A Holy Week Inquiry (Palm Sunday C Gospel)

Download a PDF of the Word One Bible Study for Palm Sunday Gospel.

Text: Luke 22:1-23:56 for the Fifth Sunday in Lent, Lectionary Series C

OBJECTIVES

Participants will:

1. Research the last days of Jesus’ physical life on earth, death and burial.
2. Encourage each other to grow in knowledge and faith in the Lord Jesus.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Bibles

Bible dictionary

Dictionary

Bible concordance

Bible commentary

GROUP GUIDELINES

Divide into groups of 4-6 people. Chose as leader the person who studied the most hours during the past week. The leader’s job is to keep the group moving through the material and ensure everyone has a chance to share . Although participation is key to the effectiveness of this study, learners always have the right to pass if they do not feel comfortable sharing a response. Allow about ten minutes of time at the end of the class to share what you’ve learned with other groups.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

Share one of the following with your group:

1. A big question I have about God is . . .
2. Sometimes I wonder why . . .
3. Something I want to know more about is . . .

LOOKING AT GOD’S WORD

1. Palm Sunday is the week in the church year when the entire account of Jesus’ Last Supper, betrayal, arrest, trials and death is traditionally read in worship services. Read Luke 22:1-23:56.
2. Choose a scenario and characters from the list below for your group to assume. Consider how the described group would approach this account.
   1. You are lawyers preparing a criminal case of wrongful death and malicious prosecution for some of Jesus’ followers against the Sanhedrin and the Roman government.
   2. You are close relatives of Jesus who are trying to understand the tragic details of His arrest and demise.
   3. You are members of a CIA organization and are sent to check out the work of Procurator Pilate for the Roman government. You heard Pilate blundered the Jesus case and need to gather evidence.
3. What details would they want to pursue? What questions would they ask?

REINFORCING WHAT HAS BEEN LEARNED

1. Read the evidence given you in Luke 22:1-23:56. Keep your group’s goal in mind as you read.
2. Challenge your group to investigate any words, concepts, statements, or people you do not easily understand. Use the reference works provided, seeking assistance from your class leader, if necessary, to search for answers.
3. Appoint someone in the group to write down key learnings for reporting to the rest of the class at the end of the time. Finish as much of the account as you can. Focus on gathering information and understanding.

CLOSING

Present your report to the other groups at the end of class. Close with a group prayer.

By Cindy Wheeler