The Criminals’ Cross
March 17, 2024
Long before His arrest, Jesus told His disciples that if they wanted to follow Him, they would have to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. It is doubtful the disciples fully understood what Jesus meant. Even two thousand years after His crucifixion, understanding what it means to bear Jesus’ cross can be difficult. Join us for a series exploring the Cross Walk that leads to the Kingdom.
Passage
Luke 23:32-43
Principles
The Way of ##Rebellion## (Luke 23:32-39)
The Way of ##Surrender## (Luke 23:40-41)
The Way of ##Salvation## (Luke 23:42-43)
Practice
##Lay## ##down## your cross of rebellion, ##embrace## the cross of surrender, and ##bow## ##before## the cross of Christ.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
What does it mean to “inaugurate” something? If eschatology is the study of the final judgment and the destiny of the human soul, what would it mean if someone said that the crucifixion of Jesus was the inauguration of eschatology? Do you agree with this idea? Why or why not?
HEAR
Read 2 Peter 3:1-7
- Who wrote this letter, and why does that matter?
- What does the writer want his reader to recall? What does he want them to understand?
- What is the significance of the flood and fire mentioned in verses 5-7?
Read 2 Peter 3:8-13
- What does verse 8 mean to you? What is the difference between being slow and being patient? Which word describes God?
- What does it mean that the earth will be “laid bare” or “exposed” (vs. 10)?
- What is the writer describing in verses 11-13? What is the connection between living holy, godly lives and the coming of a new heaven and a new earth?
Read 2 Peter 3:14-18
- How will remembering that the Lord’s patience means salvation change how you live this week?
- What does Peter say about Paul’s writings? Why is this mention significant?
- How does seeing the cross as the inauguration of a new heaven and a new earth different from seeing the cross as simply the way to go heaven when we die?
HUDDLE
What in your life needs to be “laid bare”? What do you need to do to become “holy and godly” for the coming of the New Heaven and New Earth? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: Luke 23
- Day 2: Deuteronomy 21
- Day 3: Proverbs 9
- Day 4: 2 Peter 1
- Day 5: 2 Peter 2
- Day 6: 2 Peter 3
- Day 7: 1 Corinthians 13
Think Deeper
- When have you rebelled against God?
- Have you ever surrendered your life to Jesus Christ? Describe that experience.
- What will you do between now and Easter to embrace the cross of Jesus?
Suggested Reading
The Day the Revolution Began, by N.T. Wright
No Wonder They Call Him Savior, by Max Lucado
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.