Digging Deeper: The Superscription on the Cross

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Author: Mr. Kenneth Frank | Faculty in Theology, Living Education

Estimated reading time: 7 min.

Did you know that, when Jesus was nailed to a Roman cross, a placard called a superscription was placed over His head with the accusation laid against Him?

This sign is mentioned by all four Gospel writers and yet the words expressed differ one from another. You may wonder why they are different, how they can be reconciled, and what is the significance of this detail about Jesus’ crucifixion. This Digging Deeper will delve into this matter to reconcile our four accounts and explain the spiritual significance of this inscription.

Historical sources inform us that a placard naming the charge against a person to be crucified (who was called a cruciarius) was inscribed on a white tablet with red or black ink letters and hung around the person’s neck as they carried the cross beam to the crucifixion stake. According to John 19:19, Pilate wrote this superscription to be affixed to the cross. Matthew 27:37 says it was placed over Jesus’ head. Since the crucifixion was a public display, its purpose was to deter on-lookers from crimes against the state.

Historically, this sign above the cross has been called the superscription, inscription, or the title on the cross. Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines superscription as: “That which is written or engraved on the outside, or above something else” (e-Sword 13.0). The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, edited by James Orr, explains the various biblical terms for this inscription: “The fullest description is that of Mark, ‘the superscription of his accusation’ (ή ἐπιγραφὴ τῆς αἰτίας ἀυτοῦ, hē epigraphḗ tḗs aitı́as autoú) (Mark 15:26). Matthew calls it more briefly ‘his accusation’ (τὴν αἰτίαν αὐτοῦ, tḗn aitı́an autoú) (Matthew 27:37), while Luke styles it merely ‘a superscription’ (epigraphē) (Luke 23:38). In the Fourth Gospel it is called a ‘title’ (τίτλον, tı́tlon) (John 19:19)” (Ibid.).

The words of the superscription differ among the four Gospels:

“This is Jesus the King of the Jews” (Matthew 27:37)

“The King of the Jews” (Mark 15:26).

“This is the King of the Jews” (Luke 23:38).

“Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19).

The Scofield Reference Bible Notes (1917 Edition) reconciles these differences simply: “These accounts supplement, but do not contradict one another. No one of the Evangelists quotes the entire inscription. All have ‘The King of the Jews.’ Luke adds to this the further words, ‘This is’; Matthew quotes the name, ‘Jesus’; whilst John gives the additional words ‘of Nazareth'” (e-Sword 13.0). Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words adds that: ” … the variation serves to authenticate the narratives, showing that there was no consultation [collusion] leading to an agreement as to the details” (Ibid.). Compiling the various Gospel accounts, this superscription read “This is Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers explains these differences further: “But in part also they may reasonably be ascribed to the natural variations sure to arise even among eye-witnesses, and à fortiori among those who were not eye witnesses, as to the circumstantial details of events which they record in common. On grounds of ordinary likelihood St. John’s record, as that of the only disciple whom we know to have been present at the crucifixion (John 19:25), may claim to be the most accurate” (e-Sword 13.0).

A superscription in three languages

A display of the original language letters of these superscriptions is available to us. Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible illustrates the original languages:

In Hebrew – ΕβραΐϚι:

ישוע נצריא מלכא דיהודיא

In Greek – ΕλληνιϚι:

ΙΗΣΟΥΣ Ο ΝΑΖΩΡΑΙΟΣ Ο ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΕ ΤΩΝ ΙΟΥΔΑΙΩΝ

In Latin – ΡωμαΐϚι:

IESUS NAZARENUS REX IUDAEORUM (e-Sword 13.0).

The difference in phrasing may in part be due to the arrangement and translation of words from these three different languages. Necessarily, the superscription must have been sizeable to contain the total content. A Dictionary of Christ and the Apostles, edited by James Hastings, explains why it was displayed in more than one language: “The three languages of the τίτλος—Hebrew (i.e. Aramaic), Latin, and Greek—represent, as Westcott remarks, the national, the official, and the common dialects respectively. The true reading, therefore, preserves the more natural order. Bilingual and trilingual inscriptions such as this were naturally common in the East under the Roman Empire” (e-Sword 13.0). Another explanation declares the three languages were those of religion (Hebrew), of empire (Latin), and of intellect (Greek). Hebrew was the local language of the Jews, Greek was the universal tongue of the eastern Roman Empire, and Latin was the official language of the Roman government.

