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Lesson 63

Trial Before Godless Men

Luke 23:1-32

At this moment I cannot remember a specific incident but I’m sure over the years I have looked for allies to build a case against someone. It is much easier to try to get someone on your side than to go to the person with whom you are having a problem and work it all according to Scripture. It is a pretty cowardly act to try to get someone else to do my dirty work. Sadly, in the eyes of man I might appear to be innocent when all the time I am the guilty party. I may be able to hide my guilt before man but God sees everything that I do.

I have learned, but do not always practice it as I should, to not get caught up in gossip. If I keep away from those who want to spread stories about others then I can honestly say that I do not know what some one is trying to say. The best offense in that case is to tell the individual that he or she needs to go to the person with which he has a problem and work it out. It is always best not to get into the middle of an issue. Someone is going to get hurt and it just might be me.

Too many churches have either split or suffered major damage to its reputation because the members participated in gossip. Ministers have been forced to resign when there are those in the body who decide he is not doing the job according to their criteria. The church has the ability to destroy reputations just through words. James was right when he wrote the “Tongue is a fire, the world of iniquity.” (James 3:6) Since the church is made up of individuals each with his or her own views, the problem of gossip is magnified. It is possible that an influential person could muster a large number of people to his or her perspective and cause tremendous damage to the spiritual life of the church.

All of us have seen this happened. What needs to take place is rather than division there be a unified spirit within the body. We need to begin looking for ways to come together to grow God’s kingdom rather than our own fiefdoms. Remember those who cause the greatest problems are those who have to have others to act as there agents. Most of the time there is no validity to the claims that are made.

Luke 23:1

Worldly men know how to overcome the obstacles in their paths. The Jewish religious leaders were no exception. In the last lesson they were left with the question of what to do with Jesus. He had given them the answer they had wanted to hear to prove His guilt when He said that He was the Son of God. At that point they came up with a brilliant plan which may have been in the works before the illegal trial of Jesus. They would take Him before Pilate the Roman governor for sentencing. This would of course would exonerate them completely before the people. They could could point to the fact that it was Pilate who had actually sentenced Him and carried out the execution of Jesus.

There was one problem remaining. What charges could they bring before Pilate. Surely for them to say that Jesus had admitted to being God would have caused him to chase them away from his presence. Since he did not believe in God in the first place what difference would it have made to him what Jesus called Himself. The only possibility for the Sanhedrin was to show there was evidence that Jesus would undermine the control the Romans had over Judea and possibly cause an uprising among the people. They above all could not tell the truth.

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1. What problem faced the Sanhedrin?

2. Why did they have the problem in the first place? (They would not accept Jesus as the Messiah and were determined to have Him eliminated from the scene.)

3. Why would they need Pilate’s help?

4. What would be the one thing that Pilate cared about? (Peace in Judea. Any mention of rebellion might cause the Roman government to recall him.)

5. In what ways did their action reflect the way men handle problems today?

Luke 23:2

Their argument before Pilate was full of lies. They claimed first of all that Jesus had told people not to pay taxes. Secondly, He was accused of making Himself the Messiah and a king. Pilate dismissed the first charge and did not even address it as an issue. It is possible he had heard of Jesus’ conversation with the religious leaders when He told them to give to Caesar what belonged to him. His question to Jesus even ignored the idea of being the Jewish Messiah. He was only interested in the claims that would affect his ability to govern the people. His inquiry included a thought the Jews had not included. He wanted to know if Jesus was the “King of the Jews.” In a way that position would not be a threat to him but more so to Herod. Pilate was used to have puppet kings in power in Judea.

1. In what ways was the testimony of the Jews different than the charges made against Jesus at His trial?

2. Why did the Sanhedrin switch from accusing Jesus of blasphemy to one of insurrection?

3. Why did Pilate ignore the charges of failure to pay taxes? (It was not as important as the idea that a new king might try to rise and cause trouble for him.)

4. Why did he add “of the Jews” to his question about whether Jesus was king? (Kings of the Jews presented no particular problem for the Romans.)

5. What do those who start rumors have to fear?

Luke 23:4-5

It is obvious that Pilate recognized that the Sanhedrin had brought Jesus before him on bogus charges. He wanted to let Jesus go free, but was soon overwhelmed by the clamor from the Jews. When the previous accusations did not work for them they came up with a new ones which were true but were twisted to appear as something would mean trouble for the peace and tranquility of the city. Yes the things Jesus did such as healing did excite the people. It is also true that everywhere He went the people hung on every word. They were not words that would cause rebellion but love and compassion on hope for a people caught up in hopelessness. The religious leaders tried to twist what Jesus was doing into that which suited their own purposes of controlling those Jesus was freeing from bondage of the law and tradition. One of the things they said seemed to provide the opportunity for Pilate to pass the buck. They told him that Jesus had actually started preaching in Galilee.

1. Why was Pilate willing to free Jesus?

2. Why did the Jews continue with the ranting? (They were determined to see Jesus executed.)

3. In what ways did the leaders twist what Jesus was doing and giving it the appearance of evil?

4. How do we sometimes twist the truth to suit our own purposes? (Taking words out of context.)

5. What had Jesus ministry truly been about?

6. What are we to do in the face of false criticism and gossip?

7. How do we sometimes pass the buck when involved in a situation?

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Luke 23:6-7

Pilate picked up on the word that Jesus was from Galilee. Galilee fell under the jurisdiction of Herod. Since it was the Passover Herod was in Jerusalem. Jesus was sent to Herod for judgment. As was mentioned above, it was a perfect opportunity for Pilate to avoid having to give the final verdict of whether Jesus would live or die. It also would keep him from further provoking the Jews with whom he had a very tenuous and volatile relationship because of some of his previous missteps.

1. Why was Pilate glad to hear that Jesus was from Galilee?

2. How did he see that fact as an escape from his dilemma?

3. Why was he so afraid to make a decision? (He would lose out with the people or the leaders which was the last thing he could not afford to have happen politically.)

4. What did he finally do? (Sent Jesus off to Herod.)

5. What are some of the ways you have tried to keep from making a tough decision?

6. What is the best approach to take when confronted with a difficult situation?

Luke 23:8-11

It is an amazing thing that for three and one half years Jesus had been teaching and performing miracles throughout Galilee and Herod had not availed himself of the opportunity to see Him not one time. Herod obviously was not among the people who he was supposing to be serving but had isolated himself and surrounded himself with those who would do his beckoning. Now away from the crowds Herod wanted his own private showing of the signs that Jesus could perform.

Jesus refused to participate in the sham masquerading as interest in the abilities of one claimed to be the Son of God. He did not respond to the questions thrown at Him or the continual barrage of accusations from the religious leaders, who may have thought they could get further with Herod than they had with Pilate. Since Jesus would not answer Herod could not condemn the man anymore than the Jews themselves. He was limited in the punishments he could carry out. Given the opportunity Herod and his men mocked Jesus put a purple robe on Him and sent Him back to Pilate.

1. What does Luke’s words say about Herod? (He had not taken the time nor was he inclined to get out among the people to whom Jesus was ministering.)

2. What does it say about his leadership?

3. What did he want Jesus to do for him? (Put on a side show to amuse him.)

4. What do you think of the way Jesus handled the situation?

5. What lesson can we learn from His actions?

6. Why did Herod send Jesus back to Pilate? (He could not find any reason to condemn Jesus.)

Luke 23:12

Herod and Pilate were in agreement. Jesus had done nothing to deserve death. Pilate saw in Herod an ally who given the opportunity did not undermine his leadership. For that reason two evil men became good friends from that point on.

