Condemning Jesus
2017 Lenten Devotional
Condemning Jesus – 2017 Lenten Devotional
March 5 – Luke 23:26-32
PRAY
Open with prayer, asking God to use this time to reveal his intent for you as you encounter this text.
READ
Luke 23:26-32
26
As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and
they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus.
27
A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their
breasts and wailing for him. 28But Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me,
but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29For the days are surely coming when they will say, 'Blessed
are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.' 30Then they will begin to say
to the mountains, 'Fall on us'; and to the hills, 'Cover us.' 31For if they do this when the wood is green, what will
happen when it is dry?"
32
Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him.
DISCUSS
 What questions does this passage raise for you? What words or phrases stand out to you? What insights
does it give?
 Imagine being in Simon of Cyrene’s sandals. How would it feel to have the eyes of the crowd on you as
you are following (and even participating in the punishment of) a convict?
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PRAY
Lent.
Carrying the cross and following Jesus, as Simon of Cyrene does in this text, is a weighty image of
discipleship. In your discipleship walk following Christ, what crosses have you had to bear?
Verse 28 says that Jesus tells the mourners to not weep for him but for themselves. He is essentially
saying the greater need for tears is not for this road to his crucifixion, but tears for an unbelieving
Jerusalem. So terrible will be their fate that the ones considered fortunate are those without children
who won’t experience this devastation. What does Jesus’ words to these mourners conjure up within
you?
This particular text ends with the note that two other criminals were being led away to die alongside
Jesus. Their presence reminds us of how low Jesus went – he was numbered with criminals – and this
wasn’t a “special” crucifixion in the eyes of Rome, but just another of many. Placing our Lord and
Savior in the context of humiliation and ultimate dejection can be hard for Christ-followers to bear. If
you were to be present when this scene took place, how do you think you would react? How does that
reaction differ from your reaction to this scene today?
Close your time in prayer, asking for God to continue to work this text into your life as we continue in
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Condemning Jesus – 2017 Lenten Devotional
March 12 – Luke 23:33-38
PRAY
Open with prayer, and as you do so, open your hands as a posture asking to receive God’s Spirit. Let
your mind and heart be opened to accept what God has for you in this time.
READ
Luke 23:33-38
33
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one
on his right and one on his left.
34
Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."
And they cast lots to divide his clothing. 35And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at
him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!"
36
The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 37and saying, "If you are the
King of the Jews, save yourself!"
38
There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."
DISCUSS
 What questions arise for you from this text? Is there anything in here that stirs up a strong reaction
(positive or negative) within you? Why?
 This text is quite straight forward. This isn’t a dramatic retelling of the crucifixion, but a frank retelling
of historic events. Look at the text again, but this time try to imagine yourself in the scene. What
feelings does it evoke in you?
 Notice the contrast between Jesus’ words and the words spoken by others. Read out loud only the
quoted text in this passage. How would you describe the dissonance between Jesus’ words and the other
words?
 The scoffers question that if Jesus could save others, why couldn’t he save himself. But our salvation in
Christ is based on the truth that he didn’t save himself. If he had saved himself, the scoffers and
mockers and the rest of us wouldn’t be saved. He gave up his life, paying for our sins, making us whole.
In what ways might you misunderstand God’s work in your life like these individuals misunderstood
Christ’s work? Does God’s work in you seem confusing in this season? Why or why not?
 Not only did the soldiers mock Jesus by calling him “King of the Jews” (verses 36-37), but the
inscription was placed over him so that everyone would see this mockery (verse 38). Though they
meant it as a joke, these soldiers are proclaiming an eternal truth. Not only is Jesus the King of the
Jews, he is the King of the Cosmos. These mockers unwittingly become evangelists! Their irony
becomes a double irony, proclaiming the truth. How have you seen Christ proclaimed in unexpected –
even backward – ways?
 Jesus had just prayed that God would forgive them because they act out of ignorance. What an
expression of mercy! If you were to reflect Christ in your own life, how might others recognize this
Christ-like mercy in you?
PRAY
Close your time in prayer. Silently name those things in your life that could be “mocking” to God –
choices you’ve made, relationships you’ve had, and so forth. Ask God for an experience of Christ’s mercy and
forgiveness in your own life this Lenten season.
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Condemning Jesus – 2017 Lenten Devotional
March 19 – Luke 23:39-43
PRAY
As you pray, take a moment to give to God things crowding your mind. Name each of them as best as
you can. Ask God to hold those concerns, worries, and distractions that you might discern the presence of
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in your midst as you open your life up to God’s Word.
READ
Luke 23:39-43
39
One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him [Jesus] and saying, "Are you not the
Messiah? Save yourself and us!"
40
But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of
condemnation? 41And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our
deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." 42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your
kingdom."
43
He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
DISCUSS
 Voice some questions that arise for you from this account of the crucifixion. What does this passage stir
up in you?
 In this story are two criminals. They are both being crucified. They are both convicted and condemned.
They both are punished. But they are different in their response to Jesus. What words would you use to
describe the response of each criminal?
