INTRODUCE: Can you name who said these words on their deathbed?
1. “I must go in, for the fog is rising.”
2. “This is no way to live.”
3. “Give my love to the churches. Tell the women to stand firm. I go to prepare a place for you.”
4. “Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow.”

READ: Luke 23:32-34, Luke 23:47, Isaiah 53:4-6, Isaiah 53:12

Begin the time by praying together. Think of the souls you watched dedicate their lives to Jesus in baptism.

DISCUSS:

1. In general, do you tend to react first with your heart or with your head?
   What are your practices for getting scripture from your head to your heart?
2. Read the first of the last phrases uttered by Jesus , an innocent man in his hour of greatest need. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” What do you notice in each of these words or phrases?
3. Read the passages from Isaiah. Discuss Pastor Robert’s suggestion that we compile a list of people who have caused us pain, and forgive them regardless of any admission of guilt or wrongdoing. Do you think this would be a good Lenten practice for you? Why or why not?
4. Read the Doxology: “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow: Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye Heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.” As a group, come up with some ways to regularly offer praise during the Lenten season.
5. The centurion responded with praise. (Luke 23:47) How do you think the centurion responded to these words in his remaining life? How do you respond to these words in your heart?
6. Revisit the prayer, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Share any other insight you might have gained into these words from this discussion.

PRAYER: As we come one day closer to our own final day on Earth, help us as a body to fight against anything that would keep us from drawing closer to You. Father, forgive us, for we don’t know what we are doing.

Who said these final words?
1. Emily Dickinson
2. Groucho Marx
3. Harriet Tubman
4. Steve Jobs