1. About what were Herod and Pilate in agreement?

2. How could Herod have used the opportunity to disgrace Pilate?

3. In what ways were these two men alike? (Both evil, power hungry politicians.)

4. What sealed the friendship of those two men?

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Luke 23:13-17

It was critical for Jesus to be returned to Pilate. His own words indicated that He would be turned over to the Gentiles. (See Matthew 20:10; Mark 10:33; Luke 18:32) Pilate turned the tables on the religious leaders accusing them of making false assertions against Jesus. He was in the mind of Pilate not guilty of inciting insurrection. Even Herod agree to the innocence of Jesus having sent Him back to Pilate. It was Pilate’s intention to have Him scourged and then released.

1. Was it important for Jesus to be sent back to Pilate? (Scripture is very clear that Jesus would be executed by Gentiles. Herod was a descendant of Abraham although not of Jacob, therefore he would be seen as a Jew.)

2. What positive characteristics do you see in Pilate at this point?

3. How did he turn the tables on the Jews?

4. What gave Pilate the confidence to free Jesus? (Herod was in agreement with Pilate.)

5. What attempt was he going to take to pacify the Jews? (Scourge Him.)

Luke 23:18-22

Nothing was to satisfy the Jews short of the death of Jesus. They began to use one of Pilate’s ploys against him. He had begun the practice of releasing one of the political prisoners held by the Romans. They began to cry out for Barabbas who had been arrested for insurrection and murder. It is clear they were backing the governor into a corner from which he would not be able to escape without giving in to their commands. The release of a prisoner was begun to appease the Jews after Pilate had killed a number of them indiscriminately.

Pilate continued to attempt to turn Jesus loose. He could not understand how much hatred was being exhibited towards a man who he knew to be innocent. Once again he promised to punish Jesus hoping that it would satisfy their thirst for blood.

1. What was the state of the minds of the Jews?

2. What had happened to them at that point? (They had taken on a mob mentality where all rational thinking no longer prevailed.)

3. What did Pilate try to show them? (That all of their accusations were false and Jesus did not deserve the punishment they sought.)

4. When have you been caught up in a situation that took on a mob mentality?

5. How can you keep from getting caught in such an evil practice?

Luke 23:23-25

The voices raised in opposition became too strong for Pilate. He finally saw that the situation was getting out of hand and a riot may result as more and more joined in on the call for His death. Finally, he gave the answer they were seeking and pronounced the death penalty. The final blow came with the release of Barabbas. Luke wrote that Jesus was “delivered Jesus to their will.” In other words the evil plan of the Jews was endorsed by Pilate because of fear for his own political future. From that point on nothing more is heard of the man. He had served his purpose. Unwillingly he had fulfilled prophecy as was Judas.

1. Why is it that people give into the demands of those who are loud?

2. Why did Pilate allow himself to be intimidated by those individuals? (Their outcries may have

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been a prelude to riots that would have ended Pilate’s career.)

3. What was evidence that the crowd had prevailed? (Barabbas was released.)

4. Why did the word of God no longer mention Pilate? (He had served his purpose.)

5. What was his final act? (He turned Jesus over to His accusers.)

• Always be careful to never take part in gossip that can destroy the life or reputation of others.

• Always be prepared to testify for Jesus in the face of strong opposition.

• Look to Jesus as an example when you are accused of things that are not true.

• Watch out for those who declare themselves religious but then act like the world.

• Learn to love Christ more than you love your own life.

There is a series of fantastic books written a number of years ago by Lee Strobel. Each began with the title “A Case for.” He then went on to build a case for Christ, the Creator, Christmas, Faith and Easter and more. This is to be our purpose in the kingdom of God. If we spend our time promoting The Father, Son and Holy Spirit there will be little time to be involved in the controversies that infiltrate the Church. To know Christ in that way will keep us focused on what is important in our lives and gossip and starting rumors certainly are not part of what we are to be. In our lesson today we have seen how one little group of men through sheer determination was able to change the mind of a tough Roman governor which led to the condemnation of Jesus. Let us not forget how powerful words are. They can either be used for good or to bring about evil. Let it not be said about us that our words brought division in the church or to reflect badly on the name of Jesus.

Lesson 62

On Trial

Luke 22:54-70

One of the challenges all of us face at times is trying to explain something to a person and you just get them to understand what you are trying to say. I guess even worse than that scenario is trying to share with others who reject everything you are trying to tell them. I have reached a point in my life where I have decided the best offense is sometimes total silence. I have found myself in situations in which to try to defend myself would only escalate the intensity of the problem. One such incident occurred when I was going through a very difficult time in my life. At the same time the people in the Finance Office where I worked were in the process of learning a new purchasing software. There was one part of the program which I was hoping was going to make our job easier. The more I worked with it the more I realized that it was not doing what the company who had developed the software claimed it would do. I expressed my sentiments to the vendor representative, in what I considered an honest evaluation of the product. He promptly went to my management and told them I had hurt his feelings. Of course I was called on the carpet. When I realized it was a stacked meeting I chose not to present my side of the argument but to agree with them to go sit in the corner of my office and be a good boy. Nothing was to be gained by further discussion.

One other instance stands out in my mind. Once when I was working with the youth, three or four of us went out to visit in the home of a teenager who had not attended Sunday School in a while. While we were talking with the young man his father came out on the porch. Somehow the discussion turned to his spiritual condition. In my stumbling way I tried to witness to him only to be embarrassed by his answers to the questions asked him. He basically claimed to have never sinned. According to him he had never told a lie or stolen anything and the conversation went down hill from there. Sadly, the young man did not come back to church. The influence and attitude of his misguided dad must have made a lasting impression on him. For me it was frustrating because I knew the man was taking advantage of my lack of knowledge and I had no answer for him.

The church is facing the same kind of challenges today. It is more difficult than ever to witness for Christ. Once upon a time the general population trusted the word of God and accepted it as reliable source of the truth even they may have not attended Church. Many today do not believe the Scriptures are accurate at best or totally disregard it as having any value for society. Society therefore is drifting further and further away from the truth and has now set the church aside as irrelevant. With no basis upon which to begin conversations Christians face an uphill, but not impossible task of bringing people to the realization of there need for Christ. It is more important than ever for us to be prepared to answer the questions presented by the skeptics and out enemies of the Christianity. Remember we are in the race for the long haul and have to accept temporary roadblocks along the way. Jesus was about to face the next step in His march to the cross. The decision made in the Garden of Gethsemane would give Him the courage to proceed.

Before beginning I want to clarify what will be in the lesson. All four gospels provide the same basic structure while presenting the material in a different way. Hours could be spent in cross referencing and comparing them. We will cover the account given by Luke with a minimal number of references to the other accounts.

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Luke 22:54

With the disciples gone Jesus was all alone when those sent to find Him arrested Him. Luke wrote that He was taken to the home of the high priest. John inserted the information that before being taken to Caiaphas, Jesus was carried to the home of Annas. (John 18:13) Annas was the father-in-law of Caiaphas and the true power behind the high priests. In collaboration with the Romans he determined who would step into the role of high priest. Once He had been interrogated by Annas He was then led to the home of Caiaphas. Luke mentioned that Peter had not completed left the scene but was close enough that once Jesus was arrested he was able to follow at a distance. From Luke’s account it appeared that only Peter followed Jesus. In John 18:14 John wrote that the disciple whom Jesus loved, usually understood as John, was with him. He, because the high priest knew him, was able to gain entry for Peter into the courtyard.

