COMMUNITY GROUP QUESTIONS
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
What an incredibly powerful prayer Jesus offers to the Father on behalf of those who have just crucified him. Can you imagine what that scene must have been like? What thoughts would have gone through your mind had you been there to hear Jesus speak those words?
This week we begin a new sermon series entitled “Last words,” and for the next seven weeks, leading up to Easter we will take a closer look at the final seven sayings of Jesus from the cross.
There is so much for us to see wrapped up in His final words, and so much that happened in His final hours. All of human history before that day, was building towards it, and every day since has been affected by it!
Read: Isaiah 53:1-12, Matthew 27:32-54, Luke 23:34, 1 Peter 2:20-25
Discuss:
1. Luke 23:34 - What does this prayer teach us about God’s love for us? (We mentioned three things.)
2. To whom was Jesus directing His prayer?
3. Do you believe we, as Christians, have the capacity to pray the same prayer as Jesus did in this passage for those who wrong us, persecute us, or treat us otherwise unfairly? Why or Why not?
4. What needs to be developed within us in order to effectively pray for those who are hostile toward us, our faith, or even those who we may consider "enemies?" (Matthew 5:44, John 15:20, Romans 12:14, 2 Timothy 3:12)
Bonus Question: Read 1 Timothy 2:5-6. What is the relationship between Paul’s statement to Timothy, and our passage for this week in Luke 23:34?
