1 And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.
2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this [fellow] perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
3 And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest [it].
4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and [to] the people, I find no fault in this man.
5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.
6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.
7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.
8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long [season], because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked [him], and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined [him] before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
16 I will therefore chastise him, and release [him].
17 (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)
18 And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this [man], and release unto us Barabbas:
19 (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)
20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
21 But they cried, saying, Crucify [him], crucify him.
22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let [him] go.
23 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.
24 And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.
25 And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.
26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear [it] after Jesus.
27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.
28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
29 For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed [are] the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.
30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?
32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided [him], saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
50 And, behold, [there was] a man named Joseph, a counseller; [and he was] a good man, and a just:
51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) [he was] of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
52 This [man] went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.
54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
Overview of Luke Chapter 23
Luke Chapter 23 details the events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, including his trial, the reactions of various figures, and the fulfillment of prophetic scripture. The chapter is pivotal in the narrative of the New Testament, emphasizing themes of injustice, sacrifice, and redemption.
Key Events in the Chapter
- Jesus Before Pilate (Verses 1-5)
After being condemned by the Jewish council, Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate. The religious leaders accuse him of subverting the nation and claiming to be a king.
- Jesus Before Herod (Verses 6-12)
Pilate sends Jesus to Herod, who is in Jerusalem at the time. Herod is curious about Jesus and hopes to see him perform a miracle. However, Jesus remains silent, and Herod mocks him before sending him back to Pilate.
- Pilate’s Attempt to Release Jesus (Verses 13-25)
Pilate attempts to release Jesus, offering to free him as part of the Passover tradition. However, the crowd demands the release of Barabbas, a criminal, instead of Jesus, leading to Jesus’ condemnation.
- The Crucifixion (Verses 26-31)
Jesus is led away to be crucified. Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry the cross. Jesus addresses the women of Jerusalem, warning them of the coming destruction and judgment.
- The Crucifixion and Mocking (Verses 32-38)
Jesus is crucified alongside two criminals. He is mocked by the rulers, soldiers, and one of the criminals. The inscription above him reads, “This is the King of the Jews.”
- The Death of Jesus (Verses 39-49)
One of the criminals acknowledges Jesus’ innocence and asks to be remembered in his kingdom. Jesus assures him of his place in paradise. Following Jesus’ death, darkness falls, and the temple curtain is torn in two.
- The Burial of Jesus (Verses 50-54)
Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the council, requests Jesus’ body and places it in a tomb. The chapter concludes with the preparation for the Sabbath.
Thematic Elements
- Injustice and Betrayal
The chapter highlights the miscarriage of justice as Jesus is falsely accused and condemned despite his innocence.
- Fulfillment of Prophecy
The events surrounding Jesus’ trial and crucifixion fulfill Old Testament prophecies, underscoring the divine plan of salvation.
- Compassion and Forgiveness
Jesus’ words to the criminal and his prayer for forgiveness for his executioners exemplify his compassion even in suffering.
- Human Rejection of Divine Authority
The rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders and the crowd reflects humanity’s resistance to divine truth and authority.
Character Analysis
- Jesus
The central figure, exhibiting grace, forgiveness, and unwavering commitment to his mission, even in the face of death.
- Pilate
A conflicted character who recognizes Jesus’ innocence but ultimately succumbs to public pressure, representing political expediency.
- Herod
A figure of mockery and indifference, showing a lack of genuine interest in justice or truth.
- Joseph of Arimathea
A secret disciple who courageously steps forward to honor Jesus after his death, illustrating the theme of faith amidst fear.
Conclusion
Luke Chapter 23 is a profound narrative that captures the essence of Jesus’ sacrifice and the complexities of human nature. It serves as a critical moment in the Christian faith, illustrating themes of redemption, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the call to respond to Jesus’ love and forgiveness.