1. Why was Jesus led to the home of Annas? (In all likelihood he would be the one who would determine the final outcome of the trial. No one would have bucked him because he was the true power in the sect of the Sadducees from which the high priest came.)

2. What other important piece of information do we need to know about Annas? (He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas and would have great influence over his son-in-law.)

3. Who were the disciples who actually followed Jesus from a distance?

4. What does that say about them?

5. What bold step did the two take according to John?

Luke 22:55

This may seem like an insignificant verse but for Peter it would become a defining moment. The men who had arrested Jesus were all in the courtyard to make sure that He did not escape and to see how the trial would turn out. Although Peter was there to be close to Jesus, he also wanted to learn the fate of His beloved leader and Lord. For all of the criticism of Peter’s pending failure, he was there in the midst of the enemies of Jesus. The man who had walked on water had walked into the most dangerous place for a follower of Jesus at that time.

1. What does this verse say about Peter?

2. Why was he and John there?

3. What do you think of the choice of these two men to go into the courtyard?

4. Why were the other people there?

5. What has been a difficult situation in which you have chosen to involve yourself?

6. How have you handled those times?

Luke 22:56-60

The time of which Jesus spoke began to occur for Peter. There were three accusations and three denials. They are:

• Servant girl in the light of the fire identified him as having been with Jesus. Peter denied it.

• Another person saw him and accused him of being as one of the disciples. Once again he denied being a disciple.

• Finally another man made a stronger assertion of Peter’s identity. He stated that Peter had been with Jesus and was a Galilean. Peter final denial was more vehement than these previous two.

At the moment Peter spoke his last denial, the rooster crowed just as Jesus had prophesied. One other

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needs to be made. Although Luke gives the impression that the language was very strong, Matthew and Mark said that Peter actually cursed as he deny Jesus. For a short period of time he reverted to the old rough fisherman mentality.

1. What do the denials say about Peter?

2. In what ways were the description presented by Luke different than Matthew and Mark? (They wrote that Peter cursed as part of his defense.)

3. How do you react when put under a lot of pressure?

4. How easy do you find it to revert to your pre-believer life?

5. How could the whole scenario been avoided? (Not to have put himself in a volatile environment.

6. What lesson can we learn from this event? (Be careful about placing yourself in a tenuous situation.

Luke 22:61

One can only imagine the sadness and pathos to be found in the look that Jesus gave Peter. Even though Peter had done just as Jesus had prophesied it still must have hurt Jesus deeply that His friend had succumbed to the pressure of the moment. It only took the look for Peter to remember the words of Jesus only hours earlier. He also had to think about his own words in which he assured Jesus that nothing would keep him from dying with Him.

1. What kind of feelings had to be in the look that Jesus gave to Peter?

2. What did Peter see in that look? (Sadness and possibly disappointment?

3. What else did Peter experience when Jesus looked at him? (Remembrance)

4. What has been a time when you would have been ashamed to have Jesus look at your heart?

5. How often do we give in to the pressure of the moment and deny our relationship with Christ?

6. To what lengths had Peter promised to go for Jesus?

7. What have you promised that you have failed to practice?

Luke 22:62

Peter responded by leaving the courtyard and went from there and weeped bitterly. His heart was broken because he had failed and disappointed His master. He would not have another opportunity before the death of Jesus to make amends.

1. What did Peter realize at the moment Jesus looked at him?

2. How did he respond?

3. What did weeping bitterly show about Peter? (A broken and contrite heart who repented of his actions.)

4. What are some things that you have said or done that you wish you could take back?

5. What have you done about them?

6. What did repentance provide for Peter? (Started him on the road of recovery and new opportunities to serve His Lord.)

Luke 22:63-65

At that point the illegal trial of Jesus began. He first of all was turned over to those who had been part of the group that arrested Him. They began to abuse Him with beatings and mocking Him. All this was

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done after they had blindfolded Him. Luke then wrote that they began to blaspheme as they ridiculed Him. This type of interrogation would be called softening up a person for what was to come. By this time Jesus had been up for at least twenty-four hours and would have been physically worn out.

1. Why would the men enjoy the treatment they were giving to Jesus? (He had been a thorn in their flesh.)

2. How did they treat Him?

3. What did it mean to blaspheme Jesus?

4. In what way did the mob mentality play a part in Jesus’ trial?

5. Who gave the orders for Jesus to be mistreated as He was?

6. What happens we are in a weakened condition?

Luke 22:66-68

The Sanhedrin made up of the chief priests and scribes then continued the illegal trial. It was illegal because trials were not supposed to take place at night which it did. Secondly, a person could not be condemned to death until twenty-four hours had elapsed. Jesus never faced His most powerful adversary. It is obvious that they had no grounds for arresting Him or put Him on trial. They were still looking for evidence to prove Him guilty. He was asked to admit that He was the Christ. To answer the question would have played right into their hands. If He did answer He would actually have placed a dilemma before them. They would have to accept an acknowledgment and believe in Him or reject Him as they had up to that point.

1. Why was the trial illegal?

2. Who made up the judge and jury?

3. What were they trying to get Jesus to do? (Condemn Himself.)

4. Did they really want Him to admit He was the Christ? Why or why not?

5. What dilemma would His answer have caused for the members of the Sanhedrin? (They would then have to either accept Him or continue to reject Him to their own destruction.)

Luke 22:69-70

Unlike Peter, Jesus could not deny who He was. He used one of His favorite titles to describe Himself. Going back to Daniel 7:13 it says one like the Son of Man approached the Ancient of Days. The religious leaders would have recognized that by using the title Jesus was claiming to being the Messiah.

Jesus then added to it by saying that He “will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” To clarify His answer, they to know if He considered Himself the Son of God. This time He was very direct and clear. He answer was, “Yes, I am” Even that would have been a claim to be the “I am.”

1. What could have been the response of Jesus? (Not to answer at all.)

2. What did He mean by using the title, “Son of Man?” (It was a title representing the Messiah found in Daniel 7:13. It was also used a number of times in Ezekiel to speak of one who represents God before the people.)

3. Why did He add the phrase, “Seated at the right hand of the power of God?” (It confirmed His claim to be Son of God.)

4. Again what dilemma did this present for the religious leaders? (How were they going to react to the claim?)

5. What does this mean to you for Jesus to make such a bold statement?

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6. How do you respond to it?

7. What kind of confidence does it give you when witnessing to others? (Jesus saw Himself as the fulfillment of prophecy.)

Luke 22:71

The question has been asked how would the men respond to the statement of Jesus. Luke very quickly gives the answer. They immediately declared Him guilty of blasphemy using Jesus’ own words to condemn Him. The question then became what were they going to be able to do with the man. Their problem was that even though they had the authority to execute a person for blasphemy to attempt to kill Jesus would have caused an uprising if not an outright revolt on the part of the people. Remember the entire arrest and trial had been carried out at night to keep the people from knowing what was going on.

1. The Sanhedrin had the verdict of guilt but what good did it do them? (Nothing at that point. It only convinced them even more that the troublemaker had to die.)

2. What was their problem? (To execute Jesus would have caused an outright revolt on the part of the people who loved and respected Jesus.)

3. What rights did they have? (To execute anyone accused of blasphemy but not Jesus.)

4. Why had the trial been held at night? (To do it out public view.)

• You must learn that not every place you go will be a Christian friendly environment so determine what your behavior will be.

