Scripture Reading: Luke 22:1-56

Memory Verse: Luke 23:24

Introduction:    In this sesson, we continue to look at those events, and those people involved in the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, The Christ.  You will recall that it was at the "Passover Supper" that our Lord arose, girded Himself with a towel, and washed the feet of His disciples.  He was setting an example for for those of us who call Him Lord, that we too should be "servant minded".  We have acknowledged that Jesus knew Judas Iscariot would betray Him, even when he chose Judas, and gave him the same opportunities He gave Peter, John and the rest of the disciples.  We have observed Judas betray the Lord with a "kiss of betrayal" as a means of positive identification.  We have seen all of the disciples run, and leave Jesus with those who came to arrest Him, and, we have seen Peter, start following Jesus after His arrest some distance behind Jesus, so as to not be closely identified with Jesus, and, we have seen Peter deny that he even knew the Lord Jesus Christ.  We have to look closely inside ourselves, and ask ourselves, "is there any Judas in me" and, have I like Peter, followed Jesus from some distance, or have I in some way, denied Him?  Let us continue with our study of "The Last Hours", in this, Part 2.

1.    In your opinion, what prompted Peter's denial of Jesus?
      
         (1)    Have you ever been prompted in any way to "deny Christ"?

2.    In examining the arrest and trial of Jesus before Pilate, what do you discern Pilate's greatest weakness to be?

3.    In what way do the two thieves that were crucified with Christ Jesus represent all of mankind?

4.    What does the conversation Jesus had with the thief in Luke 23:40-43 tell you about death and a Christian?

5.    After reviewing Leviticus, chapter 16, and Hebrews chapter 9, in your opinion, what is the significance of Luke 23:45-46 as it
       relates to those two chapters?

6.    In your opinion, how does Matthew 27:46 relate to 2 Corinthians 5:21?

7.    In your own words, how does John 10:14-18 relate to Luke 23:46?

8.    Read Luke 23:47, and explain why you think the Centurion said what he did?

Conclusion:    During His last meal with those He loved, Jesus deisplayed the "servant attitude".

In the Garden of Gethsemane, at His arrest, He ministered to one of those who came to arrest Him by restoring the ear of the guard which Peter had cut off.

On the Cross, He prayed for those who crucified Him, ministered to the thief that trusted in Him, and made provision for His mother as He placed her in His dicsiple John's care.

All of these are examples for us.  A disciple becomes like the one he is following.  A follower many times though, quits following, and reveals what is really in the heart, as Judas did.

We need to constantly examine our hearts to discover any "Judas" in us that would cause us to desert Christ Jesus or, any fear that would cause us to deny Christ Jesus as did Peter!