Monday – Luke 23:44-49 The Death of Jesus
1. Each gospel records the darkness over the land from the “sixth hour” (12:00 PM) until the “ninth hour” (3:00 PM). This is longer than any eclipse, so it is certainly miraculous! How can you imagine the difference between the sounds of nature and the crowd, during these three hours of darkness?
2. After Jesus breathes His last, the crowds who had come together to watch this seem to depart sorrowfully as they “beat their breasts” while leaving. Why do you think they are all so distressed?
3. Jesus' final words on the cross are "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” In His final moments, Jesus completely entrusts Himself to God. How will you place your full trust in God this week?

Tuesday – Luke 23:50-56 Jesus is Buried
1. Each of the gospels record Joseph of Arimathea asking Pilate for Jesus’ body and preparing His body for the tomb (cf. Mat 27:58-60; Mrk 15:42-46; Jhn 19:38-42). Consider, how might this conversation have sounded? How might his act have been interpreted by his fellow council members?
2. Before preparing the spices and perfumes, the women see not just that Jesus’ body is laid, but how it is laid. How might this small detail impact the memory they carry with them? 3. Joseph is described as someone “waiting for the kingdom of God.” At the same time, he is taking action to honor the body of Jesus. How can you, today, take care of the body of Jesus while waiting for the coming of the Kingdom of God? (consider Col 1:24)

Wednesday – Luke 24:1-12 The Resurrection
1. The pinnacle moment of our faith is Christ Arose! In what ways does this great event elevate the importance of the “First Day of the Week”?
2. The fact that a man is resurrected cuts against the grain of ancient thinking (cf. Act 17:30-32). Read and outline Paul’s defense of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15.
3. Mary Magdalene, and the other women, have no special title, yet they play a crucial role in spreading the news of the resurrection. Why is it important we all share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection?

Thursday – Luke 24:13-27 On the Road to Emmaus
1. Only Luke and Mark (16:12) mention the fascinating narrative about two journeying from Jerusalem to Emmaus. It is only a trip of seven miles, but given their mood how do you imagine the walk going?
2. Then the resurrected Jesus joins the travelers, how do you imagine the journey changing as He interprets for them from the “Scriptures the things concerning Himself”?
3. When have you found yourself “foolish and slow of heart” to believe the Scriptures? How did the Lord open your eyes to His truths?

Friday – Luke 24:28-35 The Disciple’s Eyes Opened
1. Jesus finally reveals Himself to Cleopas and his companion through the breaking of the bread. How is Jesus revealed to you and the church through His memorial supper? (cf. 1 Cor 11:23-26)
2. What is the immediate response of the two upon recognizing that it is Jesus explaining the scriptures to them? How do you imagine the return journey back to Jerusalem?
3. Though these two spent all this close time with Jesus, it isn’t until He is gone, that they recognize Him! When was a time in your life when, looking back, you recognize Jesus’ presence through it all?

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?