Luke 23

1 Then the whole group stood up and led Jesus to Pilate.

2 They began to accuse Jesus, saying, "We caught this man telling things that mislead our people. He says that we should not pay taxes to Caesar, and he calls himself the Christ, a king."

3 Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Those are your words."

4 Pilate said to the leading priests and the people, "I find nothing against this man.

5 They were insisting, saying, "But Jesus makes trouble with the people, teaching all around Judea. He began in Galilee, and now he is here."

6 Pilate heard this and asked if Jesus was from Galilee.

7 Since Jesus was under Herod's authority, Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at that time.

8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, because he had heard about Jesus and had wanted to meet him for a long time. He was hoping to see Jesus work a miracle.

9 Herod asked Jesus many questions, but Jesus said nothing.

10 The leading priests and teachers of the law were standing there, strongly accusing Jesus.

11 After Herod and his soldiers had made fun of Jesus, they dressed him in a kingly robe and sent him back to Pilate.

12 In the past, Pilate and Herod had always been enemies, but on that day they became friends.

13 Pilate called the people together with the leading priests and the Jewish leaders.

14 He said to them, "You brought this man to me, saying he makes trouble among the people. But I have questioned him before you all, and I have not found him guilty of what you say

15 Also, Herod found nothing wrong with him; he sent him back to us. Look, he has done nothing for which he should die.

16 So, after I punish him, I will let him go free."

18 But the people shouted together, "Take this man away! Let Barabbas go free!"

19 (Barabbas was a man who was in prison for his part in a riot in the city and for murder.

20 Pilate wanted to let Jesus go free and told this to the crowd.

21 But they shouted again, "Crucify him! Crucify him!

22 A third time Pilate said to them, "Why? What wrong has he done? I can find no reason to kill him. So I will have him punished and set him free."

23 But they continued to shout, demanding that Jesus be crucified. Their yelling became so loud that

24 Pilate decided to give them what they wanted.

25 He set free the man who was in jail for rioting and murder, and he handed Jesus over to them to do with him as they wished.

26 As they led Jesus away, Simon, a man from Cyrene, was coming in from the fields. They forced him to carry Jesus' cross and to walk behind him.

27 A large crowd of people was following Jesus, including some women who were sad and crying for him.

28 But Jesus turned and said to them, "Women of Jerusalem, don't cry for me. Cry for yourselves and for your children.

29 The time is coming when people will say, 'Happy are the women who cannot have children and who have no babies to nurse.'

30 Then people will say to the mountains, 'Fall on us!' And they will say to the hills, 'Cover us!'

31 If they act like this now when life is good, what will happen when bad times come?"

32 There were also two criminals led out with Jesus to be put to death.

33 When they came to a place called the Skull, the soldiers crucified Jesus and the criminals -- one on his right and the other on his left.

34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, because they don't know what they are doing." The soldiers threw lots to decide who would get his clothes.

35 The people stood there watching. And the leaders made fun of Jesus, saying, "He saved others. Let him save himself if he is God's Chosen One, the Christ."

36 The soldiers also made fun of him, coming to Jesus and offering him some vinegar

37 They said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!"

38 At the top of the cross these words were written: this is the king of the jews

39 One of the criminals on a cross began to shout insults at Jesus: "Aren't you the Christ? Then save yourself and us."

40 But the other criminal stopped him and said, "You should fear God! You are getting the same punishment he is.

41 We are punished justly, getting what we deserve for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong."

42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

43 Jesus said to him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

44 It was about noon, and the whole land became dark until three o'clock in the afternoon,

45 because the sun did not shine. The curtain in the Templen was torn in two.

46 Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, I give you my life." After Jesus said this, he died.

47 When the army officer there saw what happened, he praised God, saying, "Surely this was a good man!"

48 When all the people who had gathered there to watch saw what happened, they returned home, beating their chests because they were so sad.

49 But those who were close friends of Jesus, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance and watched.

50 There was a good and religious man named Joseph who was a member of the Jewish council.

51 But he had not agreed to the other leaders' plans and actions against Jesus. He was from the Jewish town of Arimathea and was waiting for the kingdom of God to come.

52 Joseph went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.

53 He took the body down from the cross, wrapped it in cloth, and put it in a tomb that was cut out of a wall of rock. This tomb had never been used before.

54 This was late on Preparation Day, and when the sun went down, the Sabbath day would begin.

55 The women who had come from Galilee with Jesus followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how Jesus' body was laid.

