Lent is a 40-day period of time that leads up to the celebration of Easter. We think it is one of the best opportunities to explore your spiritual journey and pursue wholeness and healing in life. This year we’re journeying together through the book of Luke, looking at interactions Jesus had with others throughout his life. This week we look at Jesus’ entrance to Jerusalem and his interactions with ‘the crowd.’

Title of Series: Lent 2019, Week 5 | April 7, 2019 | Click here for a printable version

Key Passage: Luke 19:37-42, 23:13-25

Discussion Questions

  1. Think back to a time when you were swept up into the excitement of a crowd – at a concert or sporting event. Describe what it was like to be part of that experience.
  2. Share about times that you remember being influenced – for good or bad – by being part of a crowd.
  3. Read Luke 19:37-42. Imagine what it might have been like to be part of this crowd. What do you think people were thinking and feeling as Jesus entered triumphantly proclaiming he was the messiah?
  4. Now read Luke 23:13-25. Contrast the crowd who demands Pilate execute Jesus with the crowd who welcomed him.  Imagine what it might have been like to be part of this crowd. What do you think people were thinking and feeling as part of this crowd?
  5. Popular opinion is a fickle thing. Talk about times where you’ve seen people who were supportive or positive about something turn negative (e.g. personal experience, news stories, etc)
  6. What do you think about the assertion that the anger and vindictiveness in the crowd that crucified Jesus is in us as well? Talk about how you identify with being “part of the crowd” or if you disagree with this, talk about why.

Moving Forward

  • Take some time this week to read through Luke 20-23 this week, and imagine yourself as part of the story. Place yourself in the crowd on Palm Sunday, with Jesus through the week as he debates with religious leaders, at the last supper with his disciples, with Peter when he denies Jesus, and in the crowd as Jesus is accused and condemned. Then come to Good Friday and Easter Sunday services.