And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.
And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.
Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.
And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.
When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilean.
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.
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.
Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
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.
And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
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:
No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
I will therefore chastise him, and release him.
(For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)
And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:
(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)
Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.
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.
And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.
And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.
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.
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.
And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.
But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
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.
Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?
And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
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.
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
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.
And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
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.
Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:
(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
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.
And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
Luke 23 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel, meticulously detailing the civil trials, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus. It’s a chapter that exposes the depths of human sin and the boundless grace of God. Understanding this chapter is crucial for grasping the full weight of Jesus' sacrifice and the implications for our salvation. This passage is not just a historical account but a profound theological statement about justice, mercy, and the fulfillment of God's plan.
The Trials Before Pilate and Herod (Luke 23:1-12)
The chapter opens with the Jewish religious leaders bringing Jesus before Pilate, the Roman governor, as they were unable to carry out executions themselves (Luke 23:1). Driven by a long-simmering plot (Mark 3:6), fueled by jealousy and fear of Jesus' growing influence, they falsely accuse Him of sedition, claiming He misled the nation, opposed taxes to Caesar (a direct contradiction of Luke 20:20-26), and declared Himself a king (Luke 23:2). Their goal was to portray Jesus as a threat to Roman rule, an insurrectionist deserving of death.
Pilate, however, sees through their thinly veiled accusations. He recognizes the lack of evidence and declares Jesus innocent (Luke 23:3-4). Despite Pilate's initial assessment, the religious leaders persist, vehemently insisting that Jesus stirs up trouble from Judea to Galilee (Luke 23:5).
Learning that Jesus is from Galilee, Pilate seizes the opportunity to pass the buck, sending Jesus to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee. Herod, who had previously imprisoned and beheaded John the Baptist (Luke 3:18-20; 9:7-9), had long desired to see Jesus, hoping to witness a miracle (Luke 23:8). However, Jesus refuses to perform for Herod, remaining silent in the face of his questions and the chief priests' accusations (Luke 23:9-10). Frustrated and insulted, Herod and his soldiers mock Jesus, dressing Him in bright clothing as a mock king and sending Him back to Pilate (Luke 23:11). Ironically, this event leads to a reconciliation between Herod and Pilate, who had previously been enemies (Luke 23:12).
Pilate's Attempts to Release Jesus (Luke 23:13-25)
Pilate, now faced with Jesus for the second time, reiterates His innocence before the gathered religious leaders. He emphasizes that neither he nor Herod found any grounds for accusation worthy of death (Luke 23:13-15). Seeking a compromise, Pilate proposes to scourge Jesus and then release Him (Luke 23:16), prioritizing maintaining order over upholding true justice.
However, the Jewish leaders are not appeased. They are bloodthirsty and relentless in their demands, shouting, "Take this man away! Release Barabbas to us!" (Luke 23:18). Pilate, following a Passover custom, offers the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious insurrectionist and murderer (Luke 23:19). This moment highlights the depth of their hatred for Jesus. They preferred a convicted criminal over the innocent Messiah, driven by jealousy and anger at Jesus' popularity and challenge to their authority.
Despite Pilate's repeated attempts to reason with them (Luke 23:20-21), the religious leaders incite the crowds, who demand Jesus' crucifixion and the release of Barabbas. After a third attempt to free Jesus, Pilate, succumbing to the pressure of the mob, finally yields to their demands (Luke 23:22-24). He releases Barabbas and hands Jesus over to be crucified (Luke 23:25), choosing public order and political expediency over righteousness and justice.
The Road to Calvary and the Crucifixion (Luke 23:26-43)
The other Gospels detail the brutal beating and scourging Jesus endured before the crucifixion (Matthew 27:26-31; Mark 15:16-20; John 19:1-3). Weakened and suffering, Jesus struggles to carry His cross. The soldiers compel Simon of Cyrene, an African man from present-day Libya, to carry the cross for Him (Luke 23:26).
A large crowd follows Jesus, including women who mourn for Him (Luke 23:27). Jesus, even in His suffering, turns to them and warns them not to weep for Him but for themselves and their children, foretelling the coming judgment on the nation for rejecting the Messiah (Luke 23:28-31). He quotes Hosea 10:8, describing a time of such devastation that people would prefer death to the horrors they would witness.
At the place called "The Skull," Jesus is crucified between two criminals (Luke 23:32-33). Even in His agony, Jesus demonstrates boundless compassion, praying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). This prayer encapsulates the very purpose of His coming: to offer forgiveness to all who would receive Him. The soldiers, oblivious to the significance of the moment, gamble for His clothes (Luke 23:34), fulfilling prophecy from Psalm 22:18 (John 19:23-24).
