Creekside Community Church
The Savior of the Lowly (Luke 23:26-49)
April 13, 2025 Jeff Bruce, Lead Pastor
Locations & Times
Creekside Community Church
951 MacArthur Blvd, San Leandro, CA 94577, USA
Sunday 7:00 AM
1. Who sees the Savior?
2. Why can they see him?
2. Why can they see him?
For Further Thought and Discussion
Getting Started
1. What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?
Going Deeper
2. Read vv. 26-49. What different groups witness Jesus’ crucifixion and death? How would you describe their reactions? Which witness has the most profound insight into Jesus’ person and work (vv. 39-43)? Why is this significant?
3. In this passage, how does Jesus display, (1) compassion (vv. 29-31), (2) forgiveness (v. 34), (3) grace (v. 43), and faith (v. 46; compare Psalm 31:5)? Which of Jesus’ statements stand out to you? Why?
4. Read vv. 39-43. What caused the criminal beside Jesus to see him as a merciful Savior (v. 42; compare v. 34)? What does he ask Jesus to do for him? How does Jesus’ response exceed anything he could’ve expected (v. 43)? Why is it significant that this man will be with Jesus “in paradise” (v. 43; compare Genesis 3:24)? Why is it significant that this will happen “today” (v. 43; compare Luke 4:21; 19:10)?
5. What commentary does God provide on Jesus’ death (vv. 44-45)? Why is the darkness over the land significant (v. 44; compare Exodus 11:21-29; Amos 8:9-10)? Why is the tearing of the veil significant (v. 45; compare Luke 19:45-46; 20:17-18; Psalm 118:17-23)? What does Jesus accomplish through his death?
Application
6. Why does Jesus say that his enemies have acted in ignorance (v. 34; see vv. 35-38)? What don’t they understand (see Acts 3:17-21)? Why is forgiveness still available to them (v. 34; see Luke 12:8-12)? What does this passage teach about the relationship between forgiveness and reconciliation? How might this impact the way we approach forgiveness and reconciliation in our relationships?
7. Compare and contrast the two criminals next to Jesus. What leads one to reject Jesus? What leads the other to embrace him? Jeff noted that the criminal who believes sees (1) God’s holiness, (2) his sinfulness, and (3) Jesus’ graciousness. How are these three realities related? Why is it impossible for us to appreciate (3) without a deep awareness of (1) and (2)?
8. What’s one thing you can do this week to apply this message to your life?
Getting Started
1. What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?
Going Deeper
2. Read vv. 26-49. What different groups witness Jesus’ crucifixion and death? How would you describe their reactions? Which witness has the most profound insight into Jesus’ person and work (vv. 39-43)? Why is this significant?
3. In this passage, how does Jesus display, (1) compassion (vv. 29-31), (2) forgiveness (v. 34), (3) grace (v. 43), and faith (v. 46; compare Psalm 31:5)? Which of Jesus’ statements stand out to you? Why?
4. Read vv. 39-43. What caused the criminal beside Jesus to see him as a merciful Savior (v. 42; compare v. 34)? What does he ask Jesus to do for him? How does Jesus’ response exceed anything he could’ve expected (v. 43)? Why is it significant that this man will be with Jesus “in paradise” (v. 43; compare Genesis 3:24)? Why is it significant that this will happen “today” (v. 43; compare Luke 4:21; 19:10)?
5. What commentary does God provide on Jesus’ death (vv. 44-45)? Why is the darkness over the land significant (v. 44; compare Exodus 11:21-29; Amos 8:9-10)? Why is the tearing of the veil significant (v. 45; compare Luke 19:45-46; 20:17-18; Psalm 118:17-23)? What does Jesus accomplish through his death?
Application
6. Why does Jesus say that his enemies have acted in ignorance (v. 34; see vv. 35-38)? What don’t they understand (see Acts 3:17-21)? Why is forgiveness still available to them (v. 34; see Luke 12:8-12)? What does this passage teach about the relationship between forgiveness and reconciliation? How might this impact the way we approach forgiveness and reconciliation in our relationships?
7. Compare and contrast the two criminals next to Jesus. What leads one to reject Jesus? What leads the other to embrace him? Jeff noted that the criminal who believes sees (1) God’s holiness, (2) his sinfulness, and (3) Jesus’ graciousness. How are these three realities related? Why is it impossible for us to appreciate (3) without a deep awareness of (1) and (2)?
8. What’s one thing you can do this week to apply this message to your life?