Chapter Summary

Jesus before Pilate and Herod. Barabbas released and Jesus condemned. The cricifixion and entombment.

Discussion Questions for Luke, Chapter 23

1. How do you interpret Pilate's actions in the trial of Jesus? What insights does this provide into the nature of political power and moral responsibility?
2. Reflecting on the choice between releasing Barabbas or Jesus, what does this reveal about human preferences for worldly solutions over spiritual ones? How does this choice resonate with contemporary societal attitudes?
3. Jesus faces ridicule and mockery from various parties during his crucifixion. What does this reveal about the human tendency to mock or mistreat those perceived as weak or different? How can we combat this tendency in our own lives?
4. How do you interpret the response of the women who mourn and lament as Jesus carries his cross? What does their reaction teach us about empathy, solidarity, and the importance of bearing witness to suffering?
5. Reflecting on Jesus' crucifixion, what emotions and thoughts might Jesus have experienced? How does his response to suffering challenge and inspire us in our own trials and difficulties?
6. What significance do you see in Jesus' words on the cross, including his prayers for forgiveness ("Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do") and his promise to the repentant thief ("Today you will be with me in paradise")?
7. The centurion at the foot of the cross declares, "Certainly this man was innocent." How does this confession of faith contrast with the actions of other characters in the narrative? What does it teach us about the possibility of recognizing truth and goodness even in the midst of darkness?
8. Jesus is buried in a tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea. What significance do you find in the details of Jesus' burial, and how does it contribute to the overall narrative of redemption and hope?
9. How do you imagine the disciples felt and responded in the aftermath of Jesus' crucifixion? How might their experiences resonate with our own experiences of grief, confusion, and doubt?
10. Reflecting on the crucifixion of Jesus, what does the cross symbolize for you personally? How does it embody themes of sacrifice, love, and redemption in your faith journey?

Key Words/Phrase

Crucifixion.

Characters

Jesus, Pilate, Caesar, Herod, Barabbas, Simon, two thieves, Joseph.

Strong Verse(s)

4, 14, 33, 38, 45, 46.