The Message of the Cross

Luke 22:47-23:56

Feb 29

The symbol of the cross is used in many ways—on and in Christian churches, by the Red Cross, on many European flags. It is used as jewelry even by non-Christians. But they would never think of wearing a burnished gold miniature of an electric chair around their necks. In the first century the wooden cross meant capital punishment for criminals.
Jesus died as a criminal to be the substitute for us sinners. Some old hymns have well retained this essential truth of Jesus’ cross. Not many contemporary songs about his death do that. Approach this study with prayer for a deeper understanding of the cross of Jesus.

1. What was your first understanding of the Christian cross?

2. Read Luke 22:47-62. In a word or phrase what describes the way Jesus relates to each individual or group during his arrest?

3. Only a few hours after Peter swore loyalty to Jesus, he makes an about-face (vv. 57-60). In what kind of situation are you tempted to avoid identification with Jesus and his cause?

4. After a sleepless night in the hands of calloused guards, Jesus faces a pretrial at daybreak. The Jewish council charges him with the religious transgression of blasphemy. But that is not cause enough to have him executed.
So in the Roman trial before Governor Pilate they switch to the political charge of treason. Read Luke 23:3-25. What reasons can you suggest for Jesus’ silence or near silence before Pilate and Herod (23:3, 9; see also 22:67)?

5. Three times Pilate says he finds no valid charge against Jesus, and seeks to release him (vv. 4, 13-16 and 22). Why then does he ultimately pronounce the death penalty on Jesus?

6. A mixed crowd accompanies Jesus to his crucifixion outside the city. Recalling the previous night, you can imagine his physical and emotional condition now. Yet he continues to be prophetic and sensitive, especially to the women mourners (vv. 26-31). Read verses 32-56. Luke gives few details of Jesus’ physical death. Instead he focuses on people’s attitudes. What attitude to the man on the center cross does each group or individual reveal?

7. Luke focuses on one of the criminals, the only person to whom Jesus personally responds. What may be Luke’s reason for this focus?

8. Throughout his six hours on the cross, Jesus is in touch with his Father. What do his brief words to the Father reflect about their relationship (vv. 46, 34)?

9. Luke carefully records the physical phenomena occurring at the point of Jesus’ dying breath (vv. 44-45). What do they signify and imply practically about that death? (Check your view with Hebrews 10:19-25.)

10. What can we do to make the message of the cross relevant to our needy world—as the church?
as individuals?