A Rose Among Thorns
Bible Study
The Critical Questions... And More
Three Pre-Easter Bible Studies
Object:
Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 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. [[Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."]] And they cast lots to divide his clothing.
Lesson Objective: In this lesson, Jesus' willingness to forgive those who were crucifying him is examined. May each one examine his or her own willingness to forgive.
Prayer Focus: Pray that in this incredible scene of Jesus' death, we might receive his wonderful forgiveness and let it flow from us to others.
Lesson
Forgiveness displayed
The macabre scene unfolds in gruesome detail. The soldiers passed the angry masses to allow three men, men sentenced to death, to pass. Each one carries his cross, the instrument of death. The jeering crowds lash out with angry words. Soldiers find a perverse pleasure in inflicting torture upon the condemned. As they arrive at the barren place of the Skull, the soldiers begin the horrible task of crucifixion. Shrieks of pain and cries of agony mix with the insults of the mob as crosses are erected, forming an eerie silhouette against the midday sky. It is an ugly picture. For the two hanging on the outside crosses, it is final justice. It is the consequence of a wasted life. For the one on the middle cross, the scene is even more awful. Though he is innocent of any crime, he now bears the sins of the world. The physical pain is devastating, but the spiritual pain is worse.
Though all three men on the crosses cry out in agony, the one in the center cross seems to be speaking. His eyes look out on the sea of angry, hate-filled faces. They spit at him; shake their fists and mock him. His eyes do not bear the look of rage. They do not betray a sense of fear. His eyes reveal a heart breaking with compassion. His words fall from his lips as the blood falls from his brow. "Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing."
Incredible! Astonishing! The object of wrath, the Old Testament scapegoat, the innocent sacrifice does not seek revenge on his tormenters. He does not cry out for justice for his enemies. He does not call down a legion of angels to come to his defense. He pleads for forgiveness for those who crucify him. In spite of his own immense suffering, his heart breaks for the ignorance and stubbornness of his accusers. As these words echo through the chambers of our minds, we know that the grisly scene of Calvary is drenched in the sweet aroma of forgiveness: "Like a rose trampled on the ground."
Forgiveness denied
Forgiveness is central to the Easter story. What was displayed on Calvary is the wonderful opportunity to start over. The blood of Jesus Christ makes us clean. "Though our sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." On that day nearly 2,000 years ago, forgiveness dropped like blood from his brow. The price was paid for our sin. The chance for forgiveness was afforded to us.
The tragic part is that some who have been forgiven deny forgiveness to others. How many people continue to nurse a grudge as a result of some act of malice? How many people still grind their teeth at the mention of a name or a place? Denying forgiveness poisons the soul and prevents freedom and contentment.
The "fight" began like the many that flare up in homes from time to time. A son, in his late teens, was arguing with his father. Bitter words were spoken from both parties. Soon, hate followed and finally, ultimatums were issued. Doors slammed and tires squealed. The words resounded from the walls of the house: "And don't come back!" "Don't worry. You will never see me again." Words spoken in haste and anger are often not meant, but in this case, they were true. For thirty years, father and son didn't speak. There were those awkward occasions when it seemed like they wanted to, but no one did. Forgiveness wasn't an option. The boy, a man now, did attend the funeral.
Forgiveness denied grows a noxious weed of bitterness and resentment. It is the flower of what might have been and wasn't.
Forgiveness directed
There is another way. As recipients of Jesus' forgiveness, we can forgive those who sin against us. Is there any one of us who has not offended God? Is there any one of us whose sin did not nail Jesus to the cross? We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We need to be forgiven. On that point we all agree. The companion point is true, as well; we need to forgive.
Forgiving those who have wronged us is more for us than it is for them. We imprison ourselves when we have to guard a grudge. We condemn ourselves to becoming bitter as we allow an unresolved episode to fester. Forgiveness is a healing agent. It brings into the light the stuff that languishes in the darkness. It allows for genuine restoration and peace. It is the salve, the balm, that initiates healing and wholeness.
