Monday – Luke 23:1-5 Jesus Before Pilate
1. After Jesus’ arrest, He is taken into custody and placed before a series of judges for trial. Who here does Luke describe as bringing Jesus before Pilate?
2. Why do you think the Jewish leaders focus on the accusations of Jesus misleading the people and claiming to be a king? Consider the significance of these charges.
3. Those accusing Jesus are not only the religious elite but the common man as well. How might we be tempted to follow the crowd today?

Tuesday – Luke 23:6-12 Jesus Before Herod
1. The motives of the religious leaders persecuting Jesus are not pure in heart. How does the description of Herod's reaction to Jesus differ from the reaction given by the chief priests and teachers of the law?
2. Herod hopes to see a sign from Jesus, but the text mentions Jesus gave "no answer" to Herod's questions. Why might this have been the correct response given the situation?
3. Like Pilate, sometimes we try to avoid making difficult decisions by passing them on to someone else. When was a time you did this? Describe the consequences.

Wednesday – Luke 23:13-25 Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified
1. The name of the convict the crowd chooses to release, Barabbas, means “son of the Father.” As this sinful “son of the father” roams free, the sinless Son of The Father takes his place. Shockingly, what are the charges against Barabbas?
2. Before ultimately sentencing Jesus to be crucified, Pilate attempts to appease the crowd by having Jesus flogged (see John 19:1). Why do you think this does not appease the mob’s bloodlust?
3. Pilate sets aside his bias, give Jesus an honest look and concludes that he finds “no guilt” in Jesus. Still, Pilate chooses to deny what he knows is right and turns Jesus over to be crucified. We may give Jesus an honest look, but how might we still crucify Him in our actions?

Thursday – Luke 23:26-38 The Crucifixion
1. With Jesus physically unable to carry His cross, the soldiers compel Simon of Cyrene into service (cf. Mrk 15:21). What do you think this experience is like for him? How can you imagine it changing his life? 
2. Mourners, namely women, follow behind Jesus. Summarize Jesus’ words to the women and its meaning for them (cf. Luk 13:31-35; 21:5-38)?
3. While the leaders and one criminal revile Jesus, Luke alone records Him saying, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Describe Jesus’ attitude toward those crucifying Him. How can you apply His example of forgiveness in your own life when we face injustice or persecution?

Friday – Luke 23:39-42 The Thief on the Cross
1. Luke alone highlights the words of the second criminal. What might be his reason for this focus?
2. From Mat 27:44; Mrk 15:32b we learn that at first both criminals revile Jesus. Why do you think the second thief changes from reviling to recognizing Jesus' innocence and authority?
3. How do you think the words, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” sounded in the ears of the dying thief? How can you share the message of hope and redemption found in Jesus with those who are lost or hopeless, even in their darkest moments?

Monday – Luke 22:39-46 Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
1. As Jesus draws nearer to the hour of His sacrifice, feelings and emotions surrounding the situation are high. How would you describe the intense emotions Jesus is facing?
2. Why do you think Jesus instructs His disciples to stay awake and pray? Theorize about the temptations Jesus’ disciples may be facing.
3. Jesus knows what lies ahead and highlights the importance of spiritual preparation for difficult times. How can you prepare yourself for challenges to your faith?

Tuesday – Luke 22:47-53 Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
1. Only minutes earlier, Jesus was in “agony” over His impending death (vv. 39-46) now He faces an armed mob. In a word or two, describe how Jesus relates to each individual/group during His arrest.
2. How do the eleven apostles react when they realize the mob is there to arrest Jesus? Considering Jesus’ teachings (Luk 6:27-36; 9:22-27; 22:22-38), what does that reaction demonstrate about their characters and understanding of Jesus?
3. Why do you think Jesus can handle the moment of crisis with courage, while the apostles cannot? Identify two or three lessons you can take from Jesus’ actions in this scene.

Wednesday – Luke 22:54-62 Peter Denies Jesus
1. Only a few hours after Peter swore his ready-to-die-with-you loyalty to Jesus (vv. 31-34), he makes an about-face. Trace out the events of Peter’s three denials of Jesus. What mix of motives do you think brings Peter into the high priest’s courtyard yet keeps him from acknowledging his relationship to Jesus?
2. “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered… and he went out and wept bitterly” are some of the most gut-wrenching words in Luke. How do you imagine the exchange of looks between Jesus and Peter?
3. When are you most tempted to be ashamed of Jesus or to deny following Him? What warnings and encouragement can you draw from Peter’s experience?

