Community Group Questions: September 28th-October 4th

September 28th, 2025
by Karissa Smith

Luke 23:26-34

The Crucifixion

26 And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. 27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. 28 But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Key Takeaways:

Jesus' journey to the cross was marked by acts of grace, even in His suffering.
Simon of Cyrene's cross-carrying symbolizes our call to take up our cross and follow Christ.
Jesus showed compassion and prophetic insight even while facing His own death.
Christ's prayer for forgiveness demonstrates the depth of God's love and mercy.

Discussion Questions:

How does Simon of Cyrene's unexpected role in carrying Jesus' cross challenge our understanding of God's sovereignty and our own willingness to bear burdens for others?
Why is it significant that Jesus was crucified between criminals, in light of Isaiah 53:12 and the fulfillment of prophecy?
How does the public, historical reality of the crucifixion strengthen our confidence in the gospel?
In what ways might we, like Charles Simeon that Jay quoted, reframe our personal trials as opportunities to share in Christ's sufferings and grow spiritually?
- Charles Simeon quote for reference: "One day," he said, "when I was an object of much contempt and derision in the University, I strolled forth, buffeted and afflicted, taking my little Greek Testament in my hand. I prayed that God would comfort me with some cordial from His Word; and opening it, the first text which caught my eye was this: They found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name; him they compelled to bear His cross. Simon, you know, is the same name as Simeon. It was the very word I needed. What a privilege — to have the cross laid on me to bear it with Jesus! It was enough! I could leap and sing for joy! 'Lay it on me, Lord!' I cried; and henceforth I bound persecution as a wreath of glory round my brow.
How does Jesus' response to the lamenting women, focusing on future judgment rather than present sympathy, challenge our approach to compassion and spiritual urgency?
How does the concept of the 'road of suffering paved with God's grace' resonate with your personal experiences of trials and God's presence?
In light of 1 Peter 2:21-25, how can we practically follow Christ's example in our own experiences of unjust suffering or persecution? Spend time reflecting on 1 Peter 2:21-25, considering how Christ's example guides us through our own sufferings.