“I have written what I have written.”

The College Press Bible Study Textbook hypothesizes why Pilate directed these words to be affixed to Jesus’ cross (John 19:19-22): “Pilate may have ordered it nailed to His cross to clear his record with Caesar, since the basic charge of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God would not interest Roman jurisprudence” (e-Sword 13.0). The Jews condemned Jesus for blasphemy (Matthew 26:65). However, they did not have the authority to execute Jesus without Roman permission. They laid the political charge of insurrection on Jesus when they presented Him to Pilate. Being Roman governor, it was Pilate’s responsibility to investigate. He knew it was out of envy they falsely accused Jesus (Matthew 27:18). Pilate pronounced Jesus an innocent man (John 19:4, 6). The Jews in turn tricked Pilate into condemning this innocent man (John 19:12). Pilate had already been in trouble with the Roman emperor so he did what was expedient for his career by handing Jesus over for crucifixion.

The Jews wanted to change the superscription wording to state that Jesus claimed to be King of the Jews (John 19:21). Jesus never made such a claim. From his earlier conversation with Jesus, Pilate learned that Jesus was not threatening the Roman Empire when He explained ” … My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence” (John 18:36 KJV). Others claimed Jesus’ kingship for Him (John 12:13). Inadvertently, Pilate formalized Matthew’s theme that Jesus was the King of Israel – i.e., He was the prophesied Messiah from the Hebrew Bible. Pilate publicized that the Jews had killed their King. Out of spite and revenge, he humiliated the Jews for their forcing him to concede to Jesus’ death. The Jews wanted Pilate to anathematize Jesus through the crucifixion. Instead, his inscription endorsed Jesus’ kingly office. Like Balaam, Pilate in effect blessed Jesus when the Jews wanted him to curse Him instead (Numbers 24:10).

Jesus of Nazareth: King

It is pertinent that when Jesus was born, Gentile wise men who traveled to the Holy Land to worship Him asked, “Where is He that is born king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2). During Jesus’ trials, Pilate, a Gentile Roman governor, proclaimed by this superscription “This is Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Pilate ennobled Jesus to the rank of King of the Jewish people. More broadly speaking, Jesus is not merely King of the Jews but the Lord of the universe and King over all humanity (Matthew 28:18; Revelation 17:14).

To bring our study to a close, a comment by J.M. Gibson in The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary, edited by Joseph S. Exell, summarizes the spiritual meaning of this superscription: “A better inscription for the cross the Apostles themselves could not have devised. ‘This is Jesus,’ the Saviour—the Name above every name. How it must have cheered the Saviour’s heart to know that it was there! ‘This is Jesus, the King,’ never more truly King than when this writing was His only crown. ‘This is Jesus, the King of the Jews,’ despised and rejected of them now, but Son of David none the less, and yet to be claimed and crowned and rejoiced in, when at last ‘all Israel shall be saved’” (e-Sword 13.0).

Kenneth Frank headshot

Kenneth Frank was born and raised in New Jersey, USA, and attended Ambassador College, graduating in 1973. He served in the Canadian ministry from 1973-1999, after which he returned to the USA to pastor churches in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina for 15 years. Having earned a BA degree from Ambassador College he later earned a MA degree from Grand Canyon University before being assigned to the Charlotte office to teach at Living University, now Living Education. Currently, he teaches the Survey of the Bible course to the on-campus students and writes the Digging Deeper column for our online Bible study program. He is married, has four children, and seven grandchildren.