 We are all criminals. Scripture says all have sinned and have fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).
In what ways are you like the first criminal? Do you questioned whether Jesus really is the messiah and
really can save you? Doubt isn’t a bad thing in itself – especially if it leads you to Christ with good
questions. What do you think the first criminal’s motivation was? How can you relate?
 In what ways are you like the second criminal? This man recognized his brokenness and didn’t even ask
to be saved. He only asked that Jesus remember him knowing he hadn’t had the chance to “earn” the
reward of salvation. Then Jesus extended salvation to him. How has Christ met you in your defeat?
 Paul says in Galatians 2:19 “I have been crucified with Christ…” These two criminals can say this quite
literally. When Paul speaks it, he finishes by saying he no longer lives – he’s dead – yet Christ is alive
in him. How can you live a life “crucified with Christ” this week?
 Periodically throughout the week, envision these two criminals on the cross. As you do so,
acknowledge to God that you are a criminal in your own way (Romans 3:23), and ask God to help you
accept and respond to God’s grace.
PRAY
Read Galatians 2:19-20. Then, as you pray, picture these three crosses. Ask God to help you see how –
without Christ – you were meant for one of them. Thank him for taking the death you deserved, and ask him to
live your life as if you were crucified with Christ.
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Condemning Jesus – 2017 Lenten Devotional
March 26 – Luke 23:44-49
PRAY
Center yourself by imagining sitting with Christ. Take time acknowledging his presence with you. Ask
him to reveal to you the insights you need to grow deeper in him and to live your life even more for his glory.
READ
Luke 23:44-49
44
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45while the
sun's light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
46
Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." Having
said this, he breathed his last.
47
When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, "Certainly this man was
innocent."
48
And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they
returned home, beating their breasts. 49But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him
from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
DISCUSS
 What words in this scripture text stand out to you? Why is that?
 These six verses report Jesus’ death in three parts: the unusual signs leading up to his death (verses 4445), the death of Jesus (verse 46), and the human response (verses 47-49). In the flow of these verses,
which segment speaks to you the most? Why?
 In the first segment (verses 44-45), a strange darkness covers the land during what would typically be
the brightest and hottest part of the day. Jesus said at his arrest (Luke 22:53) that this is the time of the
powers of darkness. If stones cry out when we are silent (Luke 19:40), why wouldn’t the sky darken
when God’s son hangs dying? How do you understand this darkness? When darkness invades your life,
how can we respond?
 Verse 45 is the tearing of the temple curtain. This was a temple veil dividing the most sacred space
(“the Holy of Holies”) from the sacred space (“the Holy Place”). The most common interpretation – and
what is expressed in Hebrews – is that the torn curtain indicates an access to God through Christ is now
open to all. What aspects of your life seem particularly unworthy of God? Imagine bringing those items
through the curtain, into the Holy of Holies, before the living God. What would you feel and expect?
 Jesus willingly gives his spirit up (verse 46). Rather than the painful thrashing of an execution, Jesus’
words are marked with serenity, acceptance, and trust. He quotes Psalm 31:5. As you imagine Jesus
saying these very personal yet very scriptural words, what does that tell you about your Lord and
Savior?
 Despite the sentencing and mockery that he may have participated in previously, the centurion confesses
that this truly is an innocent man paying for crimes he didn’t commit (our “crimes”!). How do you
imagine he knew Jesus was innocent?
 The crowds return home still in mourning, yet Christ’s followers, having seen the entire death scene,
hang back and watch from a distance. If you were to watch with the disciples all these things how
would you react? What would you feel? What would you say?
PRAY
Read the scripture text one more time, imagining yourself in the scene. From there, pray your way
through the scene. What elements here are parallel to your life today? Ask Christ to reveal how he can walk
alongside you in those moments this week.
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Condemning Jesus – 2017 Lenten Devotional
April 2 – Luke 23:50-56
PRAY
As you begin your time of devotion, reflect on the events that led up to this moment. Were these
moments helpful for getting your heart right with God, or were they filled with distractions? Either way, lay
them at the foot of the cross. Ask God to help you enter into the text of scripture, making it present and alive
for you.
READ
Luke 23:50-56
50
Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, 51had
not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting
expectantly for the kingdom of God.
52
This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen
cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. 54It was the day of Preparation, and the
sabbath was beginning.
55
The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body
was laid. 56Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the sabbath they rested according to the
commandment.
DISCUSS
 As you reflect on this passage of scripture, what immediately comes to mind for you personally? Are
there any phrases that strike you particularly positively or negatively? Why?
 This text centers around Jesus’ burial – a turning point. According to the Law of Moses, if a person
were to be punished by death, the body was to be buried that same day (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). This
applied to crucifixion. As a common criminal, Jesus should have been tossed in a common grave. Not
so here. Instead Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin (the group condemning Jesus), goes against his
peers and honors Christ’s body – an act of great courage. What acts of courage have you seen others
perform on behalf of Christ in spite of the world? How might you be a “Joseph of Arimathea” this week
by acting bold for God?
