John 19:30-42 (D)
1. 1) Why did the soldiers break the legs of the criminals who were crucified with Jesus? (v.31)
2) Why didn’t the soldiers break Jesus’ legs? (v.33)
3) Why didn’t God allow Jesus’ legs to be broken? (Exodus 12:46)
4) Why did Jesus die earlier than expected as compared to the two criminals? (John10:18, Mark15:43-44)
5) How long would you like to live?
2. 1) Which side of Jesus was pierced by the soldier’s spear? (V.34)
2) Can you explain how water and blood flowed out from the spear-wound?
3) Why did John emphasize on his observations so that Christians may believe his testimony?
4) What do water and blood symbolize?
3. 1) Who do you expect to have attended Jesus’ funeral?
2) Whom did God reserve for Jesus’ funeral arrangement?
3) Who did attend Jesus’ funeral? (John 19:25-26)
4. 1) Can you describe Joseph of Arimathea?
(1) Matthew 27:57-58
(2) Luke 23:50-51
(3) John 19:37-39
(4) Mark 15:43
2) Was Joseph of Arimathea envied by people or respected by people?
5. 1) Although Pilate tried to identify Jesus as a criminal, how did God bless Jesus on His funeral?
2) Why did Joseph of Arimathea possess a new tomb?
3) Was it a coincidence or God’s arrangement for Jesus’ body to be laid in a new tomb?
4) What else was new that was used by Jesus?
(1) Luke 1:34
(2) Luke 19:29-30
(3) John 12:3, 7
6. 1) Why did Joseph of Arimathea hide his identity as a Christian from others?
2) What had motivated him to become bold enough to go to Pilate and ask for Jesus' body?
3) What was the risk that Joseph of Arimathea had to take for doing that?
Life application:
1) Is your faith based on the miracle or Jesus death on the cross?
2) Would you like to have a worldly success that is envied by people or to have a reputation that is respected by people? (Proverbs 22:1)
3) How can you earn respect from others?
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father! Thank you for the story of Joseph of Arimathea. Help us to learn from him on how to earn respect from others through his good and upright characters, and use his fortune in the service to the Lord. Help us give a testimony of our faith boldly to others through a deep meditation on Jesus who have loved us and died for us on the cross. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!