The Essential Jesus – Week 11 Readings & Questions

Attached is the list of readings for this week of our Essential Jesus sermon series — this week we’ll look at the events leading up to and including Jesus’ crucifixion. (And note, once again these are not exactly the same readings originally scheduled for this week.) 

This coming Sunday is Palm/Passion Sunday (the Sunday which begins Holy Week). We’ll start with the celebration of Jesus entering into Jerusalem and move quickly to the events leading to his death

(As always, the readings come with some questions to help you process what you’ve read.)

Essential Jesus Readings – Week 11
March 28 – Jesus’ Last Hours 

  1. A Good Start: Matthew 20:17-19; 21:1-11

The events described here happen just a few days before Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. How could things have turned around so quickly for Jesus?

  1. The Final Meal: Matthew 26:14-46

Have you ever bragged like Peter only to have to eat your words later? How did you feel?

  1. Arrest and Trial: Matthew 26:47-27:3

Why does Jesus submit to this unjust arrest? What reasons do people you know have for rejecting Jesus today? What would you say to them? Why do you suppose Peter denied Jesus so vehemently and repeatedly? What pressures to deny Jesus do you face? How are you prepared for them?

  1. It’s All About You, Jesus: Luke 23:1-25

What was Pilate’s verdict on Jesus? Why do you think he gave in to Jesus’ enemies? How do you deal with pressures to do the wrong thing?

  1. Remember Me: Luke 23:26-56

How did a dying Jesus show his great love and kindness? Have you been able to forgive someone who abused you terribly in some way? How could you do it?

Reflection Questions About These Readings:

  1. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, it seems as if all the people supported him. Yet, that opposition was gone within just a few days. Why do you think that was?
  2. How do you understand what God does in The Lord’s Supper? Does the meal bring you closer to God? Does it bring you closer to others? Why or why not?
  3. Have you ever been betrayed by a close friend or associate? How did you react in that situation?
  4. Why do you suppose Peter denied Jesus so vehemently and repeatedly? What pressures to deny Jesus do you face? How are you prepared for them?
  5. Of the things that Luke reports Jesus saying on the cross, which do you find most moving? Why?
  6. What does Jesus’ crucifixion mean to you? Imagine a person who’s never heard of Jesus. How would you explain the crucifixion to that person in a way that he or she could understand?

 

And don’t forget:  Every Wednesday night we have a zoom bible study to look at the passages discussed in last Sunday’s sermon. On Wednesday, March 24, at 6:30 we’ll look at Jesus’ comments about his followers.

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