The Jewish religious leaders mock Jesus, challenging Him to save Himself if He is truly the Messiah (Luke 23:35). The soldiers join in the ridicule, echoing the inscription placed on the cross: "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS" (Luke 23:36-38). Ironically, their mockery proclaims the truth they fail to recognize: Jesus is indeed the King, not only of the Jews but of all creation.
Among the crucified criminals, a remarkable exchange takes place. While one criminal joins in the taunts, the other rebukes him, acknowledging his own guilt and recognizing Jesus' innocence (Luke 23:39-41). He pleads with Jesus, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). Jesus responds with immediate assurance: "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). This encounter demonstrates that salvation is found through faith in Christ alone.
The Death and Burial of Jesus (Luke 23:44-56)
As Jesus' death approaches, darkness falls over the land, and the sun's light fails (Luke 23:44-45). This ominous event signifies the profound cosmic impact of the Son of God's rejection and crucifixion. Jesus, in His final moments, cries out, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" (Luke 23:46), quoting Psalm 31:5, and breathes His last.
At that very moment, the curtain of the temple, which separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, is torn in two (Luke 23:45). This dramatic event symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, made possible through Jesus' atoning sacrifice. Through Jesus, all people now have access to God (Hebrews 4:14; 7:27; 10:10, 12).
Witnessing these events, the Roman centurion glorifies God, declaring, "Surely this was a righteous man!" (Luke 23:47). The crowds, who had gathered to watch, are filled with remorse and strike their chests in grief (Luke 23:48). Jesus' followers, including the women who had accompanied Him from Galilee, stand at a distance, watching in sorrow (Luke 23:49).
Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin and a secret follower of Jesus, boldly requests Jesus' body from Pilate (Luke 23:50-52). With the help of Nicodemus (John 3:1-2; 7:50-51; 19:39-40), Joseph wraps the body in linen cloth and lays it in a tomb cut out of rock, where no one had ever been laid (Luke 23:53).
The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee observe the tomb, intending to return after the Sabbath to anoint His body with spices and perfumes (Luke 23:54-56). This act of devotion highlights their unwavering love and commitment to Jesus, even in death.
Luke 23 is a powerful and poignant chapter that reveals the depth of human sin, the injustice of Jesus' trial and crucifixion, and the boundless love and forgiveness offered through His sacrifice. It is a chapter that calls us to examine our own hearts, to recognize our need for salvation, and to embrace the grace offered through Jesus Christ. This chapter sets the stage for the glorious resurrection in Luke 24, the ultimate triumph over sin and death.
And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.
And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.
Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.
And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.
When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilean.
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.
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.
Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
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.
And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
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:
No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
I will therefore chastise him, and release him.
(For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)
And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:
(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)
Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.
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.
And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.
And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.
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.
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.
And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.
But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
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.
Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?
And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
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.
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
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.
And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
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.
Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:
(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
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.
And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
Luke 23 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel, meticulously detailing the civil trials, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus. It’s a chapter that exposes the depths of human sin and the boundless grace of God. Understanding this chapter is crucial for grasping the full weight of Jesus' sacrifice and the implications for our salvation. This passage is not just a historical account but a profound theological statement about justice, mercy, and the fulfillment of God's plan.
The Trials Before Pilate and Herod (Luke 23:1-12)
The chapter opens with the Jewish religious leaders bringing Jesus before Pilate, the Roman governor, as they were unable to carry out executions themselves (Luke 23:1). Driven by a long-simmering plot (Mark 3:6), fueled by jealousy and fear of Jesus' growing influence, they falsely accuse Him of sedition, claiming He misled the nation, opposed taxes to Caesar (a direct contradiction of Luke 20:20-26), and declared Himself a king (Luke 23:2). Their goal was to portray Jesus as a threat to Roman rule, an insurrectionist deserving of death.
Pilate, however, sees through their thinly veiled accusations. He recognizes the lack of evidence and declares Jesus innocent (Luke 23:3-4). Despite Pilate's initial assessment, the religious leaders persist, vehemently insisting that Jesus stirs up trouble from Judea to Galilee (Luke 23:5).
Learning that Jesus is from Galilee, Pilate seizes the opportunity to pass the buck, sending Jesus to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee. Herod, who had previously imprisoned and beheaded John the Baptist (Luke 3:18-20; 9:7-9), had long desired to see Jesus, hoping to witness a miracle (Luke 23:8). However, Jesus refuses to perform for Herod, remaining silent in the face of his questions and the chief priests' accusations (Luke 23:9-10). Frustrated and insulted, Herod and his soldiers mock Jesus, dressing Him in bright clothing as a mock king and sending Him back to Pilate (Luke 23:11). Ironically, this event leads to a reconciliation between Herod and Pilate, who had previously been enemies (Luke 23:12).