• Learn that sometimes the best policy is to not share your opinions

• Understand that it is possible that your most trusted friend may fail you

• Be ready to forgive those who wrong you.

• Look at the two men who failed Jesus and realize that for every sin there is forgiveness if you are willing to confess and repent the sin.

• Be bold in your witness when asked about your relationship with christ.

• Be willing to accept the persecution or ridicule that comes with your commitment to Jesus.

The skeptics forget that the church is a place for sick people who are in different stages of healing. Jesus understood that that the spirit is willing but the body is weak. Thankfully for all of us patients He has the healing power to make us well. It begins with acceptance of each of us through grace as we admit our sinfulness and seek His forgiveness. Sadly there are those who are like the Sanhedrin who will never accept the fact that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the world. They will do everything in their power to undermine everything the Church teaches.

We are to look to Jesus who was willing to face His adversaries with courage and humility. He let them have their day knowing the victory that was to come for the Peter’s of the world. He gave us the example of how to deal with the critics of Christianity. There was no arrogance or belligerence in facing his enemies only deep hurt for those who were so defiant. We are to be wise in our own encounters with the church’s critics. Let us to nothing to give any ammunition to accuse us.

Lesson 61

Dark Night of the Soul

Luke 22:39-53

There is a phrase that has been around since the sixteenth century. It was in a poem by St. John of the Cross. It first had to do with the struggle one goes through in his search for salvation. It now can mean any kind of situation that produces anguish for the one going through it. There have been two periods in my life that brought about great turmoil that did not seem would ever end. One of those instances had to do with a job situation. The company for whom I was working decided to let me go but kept me on for about six months. I even trained my successor and was moved to a different position in the organization which eventually led me into a job in Purchasing. At the time I was waiting almost daily for the axe to fall I was diligently praying for a something to come my way which would allow me to support my family. It seemed that the job market for people in purchasing and materials handling were none existent. The stress I felt was almost unbearable. I prayed to God to provide any kind of job and I would do it. It was as if God had stop listening to my pleas. What I could not know was their would be a position at the Foreign Mission Board opening up in a few months. While I did not think God was listening there were events taking place that would finally lead me to the FMB. I can tell you those were a long six months. God does not desert His children she just allows them to go through trials that will strengthen their faith. I give God all of the credit for the way He worked out the details when I could see beyond my hopeless situation.

Churches sometimes must go though a time of testing. It is often painful to see the people with whom you have worshipped and studied drift apart over differences of opinion. When the church begins to come apart at the seams one begins to wonder if God is working in the hearts of the people. People who have been friends for years no long speak to each other and many even leave the church with bitterness in their souls. God does not seem to be with the church because we become so focused on our own agenda that we do cannot see the direction God intended for the body to take. The struggle can do one of two things. The church can be completely destroyed or becomes stronger through adversity. Sadly, sometimes for a church to survive and grow there has to be a purifying process which means that it will have to take on a different look than it had prior to the work that God does in its midst to make it a viable dynamic fellowship again.

Luke 22:39-40

For a more detailed description of the last night of Jesus’ life read John 13-18. As was His custom Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives after the Lord’s supper. That action showed that He was not attempting to hide from the officials or Judas. He knew that Judas was familiar with His pattern and would know where to lead the Sanhedrin’s representatives. The disciples minus Judas followed Him there. Only Jesus knew what was about to happen shortly. He had one more command for them which again they could not understand at that moment. They were to be careful not to succumb to the challenges that were to face them in the next few days and lose faith or to act in a way that would reflect badly on Jesus in any way. It would have been so easy considering the pressures that were to come to turn their back on Jesus and His teachings.

1. Why did Jesus return to the Mount of Olives? (It was His custom to do so each night. Judas would also know of the place.)

2. Why did the disciples follow Him? (They were accustomed to following Him everywhere.)

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2. What did Jesus mean by commanding that they not allow themselves to fall into temptation?

   (The things they were about to face could easily turn them away from Jesus.)

3. What are some of the things that have tested your faith?

4. How have you handled them?

5. Why is it important to pray when faced with the challenges this world throws at you?

6. Why is it important to obey the commands of Jesus found in God’s word.)

7. What would have been the easiest thing for Jesus to have done? (Instead of going to the Mount of Olives just to head north back to Galilee.)

8. What lesson can we learn from His actions?

Luke 22:41-44

Luke leaves out the command for the disciples to stay put, keep watch and pray. Having left the other disciples He had Peter, James and John go with Him further into the Garden of Gethsemane. In His greatest of testing He wanted those closest to Him to be with Him for encouragement. He then left the three and went even further. The testing that was at hand had to be met head on alone. His words were not ones of disobedience. No man looks forward to the kind of mental and spiritual agony and the pain of death that Jesus was about to face. His cry to His Father was not to escape but to explore the possibility of accomplishing the purpose for which He had come. Knowing that there was only one way Jesus accepted His role in the redemption of man. That night was a time of deep anguish. His prayers were so fervent that He need the ministry of the angels to strengthen Him. He felt so deeply that He actually began to sweat drops of blood. This is a rare condition called Hematidrosis.

1. What did Jesus command the disciples to stay alert? (One reason would have been for their own protection when the soldiers came.)

2. Why did He choose Peter, James and John to go with Him?

3. What does the prayer of Jesus say to you? (Even for Jesus it was difficult to face the horrible things that were going to happen to Him. Not many people would willingly face the pain and suffering that He was going to experience?

4. What does the phrase “Not my will but yours” say to you?

5. When have you willingly submitted to God’s will even though it meant suffering for you?

6. Has there ever been a time when you have agonized over an issue in your life? When was the occasion?

7. What encouragement do you see in the account of the Garden of Gethsemane? (The angels came to minister to Jesus in His hour of need. He would need all the strength that He had to go through the events of the next day.)

Luke 22:45-46

Luke only mentioned one occasion when Jesus returned to the disciples and found them sleeping. In Matthew when He came to them the first time He spoke specifically to Peter. Peter had been the one who had boldly pronounced his total allegiance to Jesus. He had stated that he was willing to die with and for Him. Jesus words had to cut to the very soul of Peter. He was asked, “So you men could not keep watch with Me one hour?” In Luke Jesus said to them on the final trip back to them, “Why are you sleeping?” He then repeated the admonish for them to, “Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

1. Why does Luke only mention Jesus returning to the disciples one time while Matthew and Mark

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speak of three occasions? (Luke gave a summary of the Garden experience. The last visit was

the one that led up to the arrest of Jesus.)

1. In Matthew why did Jesus speak specifically to Peter? (He had made such bold claims but was not follow through. In fact in Matthew Jesus identifies the condition of mankind. “He said the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41)

2. When have been occasions when you have boasted but have not followed through?

3. What does those instances say about you?

4. What do you feel for the men?

5. What do you feel for what Jesus must have felt at that moment?

Luke 22:47

The time for teaching was ended. Jesus had no sooner finished admonishing his disciples for their lack of concern for His situation when the crowd from the high priest arrived. Along with them was Judas. He knew where to find Jesus because he had been there with Him a number of times that week. As He approached Jesus he used the prearranged signal by giving Him a kiss. What was supposed to a greeting of friendship was given to betray Jesus. There was one other time in the Scripture when a kiss was used by one who meant to inflict harm to another person. In 2 Samuel Joab kissed his cousin Amasa and then murdered him. (2 Samuel 20:9) The signal would be needed to identify Jesus in the dark.

