EXPLORE THE BIBLE: (10–15 minutes)
Divide into four groups and make sure each student has a Bible. Assign the following passages to the groups:
1 Luke 23:1-5
2 Luke 23:6-12
3 Luke 23:13-16
4 Luke 23:18-25
Write these questions on the chalkboard and ask groups to discuss them:
• What are the pressures working against Pilate in your verses? How does he respond?
• What are the pressures working on Jesus? How does he respond?
• Who seems to have the most control in your passage—Pilate, Herod, Jesus or the people?
• Do you think Pilate would have condemned Jesus to death if it hadn’t been for the pressure of the people?
Bring the groups together to share their responses.
APPLY: (10–15 minutes)
Say: Pilate did not want to release Jesus to be crucified, but the pressure of the people was so huge that he gave in. Whether or not you ever find yourself in a situation where you are being pushed to take another person’s life, you do face pressures every day that affect your life and the lives of others. It can be as simple as the words you use that can kill another person’s spirit—and that isn’t very simple at all, is it?
Continued...
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