 Christ’s body was laid in a “tomb where no one had ever been laid” (verse 53), a sign of great respect.
Also, the women’s preparation of spices and ointments honors Christ’s body in this burial. How do you
imagine these acts of honor – in spite of the mockery and derision of the general population – must have
felt for those following Jesus? How would you have reacted?
 If you were to see your savior die, not realizing this was part of God’s salvation plan, what would be
your reaction? How would you make sense of someone you thought would save you and your people,
yet now see him buried? What would you do?
 Verse 56 says the women rested according to the commandment. Luke indicates that Jesus’ entire
career, including his death, was surrounded by good Jewish piety. At the same time, “carrying on as
usual” on a Sabbath when events of such portent (3-hour darkness, temple curtain tearing) have occurred
seems surprising. Yet, carrying on as best as they can with routine is best in such unfathomable
circumstances. When life gives way to death, when the ground gives way beneath our feet, when reason
makes no sense anymore, when all that was dependable seems uncertain, gathering together in worship
of God is the most sensible thing to do. Describe a time when your world turned upside-down. How
did God meet you (or not) during that season?
 This text closes by leaving us hanging. There is deep sadness and mourning. Hope is lost. Those
following Christ feel like it was all in vain. Yet, the story isn’t over. We know more is to come – better
than ever. When darkness and hopelessness closes in on you, where do you turn to first? How can you
turn your eyes to the hope of Christ in practical ways?
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PRAY
Read Romans 6:3-4. Take time to thank God for Christ’s death that leads us to new life. As you pray,
imagine your baptism as a death. In your baptism, you have died to the world, to sin, and to yourself. Now you
live animated by the Holy Spirit in you. Ask the Lord to continue to guide and direct your life this week as the
story of Jesus’ burial continues to work its way into your heart.
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Condemning Jesus – 2017 Lenten Devotional
April 9 – Luke 19:29-40 – Palm Sunday
PRAY
Today is the beginning of Holy Week when Jesus entered Jerusalem. Imagine yourself entering into his
presence now. Examine your heart, asking where you have seen Christ at work in your life these past few days.
Thank him for the ways he has met you as you ask him to open this text to you and reveal to you what he wants
you to know in this time together with him.
READ
Luke 19:29-40
29
When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two
of the disciples, 30saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt
that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say
this, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them.
33
As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
34
They said, “The Lord needs it.”
35
Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36As he
rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road.
37
As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the
disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, 38saying,
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!”
39
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.”
40
He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
DISCUSS
 What questions does this passage raise for you? What words or phrases stand out to you? What insights
does it give?
 We have jumped backward to Palm Sunday. After reflecting these past weeks on the condemnation of
Jesus, we see this celebration that comes before all the pain and punishment and death of Christ. With
that perspective, the gesture of honor and praise seems somehow ironic and maybe hollow knowing
what is coming. What are ways you sincerely express your praise to God? How can you keep it from
being hollow?
 Luke tells this event – the entrance into Jerusalem – without including the ovation of the crowd as in
other accounts (Matthew 21:1-9; Mark 11:1-10; John 12:12-16). Here, only those following Jesus are
mentioned being filled with praise. These individuals Luke highlights are most likely not the ones who
later condemn Jesus. As a follower of Jesus, when do you find it easy to praise God? When is it
hardest?
 The necessity for Luke to mention that the colt had never been ridden is significant. When animals are
used for sacred purposes, they had to have never been previously used for any other purpose. This colt
was holy – set aside for a particular use, which was to carry the Messiah into Jerusalem. How do you
set aside special items or moments for Christ? What is the importance for making such things “holy” to
the Lord?
 It is unclear why the Pharisees wanted the disciples to be quiet. It could have been that being called
“King” would upset the Roman leaders, and thereby adding more tension to the already strained
relationship between Jews and Gentiles. It could also have been that they were concerned for Jesus’
safety, as these praises could cause a political riot. Maybe they were simply registering their own
disagreement. Whether good or bad, the request was to silence the praise of God and Christ. Are there
times when stifling our praise of God is good? How might playing things culturally safe go against our
calling as Christ followers?
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In verse 40, Jesus says that no matter how many people are silenced, God’s praises will still be
proclaimed. Even “the stones would shout out!” God will always provide a witness – even if it is from
nature (like the star of Bethlehem, the darkness of midday, the earthquake at Jesus’ death, etc.). Does
this mean we don’t have to be witnesses for Christ in the world? How might you understand this
statement?
If Jesus has entered your life, you, too, have likely had a variety of responses to his presence.
Sometimes we want to silence it. Other times we want to make a scene. How can you be more faithful
to his presence in your life in a tangible way this week? What might that look like with your friends and
neighbors or with your colleagues and peers at work or school?
PRAY
Praise God for Christ’s entrance into your own life. Imagine him entering as if for the first time. How
would you respond? What would you want him to know? Take some time to tell him those things. Ask for the
courage to praise him throughout your week.
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