1. In what ways had Jesus’ words come to fruition? (The enemies of His ministry had come to arrest Him.)

2. How did Judas know where to find Jesus?

3. What is your reaction to a man that would be so brazen as Judas?

4. What can the rationale be for betraying someone who has your best interest at heart?

5. In what way is the actions of Judas and Joab the same? (They each acted to promote their own self interest.)

Luke 22:48

Once again Jesus reached out to Judas trying to pull him back from the destructive path he was taking. With the kiss Judas broke the final connection with Jesus and had turned his back on God. In a way Jesus wanted Judas to take a deep look within to see what had brought him to the point of betrayal. How could anything in this world be so important that he would turn his back on the Lord. At that point Judas disappear into the crowd. His work had been done. He will only be mentioned once again as he tries to return the money and then kills himself.

1. What was Jesus trying to do by asking Judas the pointed question? (Pull him back from the destructive path he was taking.)

2. What was the destructive path that he was on?

3. What happened to Judas after the infamous kiss?

4. What drives a person to turn his back on God?

5. In what ways have you allowed your own agenda to replace the calling of God on your life?

6. What have you done for those who you see drifting away from God?

7. Why are so many young people turning their backs on the church in today’s world?

Luke 22:49-50-51

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Misguided as the approached may have been the disciples suddenly came to life and wanted to protect their leader. Peter even went so far as to lash out with one of the two swords and cut off the ear of a

slave of the high priest. John gives his name. He was Malchus. Peter’s action may have been partly to save face after he had fallen to sleep and not been watchful while Jesus prayed in agony. No one can be sure what the men hoped to accomplish with one sword against an armed mob who would not be deterred from their mission to bring Jesus to the high priest. To stop the madness Jesus performed His final miracle by healing the slaves’ ear.

1. What some things that you have done on the spur of the moment that you regretted later on?

2. What did the disciples hope to accomplish?

3. What could have been the consequences of their actions? (All of them could have been killed including Jesus. That would have thwarted God’s plan for the salvation of man.)

4. What do we do that sometimes hinders God’s plan for a person’s life.?

5. What did Jesus do to stop the madness of the disciples?

Luke 22:52-53

Jesus then turned His attention to those sent to arrest Him. Although not mentioned in Luke, in all likelihood the disciples would have deserted Him by that time, just He said they would. See Matthew 26:31 and John 16:32. Their actions were also prophesied in Zechariah 13:7. The men who came to arrest Him were a very diverse group consisting of chief priests, Temple guards and elders. These were men of stature in the political system who wanted to make sure that the task was carried out successfully. Jesus asked a rhetorical question of the men. He basically was saying, why now, why such a show of force, why not when I was teaching everyday in the Temple. Of course He knew the answer. It was God’s timing for one thing. The other reason was the Jews did not have the power to execute Him and they were afraid of the people. That was the reason they came for Him at night. Looking a the circumstances from a narrow point of view their evil scheme seemed to be working. It was fitting that those fulfilling the work of the devil would do under the cover of darkness. They were afraid to carry out their plans in broad daylight because Jesus was loved by the people.

1. Why did Jesus turn His attention to those who had come out to arrest Him?

2. Where the disciples at that point?

3. Why was the contingent sent to arrest Him made up of men of some stature in the community

4. What stinging questions did Jesus have for the group of men?

5. In what way was the first question a rhetorical one? (Both He and the crowd knew the answer.)

6. What did He mean by the statement, “This hour and the power of darkness are yours?” (They were there to carry out the plans of those aligned with the devil.)

7. What does the situation look like at that moment? (The powers of darkness were winning and had achieved their goal.)

8. In your own life when has it appeared that the enemy has had the upper hand?

9. How did you react to those circumstances?

• You will face those difficult times in your life when it does not even seem that God is answering your prayers.

• Remember that even during those times that God is with you giving you the strength deal with all of life’s situations.

• If you do not already know it that no matter how close you are to someone they will inevitably fail you at some point.

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• One of the things that the Bible emphasizes is constant prayer. Remember that even in the most critical point in His life Jesus saw the need to bring everything to His Father.

• Learn how weak the body is even when the spirit is willing to serve God. Just look at the examples of the disciples on that last night.

• Use godly wisdom in making decisions. Rash choices will have devastating consequences.

The greatest enemy of the church is that which comes from within. The Bible continually warns of those who are false prophets and wolves who somehow make their way to the Body of Christ. We need to be vigilant in making sure that those individuals do not destroy the work of the Church. Examples are those who constantly criticize what is being done. Others use rumors and gospel to divide Christians. We are called to stay alert and watch for the enemy is near. Our focus is to always on Christ and His teachings. As I have said many times God’s Word is to be our guide. Recently, I have read of the fact that many young people are leaving the church because they do not see it as relevant in their lives. They are looking for positive and powerful truth from God’s word and are not finding it where they are. Let us make sure that we do not let them walk out into the darkness because of letting them sleep walk through their time in our watchcare.

Lesson 60

Remembering

Luke 22:1-38

This time of year seems to be a time for remembering. Some events are a matter of being on the calendar at a certain time every year. There is Easter, then Mother’s Day followed in June by Father’s Day. Of course for many young people Graduation Day is an important event that will lead either to beginning of work or off to college to prepare for the future. June also happens to be the month of the year when so many weddings take place. I remember mine quite well, I better have. I particular enjoy springtime because the whole world seems to come into full bloom giving us thoughts of new beginnings.

Others occur when one leasts expects them or that take special planning. They leave an indelible mark on our lives. It is those once in a lifetime events that leave a lasting impression. The details of the birth of our three sons and our grandchildren can brought to my mind’s eye at anytime. Of course the first thing that we do is to count fingers and toes.

Some of my fondest memories revolving around springtime occurred when I was a young person living in North Carolina. Folks living in Norfolk, Va may dispute what I am going to say but it seemed to me that there could never be as many azaleas in one city as there were in Wilmington, NC and its suburbs. Nostalgia never matches reality but to be there in those days was a very special time. I know that we cannot live in the past but it is fun to remember.

While it is good to remember it is also important for me not to live in the past. All that has gone on before is or should have been preparation for the future. I have come to learn that I am leave today doing those things for which God has equipped me. It has been an interesting journey so far. I look forward to what God is going to do for the rest of my life. No living on past accomplishments there too many things that lie ahead to be done.

One of the greatest failure of churches is living in the past. Churches that were once considered cutting edge and successful have been overtaken by time. Members only remember the past and do not plan for the future. I have said before that we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. From that perspective we have to look to the future to continue what they began. Paul in Colossians talked of filling up the work of Christ. The ability to remember means at least we have the present. To attempt to hold onto the past or even the present paralyzes from accomplishing anything of value in the future. All of the writings in the Bible were pointing to Someone. When Jesus came He pointed His disciples to the days beyond His earthly ministry. See John 17. Our lesson for today is that what occurred almost two thousand years ago is a night to be remembered.

Luke 22:1-2

The die had been cast. The religious leaders had determined that Jesus was to die. They just had not figured out the would carry it out. They needed to do it in a way that did not provoke the wrath of the people. Therefore it had be carried out discreetly. It is interesting that they would want to execute Him at the time of the Passover.