It had been a long time since he had seen his family. He had made plenty of mistakes in his life and had paid for them, too. Now he was tired. Now he was empty. Now he wanted to go home. He didn't think he could face his father. What could he say? It wasn't that he expected to be treated as if nothing had happened, but he just needed a place, someplace. So he trudged down the lonely road home. He rehearsed in his mind what he might say. Words just didn't seem to come. He was so engaged in his own thoughts that he never saw him coming. His father, though, did see. He had been waiting and watching for this day for a long time. He ran exuberantly to the young man. The young man was shocked and tried to speak but was instantly hushed. "No, no! Now listen. Bring him the best robe and the ring. My boy is home! Prepare for a celebration!"
You recognize this account, don't you? The story of the "Prodigal Son," I think, should be renamed the "Waiting Father." You see, the power of the story comes from the father's actions. He waits and watches for the boy, longing for him to come to his senses. He is more than ready to forgive when he starts down the long road home. This story is saturated in the fragrance of forgiveness.
When we forgive, we allow the opportunity for restoration to blossom. As you have been forgiven, will you forgive? If Jesus did, how can we not?
Conclusion
C. S. Lewis once wrote, "Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive." Many Christians recite the Lord's Prayer on a weekly basis. Among the many wonderful parts of that prayer is the line, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." When you say those words, do you mean them? Will you extend to others the forgiveness offered to you?
Suggested Songs And Hymns
"The Old Rugged Cross"
"Amazing Grace"
"Redeemed By The Blood Of The Lamb"
Thought/Discussion Questions
1. In the awfulness of the crucifixion scene, Jesus pleads for forgiveness. What does this tell us about him? What does it tell us about ourselves?
2. Jesus prayed for forgiveness for those who were crucifying him even though they did not ask for it. Is there a message there for us?
3. Why are we so reluctant to forgive? What result has that brought?
4. How do you "feel" after being forgiven? How do you "feel" after forgiving others? Discuss what that might mean.
Lesson Objective: In this lesson, Jesus' willingness to forgive those who were crucifying him is examined. May each one examine his or her own willingness to forgive.
Prayer Focus: Pray that in this incredible scene of Jesus' death, we might receive his wonderful forgiveness and let it flow from us to others.
Lesson
Forgiveness displayed
The macabre scene unfolds in gruesome detail. The soldiers passed the angry masses to allow three men, men sentenced to death, to pass. Each one carries his cross, the instrument of death. The jeering crowds lash out with angry words. Soldiers find a perverse pleasure in inflicting torture upon the condemned. As they arrive at the barren place of the Skull, the soldiers begin the horrible task of crucifixion. Shrieks of pain and cries of agony mix with the insults of the mob as crosses are erected, forming an eerie silhouette against the midday sky. It is an ugly picture. For the two hanging on the outside crosses, it is final justice. It is the consequence of a wasted life. For the one on the middle cross, the scene is even more awful. Though he is innocent of any crime, he now bears the sins of the world. The physical pain is devastating, but the spiritual pain is worse.
Though all three men on the crosses cry out in agony, the one in the center cross seems to be speaking. His eyes look out on the sea of angry, hate-filled faces. They spit at him; shake their fists and mock him. His eyes do not bear the look of rage. They do not betray a sense of fear. His eyes reveal a heart breaking with compassion. His words fall from his lips as the blood falls from his brow. "Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing."
Incredible! Astonishing! The object of wrath, the Old Testament scapegoat, the innocent sacrifice does not seek revenge on his tormenters. He does not cry out for justice for his enemies. He does not call down a legion of angels to come to his defense. He pleads for forgiveness for those who crucify him. In spite of his own immense suffering, his heart breaks for the ignorance and stubbornness of his accusers. As these words echo through the chambers of our minds, we know that the grisly scene of Calvary is drenched in the sweet aroma of forgiveness: "Like a rose trampled on the ground."
