Lesson 176: Luke 23:34
Luke 23:34
The Blueprint — The Verse
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Memorization Practice
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Scripture quotations marked NIV are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Context — The History
Jesus is crucified outside Jerusalem under Roman authority with Jewish leaders' cooperation. Crucifixion was reserved for slaves and rebels; the scene fulfills Psalm 22 and Isaiah's suffering servant.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
After soldiers nail Jesus to the cross and leaders mock him, Jesus prays for his executioners' forgiveness even as they gamble for his garments beneath the sign 'King of the Jews.'
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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Luke 23:33
33When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (Luke 23:33) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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Luke 23:35
35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (Luke 23:35) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- How does Jesus' prayer on the cross challenge your view of forgiveness?
- Who do you need to forgive who may not understand their wrong?
- What does the cross reveal about God's heart toward enemies?