It is obvious from Luke’s description that he was writing to Gentiles. While the Jews would understand

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that the Passover and the Feast of Unleaven Bread were in reality two different events. The Passover

would have occurred on Nissan 14 (Late March to end of April) Passover was a night of salvation of the Jews when all of the first born of the Egyptians were killed and the Jews were spared. The Feast of the Unleaven Bread came about because the Jews left Egypt in such a hurry that the dough did not have time for the leaven to take affect. The Jews therefore had to eat unleaven bread after their departure. Remembrance of the event became a seven day event still celebrated by the Jews today.

1. What had the religious leaders decided?

2. What does the fact that Jesus was to die at that important time of year signify? (He was the Passover Lamb for all of us.)

3. What occurred to started the continual celebration of the unleaven bread?

4. What does Passover mean to the Jew? (Celebration of the night the angel passed over the homes of the Jews that had been marked by Jews with blood on the door frames of their houses.)

Luke 22:3-6

The opportunity they had been seeking came through one of Jesus’ disciples. Judas came to the religious leaders with a proposition. He would turn Jesus over to them in exchange for money. They agreed on the amount of 30 pieces of silver. See Zechariah 11:12 where this act was prophesied. Luke only wrote that “ Satan had entered into Judas.” The real reason that he agreed to betray Him was that Jesus was not bringing about the insurrection Judas desired to rid the nation of the hated Romans. Some have said that his actions were to provoke Jesus to do what Judas wanted Him to do. Little did he know that all of this had been told long before in the Old Testament.

1. How did this act of Judas make it easier for the religious leaders to capture Jesus? (Judas knew the pattern of Jesus’ behavior and where He might be taken without a lot of disturbance.)

2. Why did Judas decide to betray Jesus? (He succumbed to the will of Satan. Jesus was not carrying out the plans of restoring to nation of Israel to its rightful place in the world.)

3. What is the importance of the thirty pieces of silver? (It was the amount prophesied about in Zechariah.)

4. Why would Jesus not be forced into doing what Judas wanted?

5. In what ways do we attempt to get Jesus to things the way we want them done?

Luke 22:7-13

The day when the Passover lamb was to be eaten came. This would be Thursday of Passion Week. Jesus was not about to leave anything to chance. With the number of people in Jerusalem for the feast He wanted to make sure there was a place for Him to meet with His disciples. He had made arrangements with a family Jerusalem to eat the Passover meal in their home. John and Peter were sent with the instructions to look for a man carrying a water pot. Since men did not fetch the water for the family he would definitely stand out from all of the other men. They were to follow that man and prepare the meal in the upper room of his home. Of course they found everything just as Jesus had described to them.

1. Why did Jesus not leave anything to chance in regard to the Passover meal? (It was to be an extremely important evening that He was to spend with His disciples.)

2. Why did He send Peter and John? (They were two of His most trusted disciples.)

3. Why does Luke not give more details about the preparation? (Once again we need to remember

   that he was writing to Gentiles who would not understand what all the different parts of the meal ment.)

4. How would they know where to go to prepare the meal?

5. Why would the man be easily recognizable?

6. What kind of instructions might we give today for directions?

7. What would indicate that the man was not a complete stranger to Jesus? (He was willing to open his home for the celebration.)

Luke 22:14-16

Immediately Luke indicates why Jesus went to such great lengths to make sure that a place be made available. After He arrived with the other disciples they all reclined in the custom of the middle east.

He explained to them that He wanted to share the meal with them because it would be His last on this earth. The next meal in which He will participate with the disciples is in heaven at the everything has been brought ot completion. This would also be the last teaching opportunity He would have with them before His death and resurrection.

1. What would indicate that Jesus had planned ahead for that night? (He knew exactly where to go?

2. What did it mean to recline at the table? (They lay on their sides with the feet extended away from the table.)

3. What would their reaction have been to His words? (We are not told but we can imagine it would have been one of shock and dismay.)

4. How was reality beginning to hit them?

5. What else did Jesus want to do that night besides tell them of His coming death? (It was His last teaching opportunity. See John 13-17 for details of what occurred at the supper.

Luke 22:17-18

The first cup mentioned was a regular part of the Passover Meal. Again Jesus added significance to it when He indicated that no longer would participate in the things of this earth but only when kingdom of God as come.

1. What is the significance of the first cup? (It was part of the Passover Meal?

2. What did Jesus mean by not participating in the drinking of the cup? (His time for departure from the earth of preeminent.)

Luke 22:19-20

With His next actions He instituted one of the two ordinances of the church, the Lord’s Supper. The other of course is baptism. He first took the unleaven bread and broke it and gave thanks. He then passed it among them to eat and said, “This is My body which I given to you; do this in remembrance of Me. After He had passed the bread He took another cup of wine and passed it among them to share. Once again He spoke words of prophecy and hope. They were to understand that the cup represented the new covenant that would come as a result of the shedding of His blood.

1. What are the two ordinances we celebrate in the Baptist Church?

2. Why do we celebrate the Lord’s Supper? (In remembrance of the sacrifice He made for us.)

3. What did the bread represent?

4. What does the wine represent?

5. Who should partake of the Lord’s Supper? (Those who believe that Jesus gave His body for us and shed His blood on the cross for our sins.)

Luke 22:21-23

Jesus then dropped the bombshell on them that they could not have anticipated. There was a traitor among them who was part of the fellowship they had experienced for over three years. Judas had so hidden his true identity that no one would have expected him to betray the Lord. The most disturbing part of the statement Jesus made was the fact that everyone of them wanted to make sure it was not them. (See Matthew 26:22-25) Their conversation seems to say that they could not trust any of the others around the table. Each man could have easily pointed his finger of accusation at any other man.

1. What was so disturbing about Jesus remark concerning His betrayer? (They thought they knew the other men?

2. How was Judas able to hide his true identity? (A man of hypocrisy can fool others but not the Lord?

3. What did the fact that they each asked whether it was him say about them? (If one could betray Him what were they capable of doing?)

4. What did the statement cause to take place? (Doubting of the others of the fellowship.)

5. Why did Jesus not openly name the man? (There was a good possibility he may not have made it out of the room alive. What Judas was going to do did not fit their agenda. For that fact nor had any of the words of Jesus done so either.)

6. How would you respond to the words of Jesus?

7. In what ways do you deny a true relationship with Him?

8. In what ways do you point your finger at someone else’s faults and not look at yourself?

Luke 22:24-27

It is hard to imagine that while Jesus was preparing them for His departure that they would be discussing who was the greatest among them. Jesus quickly squelch the conversation by telling them they are now to be like the Gentiles who lord it over others. In His kingdom the culture was to be turned completely upside down. To be great was to be the least and a servant among the group. In the eyes of the world the person who is invited to a meal and sits at the table is greater than the servant who takes care of the needs of others. Jesus said that they were to be like Him. He was the servant serving at the table.

1. How could the disciples begin arguing with each other about their statuses?

2. What was the point that they did not hear? (Jesus was about to leave them and all of their big ideas would be for naught?

3. In the economy of God who is great?

4. Why is that so? (Those who serve are those who are humble.)

5. What is wrong with the way the Gentiles relate to each other? (It is all built on position and power.)

Luke 22:28-30

Other than Judas all of the disciples had given up much to follow Jesus even when the religious leaders

were speaking out against Him. His next comment may have seemed confusing to them. He was not talking about an earthly kingdom where men were in control but the true kingdom of God that was to be ushered in by His death and resurrection. Those who stayed true to Him would sit down with Him as guests at His table. Along with that privilege would come the responsibility of judging the people of Israel.

