The Story Continues
Jesus began His public ministry at about age thirty. His message was very simple: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17). God was opening up access to heaven, and inviting people to submit to His rule.
Wherever Jesus went, He did good. He taught the people with authority, and His miracles revealed His power and glory. He was able to subdue the ravages of nature, to deliver distraught people from the power of demons, and to heal diseases. On three occasions He brought someone who had died back to life (Luke 7:11-17; 8:41-42, 49-56; John 11:1-44).
As news about Jesus spread, opposition increased. Many found His claims threatening, and some began a plot to have Him killed. This did not take Jesus by surprise. He told His disciples that He had to go to Jerusalem to suffer and die. He also told them that, on the third day, He would rise again, but they did not understand what He was talking about.
One night, a large crowd armed with swords and clubs came to arrest Him. A show trial followed in which false witnesses spoke against Him. The Roman governor should have upheld the process of law, but instead, he asked the people what should be done with Jesus. They called for Him to be crucified. So Pilate handed Him over.
Luke 23:32-49
The Crucifixion
32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
The Death of Jesus
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. 47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” 48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. 49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.
(ESV)
Use these questions to further engage with God's Word. Discuss them with another person or use them as personal reflection questions.
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