Thursday – Luke 22:63-65 Jesus Is Beaten and Mocked
1. Betrayed by a friend, denied by another, forsaken by ten more, the solitariness of Jesus is on full display in these few verses. As you imagine the mob beating and mocking Jesus, what goes through your mind?
2. On the Mount of Olives, Jesus asks the Father for strength to go willingly to His death (vv. 39-46). What evidence from His arrest, His beating (and looking ahead to His trial) indicates God is answering His prayer?
3. Using 1 Pet 4:12-16, elaborate on how Jesus’ suffering informs our own view of suffering for Jesus. How could you apply His example to your own situation? Ask God to enable you to live out these principles.

Friday – Luke 22:66-71 Jesus Before the Council
1. As daylight broke, Jesus is put on trial before the Jewish Council (Sanhedrin). Using Mat 26:57-68 and Mrk 14:53-65 flesh out Luke’s truncated account of this event.
2. How is Jesus, in contrast to His disciples, an example of the kind of discipleship He desires? 
3. Why should the council believe Jesus’ statement He was the Christ, the Son of God? What evidence does Luke provide for you to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (cf. Luk 1:1-4)?

Monday – Luke 22:7-13 The Passover with the Disciples
1. As the sacred Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread approaches, Jesus gives instructions about how He will celebrate the meal. Using Exd 11-12, summarize the significance of the Passover for Israel.
2. Besides securing the place, how are Peter and John to “Go and prepare the Passover”?
3. Now on the eve of his betrayal and death, Jesus says, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you all before I suffer” (v. 15). How would you describe His mood as He sets at the table with the disciples for this most scared of Jewish memorials? What were His deepest concerns?

Tuesday – Luke 22:14-23 Institution of the Lord’s Supper
1. During the Passover, Jesus institutes a new memorial – the Lord’s Supper. Explain the significance Jesus places on the bread and the fruit of the vine with His new memorial.
2. With 1 Cor 5:7b, the apostle Paul explains that Jesus is our Passover Lamb! Connecting this with the original Passover, what are the implications for you?
3. Read 1 Cor 11:23-30. What does Paul say about the purpose of celebrating the Lord’s Supper? How is this remembrance of Christ meaningful to you in a congregational setting?

Wednesday – Luke 22:24-30 Who is the Greatest
1. Amazingly, just after Jesus institutes His memorial, the disciples are arguing about who is the greatest among them. Place yourself at the table with Jesus and the disciples, and describe their attitudes, tones, facial expressions, and emotions.
2. Unwilling to stand such behavior, Jesus rebukes the disciples. Contrast, the negative power-hungry leadership verses the humble servant leadership Jesus desires. In what ways can you humbly lead?
3. Given the disciples’ pettiness, Jesus’ next words to them are astonishing (vv. 28-30). How can we have such confidence in these immature and self-serving men (cf. Eph 2:19-21; 4:11-14)?

Thursday – Luke 22:31-34 Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial
1. Jesus suppresses the disciples’ aspirations of greatness with one sentence, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded you all, that he might sift you all like wheat.” Imagine the shock this must give them.
2. Focusing on Simon (Peter), Jesus says “I have prayed for you.” How does Jesus expect the Father to use Satan’s plan for His own ends?
3. Peter’s bravado is quickly squashed. What do you think is motivating Peter’s response? Have you ever been that sure of yourself? Why do you think he doesn’t heed Jesus’ warning (vv. 54-62)?

Friday – Luke 22:35-38 Scriptures Must Be Fulfilled in Jesus
1. Luke alone records these – somewhat confusing – final instructions before Jesus and the disciples leave the upper-room. What contrasts is He drawing between the disciples’ earlier missions (cf. Luk 9:1-3; 10:1-4) to their mission following His death?
2. How does Jesus’ quote from the Servant Song of Isa 52:13-53:12 (cf. Act 8:26-40), add significance to the larger scene of the Passover meal, the Lord’s Supper, and these instructions to the disciples?
3. “Look, Lord, here are two swords” is the disciples’ reply. Why do you think the disciples don’t understand Jesus’ instructions about preparations (cf. vv. 47-51; Luk 18:31-34)? With what tone do you read Jesus’ words, “It is enough”? How could you avoid feeling Jesus say such a thing to you?

Monday – Luke 20:27-40 The Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection
1. New opponents, the Sadducees (Jewish aristocracy and the Pharisee’s archrivals), now take on Jesus. In your own words, summarize their question and its underlying premise.
2. According to Jesus, the Sadducees don’t know the scriptures or the power of God (cf. Mat 22:29) – ironic since they were the teachers of the Law. Outline Jesus’ two-part answer to their hypothetical question.
3. List a few popular ideas the world holds about what happens after death. In what ways does Jesus challenge those assumptions? How does the hope of resurrection impact you in this life before death?

