SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
Luke 19:28 through 24:53

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42)

BACKGROUND

This final portion of the Gospel of Luke covers Jesus’ last days on earth. Our text begins with His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and His second cleansing of the Temple. Luke goes on to describe several instances in which the religious leaders challenged Jesus’ authority (chapter 20), and then records Jesus’ closing teachings regarding future events (chapter 21). Chapter 22 gives a description of Christ’s last supper with His disciples, His agony in the Garden, His betrayal by Judas Iscariot, and Peter’s denial. In chapter 23, Luke tells of Jesus’ trial before Herod, His sentencing by Pilate, and His crucifixion and burial. Chapter 24 concludes the Gospel, recounting Jesus’ resurrection, His post-resurrection appearances to His followers, and finally, His ascension into Heaven.

Luke’s main purpose in writing his Gospel — to present Jesus as the Savior for all people everywhere — is clearly revealed in this text. By chronicling the details of the price paid for man’s salvation, Luke highlighted the importance and relevance of the Good News for all mankind. Jesus’ life on earth gave the perfect pattern for a life lived in obedience and accordance with the will of God. Through His death, He paid the price for salvation for all people everywhere. Through His resurrection, He provided overcoming power over sin, death, and Hell. And at His ascension into Heaven, He gave His followers not only a great commission but also a glorious commitment — the promise of the fulfillment of all things that had been written by Moses and the prophets, and the enduement of power from on high.

QUESTIONS

1. In Luke 19:29-38, we read that as Jesus approached Jerusalem, crowds began to acclaim Him as King and to give Him glory and praise. The account of His triumphal entry into the city is one of the few incidents in the life of Jesus which appears in all four Gospels. Clearly, this was a significant event, not only to the people of Jesus’ day, but also to Christians throughout history who celebrate Palm Sunday to commemorate that occasion. Why do you think the Triumphal Entry was so significant?
2. Bible historians note that the view of Jerusalem from the point near the Mount of Olives where Jesus rode into the city would have been one of beauty and splendor, with glimpses of the magnificent Temple, the gardens and elaborate dwellings of wealthy Jews, and the great wall encircling the city. According to Luke 19:41-44, what did Jesus do as He looked out over Jerusalem, and why?
3. In Luke 20:9-19, Jesus gave the parable of the vineyard, in which the husbandmen who had the responsibility of caring for the vineyard failed to provide the owner with a return on his investment. The husbandmen had rejected the owner’s authority and viewed the vineyard as their own. Why were the chief priests and scribes so furious when they heard this parable?
4. In chapter 21, Jesus told His followers of the approaching destruction of Jerusalem, of His return, and of several distinct signs that would precede these events. In verse 36, He instructed His disciples to watch for these signs and to pray continually; otherwise, they could be caught off guard and suffer destruction. We are in the closing days before the return of Christ to this earth, so the warning to “watch . . . and pray” has special significance for our generation. What does the word “watch” mean in this context, and what are some ways we can watch for our Lord’s return?
5. On the night before Jesus’ crucifixion, He expressed His desire to celebrate a final Passover meal with His disciples, who were His closest earthly companions. In addition to sharing a precious time of communion with them, Jesus knew the religious significance that evening would have for His followers in the coming centuries. What ordinance did Jesus institute that night at this final meal with His disciples, and how? Luke 22:17-20
6. In a grove of olive trees near the Mount of Olives, Jesus spent His final hours before His arrest in prayer to the Father. His petition culminated in these words, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). What did the “cup” Jesus referred to represent?
7. Peter denied Jesus (Luke 22:56-62), and yet later became a leader in the Early Church. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss (Luke 22:47) and later suffered a tragic end. Why do you think these two men, both of whom had been among the closest associates of Christ, had such different endings?
8. God permitted false accusations and injustice to prevail in the trial of Jesus Christ. The most infamous legal proceeding in history, described in our text, occurred so that God’s plan for the salvation of mankind could be fulfilled. The Innocent One was declared guilty not just in one court, but in three. Before whom did those three trials take place? Luke 22:66-71; 23:1-25
9. Luke’s account of the life of Jesus Christ on earth does not end with the grief and darkness of Calvary. In chapter 24, we find the thrilling account of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and His post-resurrection appearances. The Resurrection is the cornerstone of the Gospel and the central fact of Christian history. What are some of the ways the Resurrection is fundamental to our Christian faith?

CONCLUSION

Jesus paid a high price for our redemption, and was victorious over sin, death, and Hell. As Christians, we have every reason to glorify the King of kings and the Lord of Lords for He is worthy!