all? Peter still follows as a disciple, but a closet-disciple. He wants to be near the Lord, but he is also scared of the consequences . His life is in danger.

What are pastors and leaders to learn from Judas' betrayal of Jesus? What are followers to learn? Leaders too are human. As followers we need to be loyal and pray for the leaders We are not to be back-stabbers. We are never to take part in conspiracy against our leaders.

Jesus intends double meanings when he uses the word "darkness" in 22:53. What are the two meanings? During the day Jesus had been at the temple and no one had arrested Him. He was in the open. Many t of the same soldiers were there and they had done nothining during the day to arrest. HIM. Now under cover of darkness they come to arrest Him. Their deeds are under a cloak. Not there for all to see. It seems like evil is motivating them.

4. Why does Jesus heal the severed ear of his enemy? (Luke 22:51) How is this a rebuke to his disciples? How do you think it affects his enemies? This was not what Jesus had in mind. The disciples (wanted to) were prepared to defend Him using their swords. Malchus was from the chief priest's representative. He might not even have been against Jesus in the first place. By healing him, Jesus showed/proved that his coming had not been for a political take over. Jesus was now ready to fulfil His mission. Nothing was standing in His way. He had Father's backing and was ready. It sure gave his enemies something to think about.