Discussion Questions:
Before we partake of the memorial of our Lord’s death we are instructed to take some time for introspection. “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” 1 Corinthians 11:28
And so, this year we have set aside three Sunday meetings. The purpose is to use these meetings as a focus to think deeply and prepare our hearts to partake of the Memorial.
We will not be reading these reprint articles during the meeting and we not planning to cover every part of the reprint article. We are using them as a guide for our meditations.
“Why Our Lord was Crucified” (Zion’s WatchTower – May 24, 1908; R4171)
As we review the events of our Lord’s crucifixion we would like to focus on three aspects of the crucifixion.
1) What did dying as a convicted criminal on a cross reveal about Jesus’s character?
2) Why do you think Jesus “allowed” someone to carry his cross part of the way?
3) What was the significance of the placard placed on Jesus’s cross?
Discussion Summary:
1. In Mark 15:27,28 we read, “And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘He was numbered with the transgressors’”(Isaiah 53:12). The fulfilment of this prophecy demonstrated Jesus’ humility and obedience to obey the will of the Father. (Philippians 2:8) Perhaps the shame of being labeled a blasphemer, a rebel against God’s law is what the “cup” Jesus asked to be removed in the Garden of Gethsemane.
2. There is no denying that Jesus was in great physical pain and weakness after being whipped and beaten. Considering that this was after intense motional anguish in the garden prior to his arrest, we understand the need for help in lifting the heavy wooden piece of the cross. But perhaps there is a lesson to be learned in that it was not an angel or supernatural aid that was given to Jesus, but a man from the crowd that the soldiers compelled to help. It demonstrates the privilege Jesus’s followers have to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
3. In John 19:17-22 we read about the placard that was placed over Jesus’s head while on the cross. It read “King of the Jews.” The religious leaders wanted to change it to “He says, I am King of the Jews,” but the Romans refused. This sign then become a visible rebuke to the people that the very man who had come from God to bring deliverance to their nation was rejected by them. (John 1:11)
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