Discussion Questions

Sermon Overview

Recognize and depend on the King who saves through dying.

Digging Deeper

Jesus speaks four times in this passage, and each time he does so, he reveals something about himself and his accomplishment on the cross. Jesus’ first words in this passage reveal his authority: the condemned is in control (vv. 26-31).

1. Jesus is the one with all authority, even when he is weak. He is in complete control, even when he has been condemned to die. How does knowing these things are true help us rely on him?

The second time Jesus speaks in this passage, he reveals his mercy: the crucified prays for his killers (vv. 32-34).

2. For some of us, it can be hard to move beyond a particular sin(s) we have done in the past. We struggle to believe that God could actually forgive us for that, and actually love us and accept us. How does Jesus's act of forgiving those who were crucifying him shape your understanding of His willingness to forgive you for what you have done? Please share.

3. At times, we can find it difficult to forgive others. In this passage, Jesus provides help for us by giving us an example to follow (of forgiving one’s enemies). But he gives us far more forgiveness-enabling help than that. What else in this passage do we need to be mindful of when we are struggling to forgive another person?

The third time Jesus speaks in this passage, he reveals his generosity: paradise is freely given to criminals (vv. 35-43)

4. It was pointed out in the sermon that even though the criminal put his faith in Christ, his circumstances did not change. He was still crucified for his crime. But his suffering was no doubt transformed by the knowledge that he had been forgiven of his sin and now had the hope of paradise with Jesus. How have you seen these realities (the forgiveness of sin and the hope of eternal life) transform your perspective on and experience of suffering/?

5. How might the story of the criminal on the cross trusting in Christ give us hope and courage to continue to pray for the salvation of those in our lives who have thus far been resistant to God’s work in their lives?

The fourth time Jesus speaks in this passage, he reveals his victory: he reconciles through bearing wrath (vv. 44-49)

6. Jesus has fully and completely satisfied the wrath of God that we deserved. This was his glorious victory - on our behalf! Because of this, we can now be reconciled to God through faith in Christ. How can we help each other never forget these precious realities, but instead continue to grow in amazement, wonder, gratefulness, and delight in what Christ has done on our behalf?

Our Response:

7. One of the ways we can rightly respond to this passage is by recognizing Jesus - seeing him for who he truly is. Is there a particular moment(s) in your life when God enabled you to see Christ more clearly for who he really is? What effect did that have on your life? Please share.

8. Another way we can rightly respond to this passage is by relying on Jesus. We can all be tempted to rely on our own “good” deeds, and our own (perceived) goodness / righteousness apart from Christ. Why is forsaking any and all sense of our own goodness / righteousness a key and necessary part of what it means to rely on (trust in) Christ alone for our acceptance before God?

Prayer

Victorious in Defeat