Forgiveness denied
Forgiveness is central to the Easter story. What was displayed on Calvary is the wonderful opportunity to start over. The blood of Jesus Christ makes us clean. "Though our sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." On that day nearly 2,000 years ago, forgiveness dropped like blood from his brow. The price was paid for our sin. The chance for forgiveness was afforded to us.
The tragic part is that some who have been forgiven deny forgiveness to others. How many people continue to nurse a grudge as a result of some act of malice? How many people still grind their teeth at the mention of a name or a place? Denying forgiveness poisons the soul and prevents freedom and contentment.
The "fight" began like the many that flare up in homes from time to time. A son, in his late teens, was arguing with his father. Bitter words were spoken from both parties. Soon, hate followed and finally, ultimatums were issued. Doors slammed and tires squealed. The words resounded from the walls of the house: "And don't come back!" "Don't worry. You will never see me again." Words spoken in haste and anger are often not meant, but in this case, they were true. For thirty years, father and son didn't speak. There were those awkward occasions when it seemed like they wanted to, but no one did. Forgiveness wasn't an option. The boy, a man now, did attend the funeral.
Forgiveness denied grows a noxious weed of bitterness and resentment. It is the flower of what might have been and wasn't.
Forgiveness directed
There is another way. As recipients of Jesus' forgiveness, we can forgive those who sin against us. Is there any one of us who has not offended God? Is there any one of us whose sin did not nail Jesus to the cross? We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We need to be forgiven. On that point we all agree. The companion point is true, as well; we need to forgive.
Forgiving those who have wronged us is more for us than it is for them. We imprison ourselves when we have to guard a grudge. We condemn ourselves to becoming bitter as we allow an unresolved episode to fester. Forgiveness is a healing agent. It brings into the light the stuff that languishes in the darkness. It allows for genuine restoration and peace. It is the salve, the balm, that initiates healing and wholeness.
It had been a long time since he had seen his family. He had made plenty of mistakes in his life and had paid for them, too. Now he was tired. Now he was empty. Now he wanted to go home. He didn't think he could face his father. What could he say? It wasn't that he expected to be treated as if nothing had happened, but he just needed a place, someplace. So he trudged down the lonely road home. He rehearsed in his mind what he might say. Words just didn't seem to come. He was so engaged in his own thoughts that he never saw him coming. His father, though, did see. He had been waiting and watching for this day for a long time. He ran exuberantly to the young man. The young man was shocked and tried to speak but was instantly hushed. "No, no! Now listen. Bring him the best robe and the ring. My boy is home! Prepare for a celebration!"
You recognize this account, don't you? The story of the "Prodigal Son," I think, should be renamed the "Waiting Father." You see, the power of the story comes from the father's actions. He waits and watches for the boy, longing for him to come to his senses. He is more than ready to forgive when he starts down the long road home. This story is saturated in the fragrance of forgiveness.
When we forgive, we allow the opportunity for restoration to blossom. As you have been forgiven, will you forgive? If Jesus did, how can we not?
Conclusion
C. S. Lewis once wrote, "Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive." Many Christians recite the Lord's Prayer on a weekly basis. Among the many wonderful parts of that prayer is the line, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." When you say those words, do you mean them? Will you extend to others the forgiveness offered to you?
Suggested Songs And Hymns
"The Old Rugged Cross"
"Amazing Grace"
"Redeemed By The Blood Of The Lamb"
Thought/Discussion Questions
1. In the awfulness of the crucifixion scene, Jesus pleads for forgiveness. What does this tell us about him? What does it tell us about ourselves?
2. Jesus prayed for forgiveness for those who were crucifying him even though they did not ask for it. Is there a message there for us?
3. Why are we so reluctant to forgive? What result has that brought?
4. How do you "feel" after being forgiven? How do you "feel" after forgiving others? Discuss what that might mean.