Children’s Bible Program – Level 3: NT Lesson 20 “The Kingdom of God”

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Featured Passage: Revelation 20-22

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NT-L3L20 The Kingdom of GodDownload/Print

Jesus Christ revealed to John things that would happen in the end times. He showed him that there would be a terrible time of tribulation coming on the whole earth. Thankfully, God promised that He will not allow the earth and all human life to be completely destroyed. Christ will intervene and return to the earth as King of kings to establish His kingdom and to teach mankind the way to peace and happiness. God promises that those who are called to follow Him now and who are obedient will get to be there to help Jesus Christ establish the kingdom. God has the best ending to His story!

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Discuss:

  1. What will happen to Satan at the beginning of Christ’s reign on earth?
  2. Who will reign with Christ for one thousand years? The thousand year reign of Christ on earth is called the Millennium. What Holy Days do we keep that represent the Millenium? What are you most looking forward to in the Millenium? 
  3. When Satan is released at the end of the thousand years, what will he do?
  4. Who will be a part of the second resurrection? Why is this such an exciting time to look forward to? Can you think of anyone who might be in the second resurrection?
  5. What will happen to everyone not found written in the book of life? 
  6. Where will God’s headquarters be when all humans have become spirit beings? 
  7. How did John describe the New Jerusalem?
  8. What blessing did Christ pronounce for those who do His commandments? What curse will fall on any who changes the revelation Christ gave to John?
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Memory Challenge:

Revelation 22:20-21

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Children’s Bible Program – Level 2: NT Lesson 20 “Paul Goes to Rome”

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Featured Passage: Acts 21-28

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NT-L2L20 Paul Goes to RomeDownload/Print

The Holy Spirit had revealed to Paul that when he went to Jerusalem, he would be taken prisoner. The brethren were sorrowful because Paul told them that they would not see him again. Some even pleaded with Paul not to go. Yet, after Paul had encouraged the brethren and warned the elders to be good shepherds of the flock, he set sail for Jerusalem to meet his destiny.

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Discuss:

  1. With whom did Paul and his traveling companions stay when they reached Caesarea? What was different about Philip’s daughters?
  2. What happened to Paul at the temple when he arrived in Jerusalem? Who came to his rescue?
  3. How did Paul react when he realized he had spoken against the High Priest?
  4. What did Paul say that pitted the Pharisees and Sadducees against each other? 
  5. Who told the Roman commander about the Jews’ plot to kill Paul? What did he do when he found out?
  6. Who was Felix? What did Felix expect to get from Paul? 
  7. What did Paul do to avoid going back to Jerusalem when the new governor, Festus, took over? 
  8. What did Paul do when he appeared before King Agrippa and the noblemen? What was the king’s response?
  9. Why did Paul advise the Centurion not to continue on the journey from Fair Havens? What happened when they did not heed Paul’s warning? 
  10. What happened to Paul when he was bitten by a poisonous snake? How did the native people respond? What did Paul do for the people there?
  11. What did Paul do while imprisoned at Rome in his rented house?
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Memory Challenge:

Acts 26:17-18

“…I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.”

Children’s Bible Program – Level 1: NT Lesson 20 “On the Road to Emmaus”

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Featured Passage: Luke 24

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NT-L1L20 On the Road to EmmausDownload/Print

Many people began to believe in Jesus as He preached throughout Judea. The Pharisees and the other religious rulers were jealous, so they made up charges to have Him crucified by the Romans. It was the time of Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread, and Jerusalem was overflowing with people, and many of them witnessed Jesus’ death. Jesus’ followers were very confused because they thought He was the promised Messiah and now He was dead, or was He?

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Discuss:

  1. What happened when the women came to the tomb in the morning? What did the angels tell them?
  2. What were the two people discussing while they walked to Emmaus?
  3. Why didn’t they recognize Jesus when He approached them? What did Jesus explain to them while they walked together? 
  4. When did the two people realize that the person who was talking to them was Jesus Christ? How do you think they felt when they realized who He was? 
  5. What do you think it will be like to walk and talk with God face to face?
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Memory Challenge:

Luke 24:46, 48

 “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day… And you are witnesses of these things.”

Assembly Summary: Three Life Principles for Success

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Author: Juliette McNair | Student, Living Education Charlotte 2021

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes, 9 seconds.