1. How had His disciples shown their loyalty to Jesus?

2. What were the trials about which He spoke?

3. Where was the new kingdom going to be established?

4. What clues are we given that those events are still out in the future? (The responsibilities they were going to be given are only possible when a new order has been established.)

5. When can we expect for the new kingdom to be ushered in? (We do not and are not supposed to know.)

Luke 22:31-34

The near term future was going to be a rough one for Peter. God was going to allow him to be tested by the devil in a way that had never happened before in his life. It would take the prayers of Jesus to keep Peter from being completely lost. Once the testing time was complete Jesus encouraged him knowing that he would repent and be forgiven. He was then to provide spiritual leadership to the church. Peter must have understood that the testing would cause him to desert and turn his back on Christ. For them the very thought of that happening would have been devastating. He therefore asserted in the strongest way he could told Jesus that he was going to be by His side no matter what the consequences were to be even to the point of death.

Jesus had to say to Peter you really do not know yourself. Peter was going to deny Him. Jesus knew the kind of man that Peter was but also the kind of man he would become. It was important for him to face the truth about himself in order to guide others through difficulties that were unimaginable at that moment. Jesus even gave him the specific details of his failure. He would deny Jesus three times then the rooster would crow. Discussion was finished on that subject.

1. Why did Jesus allow for Peter to be tested? (Peter did not realize his own weaknesses and needed to face them before he could be useful to Jesus.)

2. Why was the testing to be so harsh? (Nothing else would have gotten Peter’s attention.)

3. What were the encouraging words Jesus left with Peter? (He would triumph over sin and the devil.)

4. What types of testing do you believe you have faced?

5. Why was it important that you be allowed to go through a time of testing? (Determine our faithfulness and usefulness to Christ.)

6. What are the words of encouraging words that have kept you going through difficult times?

Luke 22:35-38

There was one last piece of instruction for the disciples before they entered into the Garden of Gethsemane. They were to face an entirely different world than the one they had experienced during the three and one half years with Jesus. Even when He had sent them out before and had told them to take nothing with them they were still within the Jewish culture who would have provided for their needs. Now after His departure which had been prophesied, they would face a hostile world. They

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would need to make provisions for their travels because they would not be welcomed into the places they were going. Jesus even told them that He was to be treated as a criminal in His death. (See Isaiah 53:12. His reference to the sword was meant to let them know that they would need to protect themselves in a hostile world not to attempt to change it with violence. The comment by the disciples showed they misunderstood. What was two swords against overwhelming odds. Jesus was pretty much saying the emphasis is not to be on the weapons but on the fact that they would find themselves in many different environments.

1. Why were the disciples able to travel previously without extra provisions? (They were among their own people.)

2. What was about to change? (They were going to places that would be hostile to them because they were bringing the word of God.)

3. What did Jesus mean by buying swords? (He was pointing out the dangers they would face. He certainly would not have meant that those few men could conquer the world through the tools of war.)

4. What can we expect as we go about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ?

5. What kind of tools have you been given?

6. What did Jesus mean by referring to Isaiah 53:12? (If the Jewish leaders viewed Him as a criminal then the disciples could expect the same kind of treatment in the future.)

7. What kind of expectations do you have of your reception from others?

8. How does that affect the way you witness?

• Approach the Lord’s Supper with an attitude of humility.

• Do not live in the past but remember what Christ has done for you.

• Understand that it is only by the shedding of blood and having His body nailed to the cross that you will have eternal life.

• Study God’s word so that when testing comes you will have the foundation to face the challenges head on.

• Look at your life to make sure that it is one that desires to serve Christ and not oneself.

• Remember that you live in a hostile world. Be prepared to face it in the name of Christ.

There would be no church today without the work that Jesus did on the cross. We are here to share what we are to remember of what God has done since the beginning of time. Unless we take seriously what the Bible has to tell us then many people will be lost. We are commanded to meditate on His word and hide it in our hearts. The Bible even tells us that the word of God never changes. It has been the same since the beginning of mankind and will continue out into eternity. That is the message the world needs to hear. We have a responsibility to make sure that it is shared.

In the time of Christ there were men who memorized the entire Old Testament. The vast majority of men knew the first five books by heart. Let them be our example. Most of us will never reach that point but there are certain key verses that mean a great deal to us that can be passed on to others. If the church is to survive then the good news will need to be passed onto future generations.

Lesson 59

Signs of His Coming

Luke 21:25-38

There are two different instances in Psalms that speak of the importance that comes from the teaching of the word of God. Verse 9 of Psalm 119 asked a question that has been at the heart of why I continue to teach. The Psalmist wants to know, “How can a young man keep his way pure?” For him it must have been a rhetorical question because he immediately addresses the issue by stating that kind of living can only come by, “keeping it according to Your word.” God’s word is to be the foundation for all we do. Most of us in our lifetime have depended on godly individuals along the way to point out that truth to us. Teaching God’s truths were so critical in the mind of Jesus that He spent His last days on earth teaching and teaching and teaching.

The second part of the Psalms that comes as a result of solid teaching is what the psalmist expresses next. He said, “O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are mine. I have more insight than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, because I have observed Your precepts. (Psalm 119:97-100) He finished up that portion by saying, “How sweet are your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! From Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.” (Psalm 119:103-104)

It may seen strange to use the idea of teaching when part of the text today talks of the signs of the last days. All of God’s word needs to be open to us in order to be instructed in right living, warned and encouraged as each of us face an uncertain future. I see the signs as a warning to us to prepare for what lies ahead. So many of us will search out what God is trying to tell us on our own. We may however listen to those who are willing to study and teach His word.

I am in the process of reading a book titled, “Already Gone” by Ken Ham. He writes that by the time young people reach college age that sixty percent of them have already left the church many to never return. His premise is that we have not given them the biblical foundation that will cause them to want to continue in the church. This is a huge responsibility to make sure that this does not occur where we worship. A great deal of work has to be done on the part of all of us to make sure this does not happen. A major part of this is the way that God’s word is taught to our young people. We need to ask what is it that we are or not doing to keep young people active. For all of christendom whatever we are doing has not worked. If we know the gospel of Jesus is the only answer to life then how are we presenting it to young people to turn them into life long committed followers of Christ.

Sadly, even as we see the days of Jesus’ earthly life coming to an end, there were many who still did not understand how their relationship with Him would impact their future. Because there were the sixty percent who would walk away then destruction was to come within their lifetime. Then because of man’s rejection there would come even greater judgment in the last days. It is the responsibility of the church to make sure that His message is presented to all who are able to hear with understanding.

Luke 21:25-26

Jesus had just finished laying out before the disciples what was going to happen to the Jews in the not too distant future because they chose to reject Him. He now turns to those events that will occur at the

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end of history. They describe just some of the horrible conditions that will take place during the seven

years of the great tribulation. For whatever reason Luke does not go into as much detail as the other gospels in describing the events to come. One possible explanation may have been his intended audience. Remember this account was addressed to Theophilus the Roman official. He would not have been familiar with prophecies that would be found in Daniel for example. What He described was devastating enough. Jesus spoke of the whole universe in upheaval. Revelation spoke of the sun shining for only a third of the day. One can just imagine the chaos this will cause. Not only will all of nature be in an upheaval but the uncertainty on earth will cause men to be fearful of the future. When the great depression hit in 1929, which is minor to what is to come, there were people who jumped out of windows as fortunes were lost overnight. The thought of not having the wealth to which they had become accustomed and the embarrassment they would face life was more than they could accept. Time will not allow us to cover in one session all that is prophesied in John’s account in Revelation and the narrative of Daniel.

