Luke 23 - The Power of Innocence

1. Read Luke 23:44-49. Luke records the centurion’s confession (v47) as the ‘final pronouncement’ on Jesus’ life. What do you think he witnessed that convinced him of Jesus’ innocence?

2. Jesus’ innocence unmasks our sin. Read Luke 23:13-25 and list the characters mentioned. How does each contribute to the end result of an innocent man being killed? What underlying sins/motivations are exposed along the way? How does the cross unmask our sin as well?

3. Jesus’ innocence conquers over sin. Read Col 2:15 and Revelation 5:1-5. Why does Jesus’ blood conquer sin when nobody else’s can?

4. Jesus’ innocence replaces our sin. The veil of the temple (v45) represented a necessary separation between a holy God and sinful man. What role did Jesus’ innocence play in the veil’s destruction and our access to God? (For help, see Heb 7:26-27, 10:19-25)

5. Jesus’ innocence is our mission. Read Philippians 2:14-16. What role does innocence play in the witness of the church? In v16, some translations read ‘holding fast’ while others read ‘holding forth’. What is the difference between these, and why are both necessary? How does a mission of innocence affect the way we respond to the unrest in our nation today?

6. Luke 23 is designed to focus our attention on Christ, his innocence, his power, and his mercy. Take time together to reflect slowly and quietly on the passage and respond in prayer and worship.

For further discussion

1. Our nation is experiencing extraordinary unrest after the killing of George Floyd. Share with one another how you are personally processing. What emotions are you feeling? How do you think the Lord wants you to respond?

2. Pastor Chris Georges stressed the importance of ‘deep empathy’, of recognizing injustice and racism not as ‘their’ problem but as ‘our’ problem. What makes empathy between black and white cultures in America so difficult? What role can we play in addressing the issue?

3. In the dialog with Pastor Georges, Robb mentioned two unhealthy ways to respond to Floyd’s killing: violence/destruction and apathy/silence. Why is each of these unhealthy? To which are you more inclined?

4. In the current climate, the loudest voices tend to be accusatory ones on every side. It is important to confess and repent of sin, but it is also important to celebrate the grace of God and give thanks for the good work he has accomplished. Where have you seen forward motion regarding justice and racial reconciliation in our nation? In our church? In your personal sphere?

5. Look again at Luke 23:13, 18. With the entrance of the Roman authorities, what critical shift occurs in the role of the people (compare Luke 19:47-48, 20:19, 21:38, 22:2)? How would you explain this baffling dynamic? What lessons can we learn about our own culture’s social dynamics, mob culture, & political allegiances?

6. Throughout Luke’s gospel, we’ve seen the consistent categories of religious leaders, people/crowds, and disciples. In chpt 23, the disciples are glaringly absent and silent. What role does their silence play?

7. Jesus Barabbas was in prison for killing someone during a riot (v25). Considering our current national climate, how do you respond emotionally to this character? To the crowd’s insistence that he be released?