Mr. McNair introduced Mr. John Strain to the students, “Please help me welcome Mr. John Strain, the pastor of the Charlotte congregation.” Mr. Strain began, “It occurred to me last evening that I got to speak with you at the beginning of the school term… I mentioned at the very beginning that your time here would go rapidly. I would like to talk a little about what you are going to do now when this nine-month program is ended.”

Richard Driehaus was a businessman and philanthropist who became a leader in the investment management industry. He built an extremely successful investment advisory firm, which currently manages 13.5 billion dollars in assets. He also created the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and the Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Trust. On March 9, Driehaus died of a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 78.

Three Keys for Success

When Mr. Strain read Driehaus’s obituary, he appreciated the three principles Driehaus told the magazine, Chicago, he had learned early in life: “You have to continue to learn your whole life, you have to be responsible for your own actions, and you have to give back.” In his assembly, Mr. Strain encouraged the students to practice these three keys in their lives as they move forward after Living Ed.

Life-Long Learning

Continue to learn. First, Mr. Strain advised the students to continue learning in their chosen, specialized vocation. Many professional positions today have options for Continuing Education and/or requirements for current certification of skills every year or two.  As a marketing specialist with IBM, Mr. Strain had to regularly renew certifications to verify his knowledge in his developing industry. “We should all strive to be good at what we do for a living.” Those who are masters at their job become what Mr. Strain’s son calls, “Untouchables.” These are the people who can pick their assignments or who are assigned tasks that solve problems on specific projects. Mr. Strain quoted his brother: “You shouldn’t want to be average. Being average means you’re the best of the worst and the worst of the best.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 reflects this value. Homemaking is a multi-faceted vocation—a homemaker is a cook, teacher, money manager, hostess, and much more. “In my opinion,” Mr. Strain said, “that should be considered a profession.” Another area of learning is general education. Reading is one of the best methods of life-long learning—historical accounts and biographies of notable people in history can teach readers valuable lessons.

“As young adults, it’s pretty much a given that you are going to have to make big decisions. Quite frankly, it was probably a big decision to come here.”

Be responsible for your own actions. “All too many people go through life viewing themselves as victims. All people are victimized to some degree by the world into which they are born but being a victim of an unfortunate circumstance doesn’t negate one’s responsibilities, actions, reactions, and choices. Mr. Strain noted, “We should all be evaluating what might be the results and consequences of our decisions.” He recommended the students use a “T-chart” when making decisions. The pros and the cons of an action are placed on both arms of the T, and each factor is weighted. Then, the advantages and disadvantages of the decision can be more objectively examined. With decisions that are not clear-cut in terms of right or wrong, Mr. Strain advised the students not to ask the wrong question: Is this okay? Instead, he told them to ask themselves, Is this wise? Consider 1 Corinthians 10:23, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful [expedient]….” Christians should accept responsibility for their choices.

“Use your opportunities to give back….” 

Give back. “Giving back is not limited to those who are wealthy.” God’s firstfruits will have great opportunities to serve in the Kingdom, but Mr. Strain encouraged the students to give back now in three specific ways. First, he told the students to conduct themselves as Christians. “Wherever we go, we all have the responsibility to be a light and an example.” Secondly, “Serve the local congregation.” Finally, “Continue to support the Work.” At Living Ed, the students have done this directly, working in the different departments at Headquarters. As the students move on, Mr. Strain said, “You can pray, tithe, and serve based on your knowledge of what is being done here.”

Mr. Strain concluded his talk on Richard Driehaus’s three principles for success: “Looking back, things are much more condensed, because time passes rapidly… You have had a nine-month taste of true Christian culture—a streamlined education in theology and truth. As you go forward, think about how things are done at headquarters. Headquarters is not perfect, but it is where Christ is working and leading.” With just four weeks of classes left, the students are near the end of the Living Ed program. “I wish you, in your last few weeks, great success in what always turns out to be a busy few weeks—but not too busy to have fun.”

This post is part of our new series of student-written content for LivingEd-Charlotte. These summaries cover topics originally presented by our faculty and guest speakers in our weekly Forum and Assembly. For more Assembly-related content check out our Second Thoughts posts.

