Luke: Exploring the Life of JesusSample

DAY IX // TRUE LOVE

In some ways, the word "love" has lost some of its depth and meaning in our world today. If you think about it, we say we love our parents and our best friends one minute, then the next minute we use the exact same word to describe the way we feel about our phones and computers! But is true love really just a strong feeling? Is it simply a kind gesture like giving someone a bunch of flowers?

The love that Jesus has for each one of us is not just an empty comment or a feeling that comes and goes. Jesus is dedicated to us, and he has proven it. 

In the lead up to his crucifixion, Jesus was being insulted, deserted, mocked, and tortured by the very people he was about to die for. The commitment that Jesus showed us by making a way for us to come back into relationship with God is the ultimate display of true love. Although we turned away from God, he refused to turn away from us. For the rich and for the poor, for the old and for the young and for everyone in between, the Son of God gave himself up for us. And just as perfect forgiveness was released to the repenting criminal who hung beside Jesus in our passage, we too can be forgiven and embraced today by the God who loves each of us so perfectly.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q1 //  What stands out to you about the way Jesus handles this situation?

Q2 //  What do you think were the things that motivated Jesus to die for us?

Q3 //  What are some things we learn about  Jesus from this passage?

Q4 //  What is your response to this passage?

For Next Time: Read Luke Chapter 24.