The Passion and Resurrection – Discussion Questions

Interpreting the Text:

1. There are a number of differences between Luke’s telling of Jesus’ death and Mark’s telling, despite the fact that Luke is presumably based on Mark. You might want to compare the two stories in detail to see what other differences you can find. What might be the theological, practical, outcome of these somewhat different narratives?
2. We have suggested that a major claim of Luke’s gospel is that those who truly repent will be truly forgiven. What evidence do you find of this motif, and what other motifs are important parts of the encouragement that Luke seeks to provide?
3. Unlike Mark and Mattew, Jesus’ final words on the cross are “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (23:46). How does this final statement of complete obedience to God compare with “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me,” in the other Gospels? What does this demonstrate to us about Jesus?

Applying the Text:

1. How do you relate the stories of Jesus’ resurrection on the third day to the church’s faith that the Risen Lord is present in the life and worship of the community?
2. The iconic ‘road to Emmaus’ story is often referenced when people describe a moment when they found Jesus for the first time. Notably, the disciples were for whatever reason unable to identify Jesus. What in our lives might be preventing us from seeing Jesus in the world?
3. How do the particularities of Luke’s gospel demonstrate a call for us to address injustice in the world? In what ways does Jesus demonstrate and call us to be ‘just’ today?