NASHVILLE (BP) – This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from The Gospel Project curriculum.
Bible Passage: Luke 22–23
Discussion Questions:
- What are some examples of Christians using wrong methods when trying to share the truth?
- What are some things Christians are wrongly accused of at times?
- How does knowing Jesus lived a holy and innocent life but still dealt with persecution and injustice encourage you when you face similar troubles?
Food for Thought:
After three full years of ministry, the time had come for the promised Messiah to finish what He had started. Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, Priest and King who had been anticipated for millennia, had a clear mission and a strong resolve. Through the enabling strength of the Holy Spirit by the unshakable will of the Father, the Son of God, the King over all, set His face to the cross.
But much suffering awaited Jesus even before His crucifixion. Some of this would be physical, with fists and whips. But Jesus’ suffering would also be emotional. He watched His followers and friends abandon and betray Him. People He came to save called for and sentenced Him to death.
This isn’t the picture we have in mind for any king. Only those who lose and are deposed would face such a fate. Yet for Jesus, all of this was part of His greatest victory. It was the path for His exaltation and enthronement over God’s kingdom on earth. Many called for this King’s death. One authority washed his hands of the whole situation. But neither of these factors changed the reality that Jesus is the holy Son of God, the promised Messiah and King of kings.
Jesus did no wrong, but was falsely accused and condemned to die. In this, Jesus became the perfect substitute for us. He bore our sins on the cross to provide forgiveness, allowing us to become citizens of His good and holy kingdom. All who have trusted in Christ are no longer under condemnation but have been declared righteous by God.
Because Jesus forgives us of our sin, we cast aside guilt and shame. We can repent with assurance that we are always loved and accepted by God and Jesus our King.
The Gospel Project is a chronological, Christ-centered study for kids, students and adults. The Bible is not a collection of stories. It is one story of God’s plan to rescue His people from sin and death. It is the story of redemption, the gospel message of Jesus Christ. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/gospelproject.
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