Bible Question:
1. Crucifixion was obviously a brutal and tortuous form of execution. Why do you think John leaves so much of the agonizing detail out of his account? 2. Three groups are involved in Jesus' death-the soldiers, the Jewish leaders and Pilate. How would you characterize each one's attitude toward Jesus? 3. In what ways do their attitudes toward Jesus parallel those of men and women today? 4. How do you think Mary, Jesus' mother, feels as she stands by the cross? 5. How is Jesus' tender care for her evident even while he is dying (vv.26-27)? 6. What is the significance of Jesus' cry,"It is finished" (v.30)? 7. What feelings and thoughts would have gone through your mind if you had helped prepare Jesus' body for burial? 8. Where are Jesus' disciples during his crucifixion and burial(see John 16:32)? Why do you think they are so conspicuously absent? 9. Under the same circumstances, do you think you would have been more like Joseph and Nicodemus or Jesus' disciples? Explain your answer. 10. When itcomes to public identification with Jesus, how is it possible to respond in the same ways today? 11. What aspect of Jesus' death has made the deepest impression on you and why? 12. Some critics of the Bible claim that Jesus never really died on the cross. What evidence does John provide that refutes that view? Why was it so important for John to establish the certainty of Jesus' death? |
Bible Answer: Greetings Dfww65! You have most certainly outdone yourself, with 12 questions all in one post!! :) Here goes.. 1) In John 20:31, John writes the purpose for his Gospel, which is "so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God." I believe that his primary goal was evangelistic when he wrote his Gospel. Therefore, he did not dwell on such things as the crucifixion and references to the Old Testament as does Matthew and Luke; but he did dwell on the Resurrection and other things that set his Gospel apart. 2) I believe that the attitude or motive of the various Jewish groups involved is summed up in Matthew 27:18. I believe that Pilate gave way due to pressure (Matt. 27:24), and the soldiers were simply treating Jesus as one who is sentenced to death (Matt. 27:29). 3) Everyone is envious of those who are in power. Case in point: there is no shortage of people in power today who will attempt to vie to become the next U.S. President. 4) Mary - Severe despair, heartbroken to the point of lifelong sorrow, state of shock 5) Jesus shows His love for her, providing for her to the very end (as He is also doing for us). 6) "It is finished!" - Jesus died as a victor and completed what He was set out to do. 7) Severe anguish and grief, shock at what had happened. 8) The disciples had faith, but not enough faith to stand firm in the face of disaster. Jesus knew that they would fail, but His church is not built upon people's strength, but upon God's ability to use people even after they have failed. 9) I honestly could not fathom how I would be able to respond in such a situation. 10) Stand out, and show that your faith is set firm in Jesus, even unto death. 11) There are just too many ways to answer; Salvation, Irrevocable Change, Identification with God, Love; there are just so many ways. 12) I believe that John fought hard to debunk the Gnostic heresy that denied the Resurrection by foretelling the Resurrection (16:16,19-20,22) and by explaining by EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT of the Resurrection and subsequent appearances of the Risen Lord. John also goes to great lengths in debunking heresy in 1 John. Blessings to you, Makarios |