Pilate's Attempts to Release Jesus (Luke 23:13-25)
Pilate, now faced with Jesus for the second time, reiterates His innocence before the gathered religious leaders. He emphasizes that neither he nor Herod found any grounds for accusation worthy of death (Luke 23:13-15). Seeking a compromise, Pilate proposes to scourge Jesus and then release Him (Luke 23:16), prioritizing maintaining order over upholding true justice.
However, the Jewish leaders are not appeased. They are bloodthirsty and relentless in their demands, shouting, "Take this man away! Release Barabbas to us!" (Luke 23:18). Pilate, following a Passover custom, offers the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious insurrectionist and murderer (Luke 23:19). This moment highlights the depth of their hatred for Jesus. They preferred a convicted criminal over the innocent Messiah, driven by jealousy and anger at Jesus' popularity and challenge to their authority.
Despite Pilate's repeated attempts to reason with them (Luke 23:20-21), the religious leaders incite the crowds, who demand Jesus' crucifixion and the release of Barabbas. After a third attempt to free Jesus, Pilate, succumbing to the pressure of the mob, finally yields to their demands (Luke 23:22-24). He releases Barabbas and hands Jesus over to be crucified (Luke 23:25), choosing public order and political expediency over righteousness and justice.
The Road to Calvary and the Crucifixion (Luke 23:26-43)
The other Gospels detail the brutal beating and scourging Jesus endured before the crucifixion (Matthew 27:26-31; Mark 15:16-20; John 19:1-3). Weakened and suffering, Jesus struggles to carry His cross. The soldiers compel Simon of Cyrene, an African man from present-day Libya, to carry the cross for Him (Luke 23:26).
A large crowd follows Jesus, including women who mourn for Him (Luke 23:27). Jesus, even in His suffering, turns to them and warns them not to weep for Him but for themselves and their children, foretelling the coming judgment on the nation for rejecting the Messiah (Luke 23:28-31). He quotes Hosea 10:8, describing a time of such devastation that people would prefer death to the horrors they would witness.
At the place called "The Skull," Jesus is crucified between two criminals (Luke 23:32-33). Even in His agony, Jesus demonstrates boundless compassion, praying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). This prayer encapsulates the very purpose of His coming: to offer forgiveness to all who would receive Him. The soldiers, oblivious to the significance of the moment, gamble for His clothes (Luke 23:34), fulfilling prophecy from Psalm 22:18 (John 19:23-24).
The Jewish religious leaders mock Jesus, challenging Him to save Himself if He is truly the Messiah (Luke 23:35). The soldiers join in the ridicule, echoing the inscription placed on the cross: "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS" (Luke 23:36-38). Ironically, their mockery proclaims the truth they fail to recognize: Jesus is indeed the King, not only of the Jews but of all creation.
Among the crucified criminals, a remarkable exchange takes place. While one criminal joins in the taunts, the other rebukes him, acknowledging his own guilt and recognizing Jesus' innocence (Luke 23:39-41). He pleads with Jesus, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). Jesus responds with immediate assurance: "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). This encounter demonstrates that salvation is found through faith in Christ alone.
The Death and Burial of Jesus (Luke 23:44-56)
As Jesus' death approaches, darkness falls over the land, and the sun's light fails (Luke 23:44-45). This ominous event signifies the profound cosmic impact of the Son of God's rejection and crucifixion. Jesus, in His final moments, cries out, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" (Luke 23:46), quoting Psalm 31:5, and breathes His last.
At that very moment, the curtain of the temple, which separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, is torn in two (Luke 23:45). This dramatic event symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, made possible through Jesus' atoning sacrifice. Through Jesus, all people now have access to God (Hebrews 4:14; 7:27; 10:10, 12).
Witnessing these events, the Roman centurion glorifies God, declaring, "Surely this was a righteous man!" (Luke 23:47). The crowds, who had gathered to watch, are filled with remorse and strike their chests in grief (Luke 23:48). Jesus' followers, including the women who had accompanied Him from Galilee, stand at a distance, watching in sorrow (Luke 23:49).
Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin and a secret follower of Jesus, boldly requests Jesus' body from Pilate (Luke 23:50-52). With the help of Nicodemus (John 3:1-2; 7:50-51; 19:39-40), Joseph wraps the body in linen cloth and lays it in a tomb cut out of rock, where no one had ever been laid (Luke 23:53).
The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee observe the tomb, intending to return after the Sabbath to anoint His body with spices and perfumes (Luke 23:54-56). This act of devotion highlights their unwavering love and commitment to Jesus, even in death.
Luke 23 is a powerful and poignant chapter that reveals the depth of human sin, the injustice of Jesus' trial and crucifixion, and the boundless love and forgiveness offered through His sacrifice. It is a chapter that calls us to examine our own hearts, to recognize our need for salvation, and to embrace the grace offered through Jesus Christ. This chapter sets the stage for the glorious resurrection in Luke 24, the ultimate triumph over sin and death.