The apostles were surprised when Mary Magdalene and other women believers hurried into the house where they were staying. The women had amazing news. They told the apostles that they had gone to the tomb earlier in the morning. The stone had been rolled away from the entrance, and Jesus’ body was not inside the tomb. In addition, the women declared they had seen and spoken with Jesus. But when the apostles heard their report, they did not believe it.
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| They reported all these things |
Two thieves were crucified on crosses to the right and left of Jesus. One of the thieves taunted Jesus saying, “Save yourself and us!” But the second thief rebuked the first one saying, “Do you not even fear God?” He knew the two of them had done wrong, but Jesus had done nothing wrong. Then, he turned to Jesus and said, “‘Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Even during the agony of the crucifixion, Jesus listened to a convicted thief who acknowledged his crime and honestly repented. What do you think caused the second thief to repent? In your own words, what did he ask of Jesus?
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| Lord, remember me |
Jesus was taken several places during the night of his arrest, and the apostle John was allowed to go with him. The chief priests held a trial in the middle of the night. Then, they took him to the Roman governor. They wanted Pilate to sentence Jesus to death. After Pilate spoke with Jesus, he said, “I find no fault in this man.” This enraged the priests who said, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.”
Discussion Questions
The chief priests wanted Pilate to think Jesus was a threat to Roman rule. Why? Pilate, however, could see that Jesus was being unjustly accused. Why couldn’t the chief priests see the goodness and righteousness of Jesus?
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| I find no fault in this man |
Jesus made a promise to his disciples on the evening of the Last Supper. He promised to send a new spirit to comfort, help, and guide them. Jesus spoke of this spirit saying, “He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” The Spirit helps us to know Jesus and experience his presence in our lives. The new spirit that Jesus promised is a teacher as well as a comforter. “When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.”
Discussion Questions
Today, we know that Jesus sent this promised spirit after his ascension. It has long been called the Holy Spirit. Even now, it comforts, helps, and guides us. How do we know that the Spirit is still with us? How can we experience it?
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| I will not leave you desolate |
All twelve apostles ate the Passover meal with Jesus on the night before he died. One of the apostles, however, had made a secret plan to betray Jesus later that evening. Jesus knew what Judas Iscariot had decided to do. During the meal, Jesus told the apostles that one of them would soon betray him. The startled apostles asked, “Is it I?” Even Judas asked this. Then, Jesus told Judas, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” So, Judas left. “And it was night.”
Discussion Questions
Judas had agreed to help the chief priests arrest Jesus. What does it mean to betray someone? Why do you think Judas betrayed Jesus? The Book of Proverbs says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
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| Judas went out into the night |
In the temple, a Pharisee asked Jesus which commandment was the greatest. Jesus answered, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” He followed this with the second commandment, saying, “’You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” The Pharisee admired Jesus’ answer and said these were far greater than offering sacrifices. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.“
Discussion Questions
Jesus quoted from the scriptures when he gave his answer. What did Jesus mean by the last thing he said to the Pharisee? Why is it important that we remember both parts of what we now call the Great Commandment?
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| Which commandment is the greatest of all? |