1. The cross

What is the cruelest method of death execution in history?

Which nation started death by crucifixion?

Why did Jesus die with crucifixion?

Why did God allow Jesus died on the cross? (Psalm 22:16, Galatians 1:4)

What does the cross symbolize without being related to Jesus?

How did Jesus change what the cross symbolized?

How does Jesus change the following:

(1) Weak                              (2) Poor                            (3) Fool

(4) Debtor                            (5) Hopeless                      (6) Discarded

(7) Loner                              (8) Sick                             (9) Cursed

(10) Broken (emotionally)     (11) Slave                          (12) Sinner

(13) Stealing hand                 (14) Liar                            (15) Fog like life

(16) Empty life                      (17) Clay pot like life          (18) People in darkness

2. The meaning of Jesus’ cross

    1) Romans 5:8                  2) Romans 6:23                 3) Hebrews 9:22

    4) 1 Corinthians 1:18        5) 1 Corinthians 1:21         6)

3. The king of the Jews (v. 19)

    1) Why did Pilate have a sign fastened to the cross, which was written as JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS?

    2) Why did he have the sign written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek?

    3) Can you give historical events that indicate this sign turned out to be true?

4. Simon from Cyrene (Luke 23:26)

    1) How did Simon feel when Roman soldiers seized him and made him carry the cross of Jesus?

    2) Was it a coincidence or God’s arrangement?

    3) How did he feel about the opportunity to carry Jesus’ cross in his later days?

5. Two criminals beside the crucified Jesus (v 19-20, Luke 23:39-43)

    1) Why did Pilate have two criminals crucified beside Jesus?

    2) Why did God allow that way?

    3) Does God forgive everyone for sin?

    4) What is the condition to receive God’s forgiveness?

Life application:

 1) What is the difference between a life with and without Jesus?

 2) What do you think when you meditate on the cross?

 3) What blessings did Simon from Cyrene receive?

 4) What commitment should I make in order to take up my cross and follow Jesus? (Luke 9:23)

Prayer:

Thank you Jesus for your sacrificial death on the cross to save my soul. Help me to meditate on You and Your cross everyday. Help me to take up my cross and follow you everyday with a thankful heart and with the joy of salvation. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!