Was That Necessary – Part 3: Journey to The Cross
Luke 23:26-43
“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” Luke 23:42-43 (p.807)
- My Name Is Written In Heaven
“But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” Luke 10:20 (p.792)
Rejoice by:
- Reflecting on Jesus’ promise.
(Jesus) “‘When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.’” John 14:3 (p.823)
- Living every day with eternity in mind.
“For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” Philippians 1:21 (p.899)
- Sharing the hope.
“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” 1 Peter 3:15 (p.936)
My Next Step: ______ This week, I will invite “my one” to Easter services, praying that their names will be written in Heaven.
Series Memory Verse: “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (p.884)
LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION
One Thing: My Name Is Written In Heaven.
Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:21 (p.884)
Bible Background: Journey to the Cross – Luke 23:26-43
CONVERSATION STARTER
// What does paradise look like to you? This might be the perfect vacation, location, or activity.
WEEKEND REVIEW
Rejoice by:
// Was there anything that stood out to you or maybe confused you?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
// Read Luke 23:39-43 (p.807).
- Does Jesus’ response to the second criminal surprise you? Why or why not?
- What does this passage teach us about the nature of God’s grace and forgiveness, even at the end of one’s life?
// Read Luke 10:20 (p.792).
- What emotions arise when you think of your name being registered in Heaven?
// Read John 14:2–4 (p.823).
- What does this imagery suggest about God’s kingdom? Is there a limit to God’s Kingdom?
- How does this image of having enough room for everyone change how you might interact with those who are not believers?
// Heaven is a promise that God gives us when we make Jesus the leader of our lives. That’s a gift from God. But what about those who are not followers of Jesus? What is their reality going to be?
- Read Matthew 25:33-34 and Matthew 25:41 (p.756).
- How does the reality that those who are not followers of Jesus will be separated from God in eternal fire change your approach to sharing the Good News with them?
// Read Romans 6:23 (p.861).
- How does this verse motivate you to share the profound message of hope with those who are not followers of God?
- How does understanding this gift influence your daily choices and interactions with others?
NEXT STEP
My Next Step This Week:
_____ This week, I will invite “my one” to Easter services, praying that their names will be written in Heaven.
DIGGING DEEPER
Read these verses to understand what Heaven will be like.
Revelation 21:1–4 (p.961), Revelation 21:18-21 (p.962), Revelation 22:1–5 (p.962), Matthew 7:13-14 (p.738)