JanetMS64

Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief's faith so astounding in this situation? What did the thief receive that day? What do you think this meant to Jesus? The faith of the thief is astounding because he is one who appears to have broken every law of the land, every word of the Scripture, yet still he believes that he can be forgiven and that the love of the Messiah, who was promised for so many years, can heal him and make him worthy. I think this attitude brings a smile to Jesus' heart. I believe we all have a piece of that thief within us, and it encourages me that if Jesus can forgive and offer salvation to such a man, He can offer it to me as well.

(Luke 23:34) Who was most responsible for killing Jesus? What responsibility do you and I bear in this? In what sense was Jesus praying for us? I think the one most responsible for killing Jesus is Satan - through the evil he brought into this world, we have all fallen short. We all have responsibility for our actions as well as continuing a line of thought that doesn't line up with what God wants for us. Jesus was praying to forgive all of us for our sins, we don't have the ability to change our lives without Him.