I trust that we shall see a good attendance in the Sunday School Class for this coming "Palm's Sunday's Service!" Here is the lesson with text and discussion questions for this week, enjoy:


PASTOR JERRY DEPOY’S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
FAMILY BIBLE CHURCH APRIL 5, 2009 LUKE 23:32-46
THE PATH TO NEW LIFE: “SUFFERING UNTO DEATH”

32And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. 33And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
· Why do you think that there were two malefactors that Christ was placed between? What might these two men represent?
· What crime had these two men committed? Should a “thief” be put to death? Is mankind guilty of being a “thief” in any way?
· What does the name “Calvary” mean? What does Calvary mean to you? How has Calvary changed your life?

34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
· Who did Jesus ask of for forgiveness to be granted? Does the Church have the power to forgive people of their sins?
· What right did Christ have to ask of his Father that sins should be forgiven? How important is the blood of Christ?
· Who was Christ referring to when he said, “For they know not what they do?” Are you included in this verse?
· Does this verse imply that all men are forgiven? How then, could anyone go to Hell if they have been forgiven of their sin?
· What does this statement, “They know not what they do?” Who does know what he is doing? Was Jesus always in control?

35And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. 36And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 37And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. 38And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
· Do you believe that Jesus could have saved himself from the Cross?
· Why did Jesus not call upon “ten thousand” angels to save him?
· What logic were the people using to justify their terrible deed? How was this logic “tempting God?”
· Do you think that any of this “mockery” was to be taken seriously?
· How did the soldiers react to the jeering of the crowd? Was this an unprofessional was for a soldiers to behave themselves?
39And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
· Was the prayer of the first malefactor a prayer for salvation? If a person asked God to “save” them, doesn’t that make them automatically saved? Can a person ask God to save them and still not be saved?
· Why do you think the second thief changed his behavior concerning Christ? What did this thief say concerning himself?
· How was the prayer of the second thief unlike the prayer of the first thief? What prayer did you pray for your own salvation?
· What showed the second thief's prayer contained hope and faith in Christ? What does the word “Christ” imply?
· How did Jesus respond to the prayer of the first thief?
· How did Jesus respond to the prayer of the second thief?
· When did Jesus say that the second thief’s prayer would be answered?
· Was this second thief saved by works or by faith? Do you believe that this second thief would be disappointed that he did not do more for Christ than what he did for him on this earth?
· Had this thief done anything noteworthy in his life for Christ?

44And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. 46And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
· What unusual weather patterns happened as Christ hung on the cross? Why do you think that God the Father caused such a thing to happen?
· What event took place in the Temple as Christ cried out? Why do you believe that this event happened? What did it symbolize?
· How hard would it have been for the veil of the Temple to be split in twain? Who would have been the first to have witnessed this event? How frightening would that have been for them?
· What were the last words of Christ as he hung upon the cross? Will you be able to pray this prayer upon your death bed?
· Was Christ murdered? Who then murdered Christ?
· Did Christ commit suicide? Was Christ a willing sacrifice? What is the difference between suicide and sacrifice?