Luke 23

1 Then the whole assembly rose and brought Him to Pilate, and began to accuse Him.

2 "We have found this man," they said, "an agitator among our nation, forbidding the payment of tribute to Caesar, and claiming to be himself an anointed king."

3 Then Pilate asked Him, "You, then, are the King of the Jews?" "It is as you say," He replied.

4 Pilate said to the High Priests and to the crowd, "I can find no crime in this man.

5 But they violently insisted. "He stirs up the people," they said, "throughout all Judaea with His teaching--even from Galilee (where He first started) to this city."

6 On hearing this, Pilate inquired, "Is this man a Galilaean?"

7 And learning that He belonged to Herod's jurisdiction he sent Him to Herod, for he too was in Jerusalem at that time.

8 To Herod the sight of Jesus was a great gratification, for, for a long time, he had been wanting to see Him, because he had heard so much about Him. He hoped also to see some miracle performed by Him.

9 So he put a number of questions to Him, but Jesus gave him no reply.

10 Meanwhile the High Priests and the Scribes were standing there and vehemently accusing Him.

11 Then, laughing to scorn the claims of Jesus, Herod (and his soldiers with him) made sport of Him, dressed Him in a gorgeous costume, and sent Him back to Pilate.

12 And on that very day Herod and Pilate became friends again, for they had been for some time at enmity.

13 Then calling together the High Priests and the Rulers and the people, Pilate said,

14 "You have brought this man to me on a charge of corrupting the loyalty of the people. But, you see, I have examined him in your presence and have discovered in the man no ground for the accusations which you bring against him

15 No, nor does Herod; for he has sent him back to us; and, you see, there is nothing he has done that deserves death.

16 I will therefore give him a light punishment and release him."

17 []

18 Then the whole multitude burst out into a shout. "Away with this man," they said, "and release Barabbas to us"

19 --Barabbas! who had been lodged in jail for some time in connexion with a riot which had occurred in the city, and for murder

20 But Pilate once more addressed them, wishing to set Jesus free.

21 They, however, persistently shouted, "Crucify, crucify him!

22 A third time he appealed to them: "Why, what crime has the man committed? I have discovered in him nothing that deserves death. I will therefore give him a light punishment and release him."

23 But they urgently insisted, demanding with frantic outcries that He should be crucified; and their clamour prevailed.

24 So Pilate gave judgement, yielding to their demand.

25 The man who was lying in prison charged with riot and murder and for whom they clamoured he set free, but Jesus he gave up to be dealt with as they desired.

26 As soon as they led Him away, they laid hold on one Simon, a Cyrenaean, who was coming in from the country, and on his shoulders they put the cross, for him to carry it behind Jesus.

27 A vast crowd of the people also followed Him, and of women who were beating their breasts and wailing for Him.

28 But Jesus turned towards them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.

29 For a time is coming when they will say, `Blessed are the women who never bore children, and the breasts which have never given nourishment.'

30 Then will they begin to say to the mountains, `Fall on us;' and to the hills, `Cover us.'

31 For if they are doing these things in the case of the green tree, what will be done in that of the dry?"

32 They brought also two others, criminals, to put them to death with Him.

33 When they reached the place called `The Skull,' there they nailed Him to the cross, and the criminals also, one at His right hand and one at His left.

34 Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing." And they divided His garments among them, drawing lots for them;

35 and the people stood looking on. The Rulers, too, repeatedly uttered their bitter taunts. "This fellow," they said, "saved others: let him save himself, if he is God's Anointed, the Chosen One."

36 And the soldiers also made sport of Him, coming and offering Him sour wine and saying

37 "Are *you* the King of the Jews? Save yourself, then!"

38 There was moreover a writing over His head: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS

39 Now one of the criminals who had been crucified insulted Him, saying, "Are not you the Christ? Save yourself and us."

40 But the other, answering, reproved him. "Do you also not fear God," he said, "when you are actually suffering the same punishment?

41 And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving due requital for what we have done. But He has done nothing amiss."

42 And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come in your Kingdom."

43 "I tell you in solemn truth," replied Jesus, "that this very day you shall be with me in Paradise."

44 It was now about noon, and a darkness came over the whole country till three o'clock in the afternoon.

45 The sun was darkened, and the curtain of the Sanctuary was torn down the middle,

46 and Jesus cried out in a loud voice, and said, "Father, to Thy hands I entrust my spirit." And after uttering these words He yielded up His spirit.

47 The Captain, seeing what had happened, gave glory to God, saying, "Beyond question this man was innocent."

48 And all the crowds that had come together to this sight, after seeing all that had occurred, returned to the city beating their breasts.

49 But all His acquaintances, and the women who had been His followers after leaving Galilee, continued standing at a distance and looking on.

50 There was a member of the Council of the name of Joseph, a kind-hearted and upright man,

51 who came from the Jewish town of Arimathaea and was awaiting the coming of the Kingdom of God. He had not concurred in the design or action of the Council,

52 and now he went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

53 Then, taking it down, he wrapped it in a linen sheet and laid it in a tomb in the rock, where no one else had yet been put.

54 It was the Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was near at hand.

55 The women--those who had come with Jesus from Galilee--followed close behind, and saw the tomb and how His body was placed.

56 Then they returned, and prepared spices and perfumes. On the Sabbath they rested in obedience to the Commandment.

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.