Discussion Questions

Sermon Overview

Jesus, the guiltless, was condemned so that the guilty could go free.

Digging Deeper

Read Luke 23:1-25

Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, and yet chose his job over justice. How might we respond when faced with situations like Pilate’s?

How does it affect you to hear that you are “guilty”? Why is it hard to apply this idea to ourselves?

"Under all our sins is the fundamental sin of not keeping God always first.” How can you grow in this as a believer?

Barabbas going free is a picture of what God has accomplished for us in the guiltless Christ being condemned, while we are set free. Listen to the song “I Am Barabbas” by Josiah Queen, and discuss how it impacts you: https://open.spotify.com/track/3GPaQ3dloevmilym0a1V3O?si=2ed9d78d19d945c1.

Have different people read the following passages: 1 Peter 3:18, Colossians 2:21-22, Revelation 1:5b. How are we like Barabbas?

Christianity isn’t fundamentally about doing better for yourself, but receiving what Christ has done for you. How and why can we receive what Christ has done without making that a “work” which we have to do?

Sermon applications: Trust, Praise, and Follow him

How can we communicate the goodness of receiving what Christ has done to people who tend to view Christianity as works-based (non-Christians, legalists, etc.) without going too far in the other direction?

How could we grow in viewing ourselves not by what we’ve accomplished, but by what Christ has accomplished?

Prayer

Discussion Questions

Sermon Overview

By remaining true in mistreatment, Jesus now reigns–and enables us to be true.

I. Jesus’ words prove true in Peter’s failure (vv. 54-62)

II. Jesus’ words prove true in his mistreatment (vv. 63-65)

III. Jesus himself proves true—and now he reigns over all (vv. 66-71)

Digging Deeper

Read Luke 22:54-71

1. How have you been tempted to act like Peter and downplay your faith when it is tested by others? How might you respond differently?

2. Peter’s story didn’t end that night. One day in the future, he would die, remaining true to his faith - crucified upside down, according to tradition. How does this reassure you to move forward when you fail?

3. In vv. 63-65, Jesus doesn’t fight back even when being brutally - and unjustly - beaten. What does this show about his character? What does this show about how we are to handle injustice?

4. The chief priests and scribes think they are “putting Jesus on trial,” but it’s the other way around. How should they have responded when Jesus says, “But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God” (v. 69)?

5. Jesus submitted even to death on a cross. What would it look like for you to die to yourself and thereby deny yourself, instead of denying Him?

6. Jesus now sits in full authority over the entire universe at the right hand of the Father. God has sent his “Holy Spirit to help us live openly, consistently, joyfully for Jesus, regardless of the cost.” How do these truths help you live true to God this week?

Prayer

Discussion Questions

Sermon Overview

Rejoice and rest in Jesus' devotion to his Father's will and our salvation.

I. He was strengthened by submitting (vv. 39-46)

II. He conquered by surrendering (vv. 47-53)

Digging Deeper

Read Luke 22:39-53

1. In the first section of our passage, we see that Jesus was strengthened by submitting (vv. 39-46). How do the two identical commands to “pray that you will not fall into temptation” (v. 40b & v. 46b) help us understand what this section is about?

2. Read Isaiah 51:17 and Jeremiah 25:15-16. What is “the cup” in Luke 22:42 that Jesus asks his Father to remove?

3. In vv. 39-46 Jesus shows us how to face temptation. But “before it’s something he did for our example, it’s something he did for our salvation.” What’s at stake for us in understanding this?

4. Is there currently an area of your life where you sense God may be testing you? What truth(s) from this passage might help you endure and remain faithful?

5. In the second section, we see that Jesus was victorious by surrendering (vv. 47-53). What do we see in the text that shows us Jesus is in complete control as he interacts with Judas, his disciples, and his enemies?

6. “Jesus surrendered to the power of darkness so that we could be delivered from it and be brought forever into his kingdom.” (see Heb. 2:14 & Col. 1:13). What implications does this have for how we live our lives, with darkness yet remaining in the world and darkness yet remaining in our hearts?

7. What would it look like for you to rejoice in Jesus’ devotion to his Father’s will and our salvation?

8. What would it look like for you to rest in Jesus’ devotion to his Father’s will and our salvation? Is there an area of your life in which you are not resting in what Christ has done for you?

9. What from this passage could you share with an unbeliever that might help him or her better understand the person of Jesus and what he came to do for sinners?

Prayer