INTRODUCTION.
Who would’ve thought that the little Jewish baby that was born in a manger in Bethlehem, honored by angels, worshiped by wise men and shepherds, would grow up to find Himself some 33 years later (see Luke 1:23) condemned to be crucified by His own people. This week’s lesson reveals those last hours of Jesus life as He faced false accusations, mocking beatings, and finally death at the hands of the people God sent Him to save. But of course, it was all part of God’s plan of redemption.