56 Then the women left to prepare spices and perfumes. On the Sabbath day they rested, as the law of Moses commanded.

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Luke 23 Commentary

Chapter 23

Christ before Pilate. (1-5) Christ before Herod. (6-12) Barabbas preferred to Christ. (13-25) Christ speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem. (26-31) The crucifixion, The repentant malefactor. (32-43) The death of Christ. (44-49) The burial of Christ. (50-56)

Verses 1-5 Pilate well understood the difference between armed forces and our Lord's followers. But instead of being softened by Pilate's declaration of his innocence, and considering whether they were not bringing the guilt of innocent blood upon themselves, the Jews were the more angry. The Lord brings his designs to a glorious end, even by means of those who follow the devices of their own hearts. Thus all parties joined, so as to prove the innocence of Jesus, who was the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Verses 6-12 Herod had heard many things of Jesus in Galilee, and out of curiosity longed to see him. The poorest beggar that asked a miracle for the relief of his necessity, was never denied; but this proud prince, who asked for a miracle only to gratify his curiosity, is refused. He might have seen Christ and his wondrous works in Galilee, and would not, therefore it is justly said, Now he would see them, and shall not. Herod sent Christ again to Pilate: the friendships of wicked men are often formed by union in wickedness. They agree in little, except in enmity to God, and contempt of Christ.

Verses 13-25 The fear of man brings many into this snare, that they will do an unjust thing, against their consciences, rather than get into trouble. Pilate declares Jesus innocent, and has a mind to release him; yet, to please the people, he would punish him as an evil-doer. If no fault be found in him, why chastise him? Pilate yielded at length; he had not courage to go against so strong a stream. He delivered Jesus to their will, to be crucified.

Verses 26-31 We have here the blessed Jesus, the Lamb of God, led as a lamb to the slaughter, to the sacrifice. Though many reproached and reviled him, yet some pitied him. But the death of Christ was his victory and triumph over his enemies: it was our deliverance, the purchase of eternal life for us. Therefore weep not for him, but let us weep for our own sins, and the sins of our children, which caused his death; and weep for fear of the miseries we shall bring upon ourselves, if we slight his love, and reject his grace. If God delivered him up to such sufferings as these, because he was made a sacrifice for sin, what will he do with sinners themselves, who make themselves a dry tree, a corrupt and wicked generation, and good for nothing! The bitter sufferings of our Lord Jesus should make us stand in awe of the justice of God. The best saints, compared with Christ, are dry trees; if he suffer, why may not they expect to suffer? And what then shall the damnation of sinners be! Even the sufferings of Christ preach terror to obstinate transgressors.

Verses 32-43 As soon as Christ was fastened to the cross, he prayed for those who crucified him. The great thing he died to purchase and procure for us, is the forgiveness of sin. This he prays for. Jesus was crucified between two thieves; in them were shown the different effects the cross of Christ would have upon the children of men in the preaching the gospel. One malefactor was hardened to the last. No troubles of themselves will change a wicked heart. The other was softened at the last: he was snatched as a brand out of the burning, and made a monument of Divine mercy. This gives no encouragement to any to put off repentance to their death-beds, or to hope that they shall then find mercy. It is certain that true repentance is never too late; but it is as certain that late repentance is seldom true. None can be sure they shall have time to repent at death, but every man may be sure he cannot have the advantages this penitent thief had. We shall see the case to be singular, if we observe the uncommon effects of God's grace upon this man. He reproved the other for railing on Christ. He owned that he deserved what was done to him. He believed Jesus to have suffered wrongfully. Observe his faith in this prayer. Christ was in the depth of disgrace, suffering as a deceiver, and not delivered by his Father. He made this profession before the wonders were displayed which put honour on Christ's sufferings, and startled the centurion. He believed in a life to come, and desired to be happy in that life; not like the other thief, to be only saved from the cross. Observe his humility in this prayer. All his request is, Lord, remember me; quite referring it to Jesus in what way to remember him. Thus he was humbled in true repentance, and he brought forth all the fruits for repentance his circumstances would admit. Christ upon the cross, is gracious like Christ upon the throne. Though he was in the greatest struggle and agony, yet he had pity for a poor penitent. By this act of grace we are to understand that Jesus Christ died to open the kingdom of heaven to all penitent, obedient believers. It is a single instance in Scripture; it should teach us to despair of none, and that none should despair of themselves; but lest it should be abused, it is contrasted with the awful state of the other thief, who died hardened in unbelief, though a crucified Saviour was so near him. Be sure that in general men die as they live.

Verses 44-49 We have here the death of Christ magnified by the wonders that attended it, and his death explained by the words with which he breathed out his soul. He was willing to offer himself. Let us seek to glorify God by true repentance and conversion; by protesting against those who crucify the Saviour; by a sober, righteous, and godly life; and by employing our talents in the service of Him who died for us and rose again.

Verses 50-56 Many, though they do not make any show in outward profession, yet, like Joseph of Arimathea, will be far more ready to do real service, when there is occasion, than others who make a greater noise. Christ was buried in haste, because the sabbath drew on. Weeping must not hinder sowing. Though they were in tears for the death of their Lord, yet they must prepare to keep holy the sabbath. When the sabbath draws on, there must be preparation. Our worldly affairs must be so ordered, that they may not hinder us from our sabbath work; and our holy affections so stirred up, that they may carry us on in it. In whatever business we engage, or however our hearts may be affected, let us never fail to get ready for, and to keep holy, the day of sacred rest, which is the Lord's day.