1. Why did Jesus share what was going to happen in the distant future? (All mankind would be warned of what was going to come to a godless world.)

2. What examples do we see of the kinds of things about Jesus spoke about taking place today?

3. Why would these things still not mean that Jesus is about to come? (These are signs to prepare the hearts of man with a timetable attached to them.)

4. Why is it important to be on the lookout for the signs? (We want to be prepared to meet Jesus when He comes.)

5. Why do people become so perplexed when disruptive events occur? (They have no trust in God.)

6. What do we call this time period? (The great tribulation described in Revelation.)

Luke 21:27-28

All of the things mentioned must occur then Jesus will return. Depending on one’s perspective this would be the return of Jesus to set up His kingdom on earth. All of the above must take place before He comes and binds Satan for a thousand years. For those who are converted during the tribulation they will be looking forward to that day with great anticipation. When it comes their final redemption from the terror through which they had gone will be complete.

1. What do the things spoken about by Jesus mean to you? (He is going to return.)

2. Who are the people who will anticipate His coming? (The Jews converted during the tribulation.)

3. What is not mentioned by Luke that will occur at that time? (Satan will be bound for a thousand years before being released for a short time.)

4. Why would the final redemption mean so much for the Jews? (They have suffered unspeakable atrocities like the Holocaust during Hiltler’s reign of terror during the second world war when he attempted to exterminate the Jews.)

5. Why do the followers of Christ need not be concerned about that time? (The church will be raptured ahead of the seven years.)

Luke 21:29-31

The parable Jesus then told was about the people who would be involved in the events of the end times. The outcome will of course be different. Throughout Scripture the fig tree has represented Israel. In

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this parable Jesus mentioned not only the fig tree but all the trees. Of course the events would impact the Jews leading to their salvation. The other trees represented all the nations of the world that

would play a part in the end time events. All of them should have been aware that the signs were pointing to what God was going to do that had been prophesied in the Scriptures just as one would recognize summer was coming because the trees had put forth leaves. Those Gentile nations would feel the full brunt of God’s judgment because they had continually rejected God through all of the plagues that He poured out on them during the tribulation. Not a single one turned back to God but purposely moved further and further away from Him.

1. What was the picture Jesus painted for the people? (The trees represented both Jerusalem and the Gentile nations.)

2. How could the people recognize that the putting forth of the leaves would be an example of God’s judgment? (Trees have produced leaves ever since the world began and sure as that was going to happen so would be the events surrounding the return of Christ.)

3. What would be different for the Jews? (They would come to Christ during the time of tribulation. The Gentiles had been given their opportunity prior to the rapture and the door of salvation was closed to them.)

4. What does this say to us? (We are to seize the opportunity to be saved before the door is closed on us.)

Luke 21:32-33

The generation spoken about was not the people hearing the words of Jesus. It represents the continuous generations of people who were just like those standing there that day. For hundreds of years man has been given the opportunity to come under the Lord ship of Jesus Christ and have refused to acknowledge His possible eminent return. For the last two thousand years God has given sign after sign which have been totally ignored. Now the present generation may be the one who will face the challenges of the coming day of the Lord. Only God knows the time of the arrival of Christ. The words of Jesus were guaranteed to still be in force and true even if heaven and earth are no longer.

1. Who is the generation about whom Jesus spoke? (The one like all of the others who have been part of history but will be here when all of the events mentioned take place?

2. What does this statement say about all of us? (We live as if these things will never happen and are thus oblivious to the signs of His return?

3. What did He mean about His word be permanent? (It is truthful because He spoke them.)

4. Why is that fact important to us? (We can be assured that what God has said about salvation and the end times are all true.)

5. Why would even want to doubt them?

Luke 21:34-35

Jesus mentioned three things that every person needs to avoid if he is going to fit to be a part of His kingdom. They include what He called:

• Dissipation which meant falling victim to a sinful lifestyle controlled by satan.

• Drunkedness. No one in this state has the ability to see or think clearly.

• Worries of life

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The day of the Lord will be a total surprise to them and they will be trapped in the judgment that comes as a result. The events that are to come are inescapable. It is important that each person be able to have a clear mind to recognize them as they are happening all around them.

1. What were the people to avoid if they wanted to be a part of God’s kingdom?

2. What do each of these mean?

3. What are the things that blind us to what God is doing around us?

4. To you which of the three is the most dangerous?

Luke 21:36

Jesus does however give a ways of escape. It will take constant vigilance not be entrapped by the total depravity that is going to come to the earth. Not only is man to keep alert, ready for what is coming but just as important is his constant prayer. The subject of his prayer is for strength to escape the time of the tribulation and find himself standing before Christ in His kingdom. To do so shows that ones commitment is to Jesus Christ.

1. What does it mean to stay alert?

2. When have you been caught sleeping during a critical point in your life?

3. What did it feel like to be caught doing so?

4. What was the other piece of advice Jesus gave?

5. Who are those who feel it necessary to pray? (Only those who believe Christ and are commited to Him.)

6. What will these two practices get you? (A place in His kingdom.)

Luke 21:37-38

Up until the very end of His life, Jesus never stopped teaching people about the kingdom of God. He had to know that it was dangerous for Him to be in the temple everyday but He knew that no one would stop Him until His hour had come to face death for all the people. It should be obvious that He did not want to miss a single opportunity to proclaim His life changing message. He did not want leave a single person outside of the Kingdom of God if one more word from Him might accomplish the task.

The fact that the people continued to come to Him showed that He was still very popular with them. It was the religious leaders that did not want to hear the words spoken by Him.

1. What was the work that Jesus was to be about in His last days?

2. Why did He continue to teach at the risk to His own life?

3. What was the message that was so important that He should spend His last days proclaiming it?

4. If Jesus was willing to keep teaching in the face of danger why are we so afraid to witness to others in His name in a relative safe environment?

5. What can others do to you that has not already been done to Jesus?

6. Why did the people continue to come and hear Him speak?

7. If He loved those people so much to keep on teaching what does it say about the love He has for us?

• Study God’s Word to understand the days in which you live. Jesus would not have told us about the signs of His coming if He did not want us to be aware of them.

• Pray that you will not be caught up in the ways of the world. Those who do will not find the peace of Jesus they so desperately need.

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• Be alert to those things that indicate that the world is moving closer to the time of judgment.

• Be knowledgeable about God’s Word so that you may warn others of the impending crisis that is surely to come.

• Live at peace within yourself because you have the assurance of salvation.

• No matter what may be going on around you always be prepared for the coming of the Lord or your passing into eternity.

• Those of you who are called to teach should never stop sharing God’s word until it is the last day.

Christ has given the warning to every man to be prepared for Christ’s second coming. The church has been given the word. We are to be like Ezekiel who was called to be the watchman who was to sound the alarm. There is no other source on the face of the earth other than the church to reach out with the good news of Christ. Only by proclaiming the news will people avoid the judgment to come. Paul tells us that the world will not come with out the message and it will not be accepted unless we tell it. See Romans 10:13-15. He is echoing the words of Isaiah spoken over seven hundred years earlier in chapter 52 verse 7.

Jesus spent His last days sharing the good news to all who would listen. He did not fear man but kept presenting His message. The church must never be afraid of what man can do to it, but should with boldness carry out the Great Commission and the command found in Acts 1:8. Are we to deny others from finding what we have found by cloistering inside the four walls. Jesus carried His message to where the people could be found. We are do the same.

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