Theme: Atonement at the Cross

Leading Question: What does it mean for God to be godforsaken?

This lesson follows a narrative plan, focusing on key points in Jesus” pilgrimage to Gethsemane and on to the cross. It might be productive for the Sabbath School group simply to ponder each step of the way, sharing reflections, convictions, emotions, as Jesus moves relentlessly to his destiny on the cross.

1. The path to Gethsemane: Mark 14:33, 34. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Mark 14:34, NIV).

2. The cup in Gethsemane: Mark 14:35-36. “Not what I want, but what you want” (Mark 14:36, NRSV).

3. Darkness: Luke 22:52-53. “This is your hour – when darkness reigns” (Luke 22:53, TNIV).

4. Godforsakenness: Mat 27:45-46. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mat 27:46, NRSV).

5. Forgiveness: Luke 23:32-34. “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34, NRSV).

6. Submission: Luke 23:44-46. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46, NRSV).

7. Completion: John 19:28-30. “It is finished” (John 19:30, NRSV).