Luke/Acts for Beginners
The Consummation
Part 2
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on the final events in Jesus’ passion of the cross and the conclusion of Luke’s gospel. The span of Luke’s gospel covered in this lesson is from Luke 23:26 – 24:53. Teachers and students should review the relevant materials before class.
Due to the scope and complexity of this lesson, teachers should consider presenting this in two sections. Section 1 – The passion, Part 2. Section 2 – Final events.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Summarize the final events of the earthly ministry of Jesus and state their importance for Christians today.
- Feel: Recognize the importance of the sacrifice of Jesus as our Savior.
- Do: Express determination to remain faithful to Jesus.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
Answers will vary. On the surface it seems that these two events are minor or insignificant, yet Luke chose to include them in His narrative. Regarding Simon, it is possible that Luke includes him in the narrative to show that Jesus was indeed human and suffering the physical devastation of the torture. Jesus, because of the physical, and perhaps emotional torture was exhausted and unable to continue. As for the women, Luke includes not only their mention, but Jesus' response to them. Here He is once again showing that although He is enduring the physical torture, He remains in control. He offers a prophecy of the ultimate destruction of Jerusalem and its inhabitants that eventually occurred in AD 70 as He described it thus fulfilling His prophesy.
The intent of this question is to underscore how Jesus lived His teachings. Throughout His ministry, He taught about the importance of forgiveness. Now, as He faces His death, He is praying for those bringing about these events. Although they would have to answer for their actions, they are but actors in the spiritual war between God and Satan.
Today we also are involved in continual spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18). We must not become willing actors in support of Satan's schemes. The teachings of Jesus and His example apply to us as well. We must be willing to forgive others, whether they ask or deserve forgiveness or not (Luke 17:1-4).
- The people (Luke 23:35a; Luke 23:48)
- The Jewish rulers (Luke 23:35b)
- The Roman soldiers (Luke 23:36-38)
- The two thieves (Luke 23:39-45)
- The Centurion (Luke 23:44-47)
- The believers and disciples (Luke 23:49)
The intent of this question is to bring a deeper understanding of the personal sacrifice of Jesus for each of us. It is easy to think we would have reacted in support of Jesus but notice that even His closest followers abandoned Him at this time.
This shows the importance placed by the Jewish leaders on discrediting Jesus. They knew His teachings of the resurrection, so their effort was to not allow anyone to steal the body and claim that He had risen.
The resurrection shows God's power over death. Without the resurrection we would have nothing, and Satan would have won. Had Jesus not risen then He would have simply been another man, but the worst sort of man because He mislead people into believing Him. Yet the empty tomb proves who He was and what He did for us.
Once again, the intent of this question is to personalize the events. Answers will range from disbelief to overwhelming joy.
How does this differ from the disciples' reactions during Jesus' passion and death?
Before, they were confused, afraid, and guilty. They fled from the One they promised to follow to their deaths only to see them fail miserably in their weak faith. Now, their faith was realized by the promises kept by our Lord. Before, hope waned, now hope was strong.
How does this relate to us today as we come to know who Jesus is, what He did, and the hope we have through Him?
This concluding statement shows that they were now understanding the mission of Jesus. As a result, they could do nothing but seek to praise God as best they knew how. This should be our reaction as well as we grow to understand how God seeks to reestablish our relationship with Him and help us remain faithful. We should always have the overwhelming desire to praise Him in every way.