Tuesday – Luke 20:41-47 Whose Son is the Christ
1. After the two failed traps the religious leaders, Jesus has His own trick question from Psa 110 for the scribal experts of the Law (vv. 39-40). How is it possible that the Messiah is both David’s descendant and David’s Lord (cf. 2 Sam 7:8-17; Luk 1:26-38; Rom 1:3-4)?
2. Switching from questioning the scribes, Jesus addresses His disciples. What sins of the scribes does Jesus denounce? Why do you think these sins were so serious?
3. Identify any warnings for you presently in Jesus’ cautions about the attitudes and practices of teachers of God’s word.

Wednesday – Luke 21:1-4 The Widow’s Offering
1. On the heels of Jesus denouncing the scribes, He commends a poor widow. How does His praise of the widow serve as a critique of the scribes?
2. Furthermore, what do you think motivates the widow to “give out of her poverty” and the rich to only give out of their “abundance”?
3. What implications does this example have for your giving – financial or otherwise – to the Lord’s work?

Thursday – Luke 21:5-36 Jesus Foretells the Destruction of the Temple
1. As Jesus sets and admires the poor widow in the temple, His disciples are marveling over the beauty of the temple itself. Summarize Jesus’ foretelling of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.
2. In your own words, list as many lessons as you can find that Jesus wants His disciples to learn from His teaching on the destruction of the temple.
3. While these words are fulfilled with the Roman’s destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., do you think any of the counsel and encouragement Jesus gives here is relevant today? If so, what? If not, why not?

Friday – Luke 21:37-22:6 The Plot to Kill Jesus/Judas to Betray Jesus
1. Unable to discredit Jesus, the religious authorities determine to kill Him but not publicly. Why do you think they feared the people (cf. 19:47-48; 20:19)?
2. The chief priests find help from an unlikely source – Judas called Iscariot, one of the twelve. While Luke nor any other gospel writer explicitly tells how Satan enters Judas, the incident in Jhn 12:1-8 may give us a clue. In what ways might the love of money contribute to Judas’ agreement to betray Jesus? How is Judas’ experience an illustration of the truth in 1 Tim 6:9-10?
3. Judas was called by Jesus (Luk 6:12-16), heard His teaching, and even proclaimed the coming kingdom with the power to perform miracles (Luk 9:1-6), and yet he agreed to betray Jesus. In what ways is his account a warning for followers of Jesus in general? For you specifically?

Monday – Luke 19:41-44 Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem
1. Amid the joyous shouts of the Jesus’ triumphal entry, Luke alone records the Savior’s tears. What causes Jesus to weep as He rides into Jerusalem?
2. The people are cheering Jesus’ arrival as their conquering king who will expel the Romans, but how did they misunderstand “the things that make for peace”? Why would Jerusalem be destroyed by Rome (cf. Luke 19:14, 27)?
3. As you picture this scene and its place in the gospel of Luke, elaborate on the character Jesus reveals through His tears for Jerusalem.

Tuesday – Luke 19:45-48 Jesus Cleanses the Temple
1. Having received the people’s praise, Jesus enters the temple and drives out the merchants. How different is the temple here from what it is supposed to be (cf. Isa 56:3-8; Jer 7:1-11)?
2. Are there similar activities or attitudes in the church which get in the way of God’s purposes? What can you do to help eliminate them?
3. This episode ends with the people “hanging on His words.” Once again, it’s not Jesus’ actions but His words that intrigue the crowd. Why do you think this is the case? Is that the case for you? How so?

Wednesday – Luke 20:1-8 The Authority of Jesus Challenged
1. We see quite an interesting interaction here between Jesus and some religious elites. How would you describe the attitude of those confronting Jesus?
2. Jesus is seen teaching the people from the temple. What does the temple represent in the Old Testament (2 Chron7:1-3)? What might that mean to Jesus’ audience as He is filling this role?
3. Jesus chooses to terminate the interaction after their response to His question, and He redirects attention to those listening to His teachings. How can we apply Jesus’ approach here to interactions we may have with those seeking to usurp the authority of Christ?

Thursday – Luke 20:9-18 The Parable of the Wicked Tenants
1. Many times, Jesus’ teachings and parables are related to a recent interaction. How do you think this parable relates to Jesus’ interaction with the priests, scribes, and elders in the previous reading?
2. The owner of the vineyard sends servants at harvest time, but the tenants mistreat them. Why do you think the owner sends multiple servants instead of confronting the tenants directly?
3. Jesus refers to Himself as the “rejected cornerstone” (see Psalm 118:22) in concluding this parable. What does this symbolize about Jesus’ role in God’s plan for us?

Friday – Luke 20:19-26 Paying Taxes to Caesar
1. The same group from v. 1 attempts to set another trap – “Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” Why do you think they would ask such a question?
2. Jesus implies the denarius (by extension taxes) is Caesar’s because his image is on it and Caesar had it made. By analogy, what is Jesus saying about our more important obligations to God (cf. Gen 1:26)?
3. Practically speaking, what does it look like to “Render to God the things that are God’s”?