Luke 23

Listen to Luke 23

Jesus before Pilate

1 Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate. 1
2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”
3 So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
5 But they kept insisting, “He stirs up the people all over Judea with His teaching. He began in Galilee and has come all the way here.”

Jesus before Herod

6 When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean.
7 And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time.
8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle.
9 Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer.
10 Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes stood there, vehemently accusing Him.
11 And even Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in a fine robe, they sent Him back to Pilate.
12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends; before this time they had been enemies.

The Crowd Chooses Barabbas

13 Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 2
14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him.
15 Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death.
16 Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.” [a]
18 But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!”
19 (Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate addressed them again,
21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”
22 A third time he said to them, “What evil has this man done? I have found in Him no offense worthy of death. So after I punish Him, I will release Him.”
23 But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices for Jesus to be crucified. And their clamor [b] prevailed.
24 So Pilate sentenced that their demand be met.
25 As they had requested, he released the one imprisoned for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over to their will.

The Crucifixion

26 As the soldiers led Him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene on his way in from the country, and they put the cross on him to carry behind Jesus. 3
27 A great number of people followed Him, including women who kept mourning and wailing for Him.
28 But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
29 Look, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore, and breasts that never nursed!’
30 At that time
31 For if men do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
32 Two others, who were criminals, were also led away to be executed with Jesus.
33 When they came to the place called The Skull, [c] they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left.
34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” [d] And they divided up His garments by casting lots. [e]
35 The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him, [f] saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”
36 The soldiers also mocked Him and came up to offer Him sour wine. [g]
37 “If You are the King of the Jews,” they said, “save Yourself!”
38 Above Him was posted an inscription: [h]
39 One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. “Are You not the Christ?” he said. “Save Yourself and us!”
40 But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment?
41 We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me [i] when You come into Your kingdom!”
43 And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

The Death of Jesus

44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over all the land until the ninth hour. [j] 4
45 The sun was darkened, [k] and the veil of the temple was torn down the middle.
46 Then Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” [l] And when He had said this, He breathed His last.
47 When the centurion saw what had happened, he gave glory to God, saying, “Surely this was a righteous man. [m]
48 And when all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts.
49 But all those who knew Jesus, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching these things.

The Burial of Jesus

50 Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, 5
51 who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea and was waiting for the kingdom of God.
52 He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.
53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had yet been laid.
54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was beginning. [n]
55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how His body was placed.
56 Then they returned to prepare spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath, according 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.

Cross References 5

  • 1. (Matthew 27:11–14; John 18:28–40)
  • 2. (Matthew 27:15–23; Mark 15:6–11)
  • 3. (Psalms 22:1–31; Matthew 27:32–44; Mark 15:21–32; John 19:16–27)
  • 4. (Psalms 31:1–24; Matthew 27:45–56; Mark 15:33–41; John 19:28–30)
  • 5. (Isaiah 53:9–12; Matthew 27:57–61; Mark 15:42–47; John 19:38–42)

Footnotes 14

  • [a]. BYZ and TR include 17 Now Pilate was obligated to release to the people one prisoner at the feast; see Matthew 27:15 and Mark 15:6.
  • [b]. BYZ and TR include and that of the chief priests.
  • [c]. Greek Kranion; Vulgate Calvariae, rendered in some translations as Calvary
  • [d]. Some manuscripts do not include Then Jesus said, “Father... what they are doing.”
  • [e]. See Psalms 22:18.
  • [f]. See Psalms 22:7.
  • [g]. Or to offer Him wine vinegar
  • [h]. BYZ and TR include written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew; see John 19:20.
  • [i]. BYZ and TR said to Jesus, “Remember me, Lord,
  • [j]. That is, from noon until three in the afternoon
  • [k]. Or failed or was obscured; BYZ and TR became dark
  • [l]. Psalms 31:5
  • [m]. Or an innocent man
  • [n]. Or was about to begin

Luke 23 Commentaries

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