Forum Summary: The Habit Way

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Author: Juliette McNair | Student, Living Education Charlotte 2021

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes, 50 seconds

Mr. Brandon Fall pastors six congregations in Idaho, Oregon, Alaska, and Washington. “It’s good to be here with you. I pastor the American Northwest, but we’re right in transition to move to the Mountain States—Wyoming—later this month.” After this move, Mr. Fall will be responsible for ten congregations across Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Alaska.

“Parlez-vous Anglais?”

Several years back, Mr. Fall and his wife flew from Los Angelos to Paris to keep the Feast of Tabernacles in France. They had made plans to meet friends in Paris with whom they could drive to the Feast site. Mr. Fall was following behind their car on a freeway when their friends ahead suddenly merged onto an offramp towards a different freeway. Mr. Fall managed to merge right also, but at the last second, their friends switched lanes again, back onto the highway. There was a car in the lane to the left of him, and it was too late for Mr. Fall to get over. They had no choice but to take the exit. They were on their own in a foreign city, and Mr. Fall said the extent of his French was, “Parlez-vous anglais?”  Do you speak English?

“It’s so easy to get off the path if you haven’t systematically planned.”

The Church, beginning with the time of the Apostles (Acts 19:9,23), has served as the center for learning the Christian way of life. The purpose of Living Ed, outlined on lcgeducation.org, reflects this: “Systematic training in the knowledge and understanding of the Way of God.” Using the book Atomic Habits by James Clear as a reference, Mr. Fall spoke to the students about establishing a deliberate way of life by harnessing the power of tiny, daily habits.

Daily habits make up one’s way of life. “Every action you take,” Mr. Fall said, “is a vote for the type of person you become.” In Matthew 6:33-34, Christ defined a Christian’s ultimate goal—to be in the Kingdom of God. But He then said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Mr. Fall said, “You focus on the Kingdom of God by focusing on the here and now.” Small habits are like compounding interest over time—their value builds. “Let’s zero in on three practical steps to implement the way of small habits.”

The Way of Small Habits

Don’t focus on motivation. Focus on changing habits. “If we’re at the mercy of how we feel, and if we don’t feel motivated, what are we going to do then?” Rather than depend on motivation, Mr. Fall encouraged the students to install habits that become part of their identity. “What we do reinforces our identity and our path.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 reads, “Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” Daily habits, like prayer or Bible study, renew a Christian’s identity and keeps them in God’s way. “When we install a habit, we no longer need willpower to continue, so our limited willpower can be used to install a new one.”

Establish the pattern. Clear wrote, “A habit must be established before it’s improved.” People who want to change their lives often envision a complete transformation. But to install a habit, Mr. Fall explained, one must set a pattern first—even if it means starting small. Atomic Habits contains an example of a man who wanted to lose 100 pounds. For two months, he went to the gym and exercised for five minutes. The pattern was established after a few weeks, and he began to stay longer and exercise. He accomplished his goal by establishing a rock-solid pattern.

Track your progress. “A habit tracker provides psychologic feedback of accomplishment.” Mr. Fall recommended the students build a habit tracker, with which they can check off the habits accomplished every day over a month. He explained tracking one’s progress brings satisfaction and builds momentum. Moses wrote, “The days of our lives are seventy years… for it is soon cut off, and we fly away… So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:10-12). Habit tracking also instills awareness of the passage of time and the value of every day.

“Living Ed students, you have a path in your life. You’re learning the way of God.” Mr. Fall concluded his talk, “You can have great intentions, but if you don’t have intentional habits, it’s so easy to get lost in Paris.” Daily, atomic habits can establish a Christian’s way of life and keep them from accidentally merging off the right highway.

This post is part of our new series of student-written content for LivingEd-Charlotte. These summaries cover topics originally presented by our faculty and guest speakers in our weekly Forum and Assembly. For more Assembly-related content check out our Second Thoughts posts.

