Luke 23:34

Read Luke 23:34

Helpful Background Information:  

• In Judges 16:21-31 we get to read about Samson’s death. We hear about how Samson is being used to entertain the Philistines as a way to humiliate the judge of Israel. They have gouged out his eyes and he is bound in bronze shackles. When the Philistines took someone as their prisoner, it was customary to make them do menial tasks while blind for as a form of entertainment.

• Samson calls out to the Lord before his death to give him strength again so that he could be avenged. In his last feat of strength, Samson uses his weight against the pillars bringing the temple down, killing  3000 Philistines and himself.

• In our reading for today, we get a glimpse at how Jesus dealt with those who mocked him, pursued his death, and beat him. In the midst of him dying, Jesus talks to the Lord out loud for people to hear and to be recorded for us, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” In his last feat of strength, Jesus cries out, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” then takes his last breath. 

• God is a redemptive God. Samson’s heart was seeking revenge for himself while Jesus’s heart was seeking redemption for the world.
  

Reflection Questions: 

• Look at both men’s heart responses. If we are honest with ourselves, our responses are not like Jesus. When you are pressed, what is your heart's response? 

  • Take some time to pray Psalm 139:23–24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

• Read the rest of Luke 23:34-49. What impact did Jesus’s response to seek forgiveness have on the people around him? What does this make you think about your witness and daily interactions?

• In what ways do these stories change your view about God? What should your response be?