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April Bible Study Week #3

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Faith Over Works

SCRIPTURE

LUKE 23:32–43

BACKGROUND & CONTEXT

The other Gospel writers point out that Jesus was crucified with two others. Isaiah prophesized the two would be “transgressors” (Isa. 53:12). Mark and Matthew reveal the two criminals as “robbers” and that Jesus was placed between each of them (Matt. 27:38; Mark 15:27). But only Luke included the conversation between Jesus and the two thieves that surrounded him. Maybe Luke’s medical background led him to dig into the details more. One of the thieves chose to mock Jesus. The other chose to believe, and it made an eternal difference.

Read Luke 23:32–38 and discuss 1–2 of these questions:

What do you think was going through the minds of the people in the crowd?

Share about a time when you saw someone being treated unfairly or cruelly. How did it make you feel, and what did you do or wish you could have done to help?

How do you typically respond to a difficult situation?

Read Luke 23:39–41 and discuss 1–2 of these questions:

When have you been in a situation where you needed help and asked for it? How did it make you feel, and what was the response?

How does it feel to forgive someone or show mercy to them, and what did you learn from that experience?

What do you think the criminals would have thought about Jesus forgiving the crowd that had him crucified?

Read Luke 23:42–43 and discuss 1–2 of these questions:

Reflect on a time when you witnessed someone expressing deep faith or trust in Jesus. How did that person’s faith inspire or challenge you?

Who can you share the message of Easter with today?

CONNECTION:

Darryl Green, a Morgan State University professor, not only forgave Kimyon Marshall for murdering his brother Ruben Cotton, but also befriended him. Marshall served 25 years in prison for killing Cotton, but what he didn’t expect was to be forgiven by the brother of the man he killed. Green now speaks internationally about forgiveness and reconciliation.

Here’s where the connection to our lives becomes powerful. Just as the repentant criminal turned to Jesus in his darkest hour, we can turn to Jesus, too, no matter the situation. Jesus is always there, ready to respond to our faith in him.

How can we rest in knowing that our salvation comes from faith, not works?

APPLY IT

How can you demonstrate to others this week the transformation in your life that came through Jesus’ gift of forgiveness and salvation?

MARK OF A DISCIPLE

Disciples of Christ are saved through faith in Jesus, not works.

Be Specific:

What are you going to do?

When are you going to do it?

Is there someone who can keep you accountable?

PRAYER:

Take time to pray for each other’s applications in the upcoming weeks.

MEMORY VERSE:

Parent Disscussion Questions.:

*Share about a time when you saw someone being treated unfairly or cruelly. How did it make you feel, and what did you do or wish you could have done to help?

*When have you been in a situation where you needed help and asked for it? How did it make you feel, and what was the response?

*Who can you share the message of Easter with today?