Luke 23:26-38

I. Simon the Cyrenian

A. Carried the cross (Luke 23:26; John 19:17)
B. Family connections (Mark 15:21; Romans 16:13)
C. God uses negative experiences to prepare us for something greater in His kingdom (Romans 8:28; James 1:2-3; Philippians 2:14-16)

II. The weeping women

A. “Blessed are the barren” (Luke 23:27-31; Deuteronomy 7:12-14)
B. The destruction of Jerusalem

III. Radical forgiveness

A. Their ignorance (Luke 23:32-34; Acts 3:17; 13:27; 2:37)
B. His enormous love (Romans 5:6-8; Ephesians 4:32)

IV. Man’s contempt of Christ

A. Contempt from the people (Luke 23:35a; Matthew 27:39-40)
B. Contempt from the leaders (Luke 23:35b; Matthew 27:41-43)
C. Contempt from the soldiers (Luke 23:36-37)

V. “This is the King of the Jews” (Luke 23:38) – how do we treat Him?