Someone's last words before death can be sadly mundane, especially if they didn't know their end was coming. But if they were aware that time was short, their words often lay bare what is most important to them. Either way, we're compelled to give extra weight to what is said.

The last words of Jesus on the cross before his death were not his last words at all, but they are still full of meaning... and intriguing even for a non-Christian.

How can you take your friend through Jesus' final pre-resurrection moments? The Bible is the best place to take them to, but we understand that it can be intimidating for both of you. Silence is awkward, but the non-Christian doesn't enjoy being quizzed on a topic they don't know much about and the Christian is nervous about being asked questions they can't answer.

This free reading guide for Luke 23:32-43 and Mark 15:33-39 includes the biblical text to read through together and raises its own questions and items of note. It also includes a page of answers to the questions that you can choose to either go through at the time or leave with them to ponder later. It ends with a gentle invitation to read the Bible with you again using You, Me and the Bible.

We pray it helps your friend (and you) consider what Jesus' words on the cross mean for them.