Children’s Bible Program – Level 3: NT Lesson 19 “Letters to the Seven Churches”

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Featured Passage: Revelation 1-3

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NT-L3L19 Letters to the Seven ChurchesDownload/Print

John was one of the last living apostles. He suffered persecution from the Roman authorities, until finally, they exiled him to the isle of Patmos. While on the island, Jesus Christ revealed to John many things about the future. Jesus Christ gave warnings for seven churches that were established. While these seven churches were given these warnings in the first century, it is thought that these seven churches also represent seven eras, or time periods, of the church of God.  including warnings for each Church era. These warnings teach lessons which could apply to all Christians in any era.

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Discuss:

  1. How did John describe the One like the Son of Man who spoke to him? 
  2. What were some of the good works for which Christ commended the church at Ephesus? What correction did Christ have for the Ephesians?
  3. What did Christ warn the church of Smyrna that they would suffer? What promise did God give to those who overcame?
  4. For what did Jesus commend the Church at Pergamos? What did Christ warn them to repent of? Who was Balaam? 
  5. What good things did Christ have to say about the church at Thyatira? What did Christ promise those in Thyatira who held fast to the truth?
  6. What did Christ have to say about the church at Sardis? What did they need to do to be in the Kingdom of God?
  7. What do you think is meant by the Philadelphians having “an open door” (Colossians 4:3)? What did Christ promise them about the Great Tribulation? 
  8. What problems did Christ address with the Laodiceans? What will happen to the Laodiceans if they fail to repent? 
  9. What is the reward for those who overcome and endure to the end?
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Memory Challenge:

Revelation 3:20-21 

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”

Children’s Bible Program – Level 2: NT Lesson 19 “Paul and Silas”

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Featured Passage: Acts 16-20

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NT-L2L19 Paul and SilasDownload/Print

After visiting many congregations, Paul and Barnabas returned to Jerusalem for a special conference. When the conference was over Paul wanted to return to the congregations and see how the brethren were doing. Barnabas decided he wanted to bring a young man named John Mark along with them on this trip, but Paul didn’t like the idea. He was opposed to him coming because he had left the previous tour before the mission was completed (Acts 13:13). Since Paul and Barnabas could not agree, Barnabas took John Mark and left for Cyprus, while Paul chose another man, Silas, to go with him.

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Discuss:

  1. Why were Paul and Silas put in jail at Philippi? What were they doing in the jail?
  2. What miracle did God perform so that Paul and Silas could be released from prison?
  3. What did the mob accuse Paul of in Thessalonica?
  4. What thing stood out in Paul’s mind about the city of Athens? Were there a lot of converts in Athens?
  5. What happened when Paul was in Ephesus? 
  6. What happened to Eutychus while Paul was speaking? 
  7. What did Paul tell the elders of the church from Ephesus? Why do you think the people were so sad when Paul left?
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Memory Challenge:

Acts 16:31

“They replied, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’”

Children’s Bible Program – Level 1: NT Lesson 19 “Zacchaeus”

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Featured Passage: Luke 19

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NT-L1L19 Zacchaeus Download/Print

Most everywhere Jesus went, huge crowds of people followed Him. They wanted to hear Him speak and see the wonderful miracles that He performed. Many of the people who wanted to see Jesus were poor, sick, or considered to be sinners. One day, a man named Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus. The problem was, he was very short and there were so many people crowding around Jesus that Zacchaeus couldn’t see Him. Zacchaeus saw there was a tree near the path where Jesus was going to walk, so he had an idea.

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Discuss:

  1. What did Zacchaeus do for a living?
  2. What did Zacchaeus decide to do so he could see Jesus? 
  3. How did it happen that Jesus went to Zacchaeus’ home? Why do you think He decided to go there?
  4. What was the crowd’s attitude when Jesus said He was going to visit Zacchaeus? 
  5. What did Zacchaeus tell Jesus he was going to do? 
  6. Why do you think Jesus associated with those who were not considered righteous (Mark 2:17, Luke 19:10)?
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Memory Challenge:

Luke 19:10

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Course Spotlight: 2 Peter and Jude Comparison

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The epistles of 2 Peter and Jude share many common themes. View the comparison between each epistle and identify the key concepts!

Course Spotlight From The General Epistles: (Part 2) The Letters of John and Jude
Learn more!