Introduction: Luke 23 gives details of the trial, crucifixion, and death of Jesus Christ. The chapter teaches in detail the height of the jealously and envy that the religious leaders of the day had against Jesus Christ. It leads to the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament and the laying down of His life for the redemption of humanity, as we can read in each of the in the gospels. This is the gospel, God so loved the world He gave his only begotten son, that whosever would believe in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. Jesus is the greatest hope of humanity, forever and ever!
I. Luke 23:1-5 – Jesus Before Pilate
Here, Jesus is brought before Pilate by the religious leaders. Despite their accusations, Pilate finds no fault in Jesus, same as the account in John 18:38. This brings to mind Isaiah 53:9 which prophesied about a suffering servant who would be innocent yet oppressed.
II. Luke 23:6-12 – Jesus Before Herod
Jesus is sent to Herod who mocks Him without finding Him guilty. This is somewhat like Proverbs 14:21 which speaks about those who despise their neighbors are sinning. Jesus’ silence before His accusers fulfills Isaiah 53:7, showing His willingness to endure suffering.
III. Luke 23:13-25 – Pilate Declares Jesus Innocent
Pilate declares Jesus’ innocence for the third time, echoing Deuteronomy 17:6 about how a person should not be put to death on the testimony of a single witness. Yet, the crowd demands the release of Barabbas, a criminal, and the crucifixion of Jesus. This fulfills Isaiah 53:3 which prophesied that the Messiah would be rejected by men.
IV. Luke 23:26-31 – Simon Carries Jesus’ Cross
Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry Jesus’ cross, referring to the call in Matthew 16:24 for disciples to take up their own crosses and follow Him. Jesus tells the women mourning for Him that they should weep for themselves and their children, because He knew what was in their future, the upcoming destruction of Jerusalem as described in Luke 21:20-24.
V. Luke 23:32-43 – Jesus Crucified Between Criminals
Jesus is crucified between two criminals. His words “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34), this shows Jesus living what he taught in Matthew 5:44 to love one’s enemies. One criminal mocks Jesus while the other seeks His mercy, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53:12 about the Messiah numbered with the transgressors.
VI. Luke 23:44-49 – Temple Curtain Torn
Jesus’ death is marked by darkness, the tearing of the temple curtain, and a centurion’s confession of His righteousness. These events fulfill prophecies from Amos 8:9, about the day turning into night, and Exodus 26:33, referring to the separation between God and man which is removed through the sacrifice of Jesus, the once for all sacrifice as mentioned in Hebrews 10:10-13.
VII. Luke 23:50-56 – Jesus Buried In Borrowed Tomb
Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus in a new tomb, which for Jesus was a borrowed tomb, fulfilling Isaiah 53:9, which prophesied that the Messiah would be with the rich in His death. Women who followed Jesus observe this and prepare spices and perfumes, setting the stage for the resurrection account in the following chapter.
Conclusion: Luke 23 provides a detailed account of the suffering, death, and burial of Jesus. It highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the selfless love of Jesus even in His final moments. This chapter not only narrates historical events, but it also invites us to think deeply on the depth of Christ’s sacrifice for our redemption, encouraging us to live in His love and grace. This account of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus in each of the gospels is the reason humanity can have hope today, their is an afterlife, and this willing sacrifice of Jesus is what bridges the gap between God’s holiness and perfection, and mankinds fall into sin and separation from God, dating back to the garden of Eden. Jesus is our only hope of an eternity in heaven, which will be all that matters one day for every living soul on earth.
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