Luke 23
BSB1 Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate. 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?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. 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." 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. 13 Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 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." 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 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 handed Jesus over to their will. 26 As the soldiers led Him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him to carry behind Jesus. 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 ’they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’ 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, 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.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots. 35 The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him, 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. 37 “If You are the King of the Jews,” they said, “save Yourself!" 38 Above Him was posted an inscription: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 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 when You come into Your kingdom!" 43 And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." 44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over all the land until the ninth hour. 45 The sun was darkened, 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.” 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. “ 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. 50 Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, 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. 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.
Study Notes — Luke 23
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Luke 23
- Themes from Luke 23
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Luke 23
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate, where Jesus is falsely accused and sentenced to death. Despite the efforts of Pilate to release Jesus, the crowd demands His crucifixion. Jesus is then led to the cross, where He is crucified alongside two criminals. One of the criminals repents and asks Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. Jesus responds by promising the criminal that he will be with Him in paradise. The chapter concludes with the death of Jesus and the reactions of those who witnessed the event, including the centurion who declares Jesus to be innocent. Key verses include Luke 23:34, where Jesus prays for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him, and Luke 23:46, where Jesus commits His spirit to God.
Context for the Chapter
Luke 23 is part of the larger narrative of Jesus' life and ministry, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. The chapter follows Jesus' arrest and trial, and precedes His resurrection and ascension. The events of the chapter are also connected to the broader biblical narrative, including the prophecies of the Old Testament and the teachings of the New Testament. The chapter is a key part of the gospel message, highlighting the sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of humanity and the possibility of redemption through faith in Him.
Heart Application
The events of Luke 23 are a powerful reminder of the mercy and compassion of God, as seen in the sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of humanity. The chapter challenges readers to reflect on their own sin and need for redemption, and to respond in faith and gratitude to the gospel message. As we consider the events of the chapter, we are called to love and forgive others, even when they do not deserve it, and to trust in the mercy and justice of God.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter tells the story of Jesus' trial and crucifixion. Jesus was falsely accused and sentenced to death, but He forgave those who crucified Him. One of the criminals who was crucified with Jesus repented and asked Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. Jesus promised the criminal that he would be with Him in paradise. The chapter shows us the love and mercy of God, and the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of forgiveness and the power of faith in Jesus Christ (Luke 23:34, 46).
Voices from the Church
“The cross of Christ is the grandest sight in all the universe, and the most eloquent preaching of the love of God.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The death of Christ is the price of our redemption, and the guarantee of our salvation.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Trial of Jesus (Luke 23:1-25) — Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate, where He is falsely accused and sentenced to death.
- The Crucifixion of Jesus (Luke 23:26-43) — Jesus is led to the cross, where He is crucified alongside two criminals. One of the criminals repents and asks Jesus to remember him in His kingdom.
- The Death of Jesus (Luke 23:44-49) — Jesus dies on the cross, and the centurion declares Him to be innocent. The crowd reacts with grief and shock.
- The Burial of Jesus (Luke 23:50-56) — Jesus is buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, and the women prepare spices to anoint His body.
- The Significance of the Crucifixion (Luke 23:1-56) — The chapter highlights the sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of humanity, and the possibility of redemption through faith in Him.
Core Doctrines
- The Atonement
- The chapter teaches that Jesus' death on the cross is the atonement for the sins of humanity, and that through faith in Him, we can receive forgiveness and redemption.
- The Deity of Christ
- The chapter affirms the deity of Christ, as seen in His ability to forgive sins and His declaration of innocence by the centurion.
- The Resurrection
- The chapter hints at the resurrection of Jesus, as seen in the promise of Jesus to the criminal that he would be with Him in paradise.
- The Nature of God
- The chapter reveals the character of God as merciful, compassionate, and just, as seen in the sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of humanity.
Lessons from Luke 23
- The Importance of Forgiveness — The chapter teaches us the importance of forgiveness, as seen in Jesus' prayer for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him.
- The Power of Faith — The chapter shows us the power of faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in the repentance of the criminal and the promise of Jesus to remember him in His kingdom.
- The Sacrifice of God — The chapter reveals the sacrifice of God for the sins of humanity, as seen in the crucifixion of Jesus.
- The Nature of God — The chapter teaches us about the character of God, as seen in His mercy, compassion, and justice.
- The Resurrection — The chapter hints at the resurrection of Jesus, as seen in the promise of Jesus to the criminal that he would be with Him in paradise.
Themes from Luke 23
- The Innocence of Jesus — The chapter highlights the innocence of Jesus, as seen in His false accusation and sentencing to death.
- The Mercy of God — The chapter reveals the mercy of God, as seen in the sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of humanity.
- The Power of Faith — The chapter shows us the power of faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in the repentance of the criminal and the promise of Jesus to remember him in His kingdom.
- The Nature of God — The chapter teaches us about the character of God, as seen in His mercy, compassion, and justice.
- The Resurrection — The chapter hints at the resurrection of Jesus, as seen in the promise of Jesus to the criminal that he would be with Him in paradise.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the trial of Jesus reveal about the character of God and the nature of humanity?
- How does the crucifixion of Jesus demonstrate the sacrifice of God for the sins of humanity?
- What does the repentance of the criminal reveal about the possibility of salvation and the power of faith in Jesus Christ?
- How does the chapter challenge us to respond to the gospel message and to trust in the mercy and justice of God?
- What does the death of Jesus on the cross mean for our understanding of the atonement and the nature of God?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Trial of Jesus (Luke 23:1-25)
| Luke 23:1 | Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate, where He is falsely accused and sentenced to death. |
| Luke 23:2 | The crowd accuses Jesus of claiming to be a king and leading the people astray. |
| Luke 23:3 | Pilate asks Jesus if He is the King of the Jews, and Jesus responds by saying that His kingdom is not of this world. |
| Luke 23:4 | Pilate declares Jesus to be not guilty, but the crowd demands His crucifixion. |
| Luke 23:5 | The crowd becomes more agitated and demands that Jesus be crucified. |
| Luke 23:6-12 | Pilate sends Jesus to Herod, who questions Jesus but finds no fault in Him. |
| Luke 23:13-25 | Pilate tries to release Jesus, but the crowd demands His crucifixion, and Pilate ultimately sentences Jesus to death. |
2. The Crucifixion of Jesus (Luke 23:26-43)
| Luke 23:26 | Jesus is led to the cross, where He is crucified alongside two criminals. |
| Luke 23:27 | A large crowd follows Jesus, including many women who mourn and lament His death. |
| Luke 23:28 | Jesus tells the women to weep for themselves and their children, rather than for Him. |
| Luke 23:29 | Jesus says that the time will come when people will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed!' |
| Luke 23:30 | Jesus says that people will beg for the mountains to fall on them and the hills to cover them. |
| Luke 23:31 | Jesus says that if they do these things to the green tree, what will they do to the dry tree? |
| Luke 23:32-43 | One of the criminals who is crucified with Jesus repents and asks Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. Jesus promises the criminal that he will be with Him in paradise. |
3. The Death of Jesus (Luke 23:44-49)
| Luke 23:44 | It is now about the sixth hour, and darkness falls over the land until the ninth hour. |
| Luke 23:45 | The sun is darkened, and the veil of the temple is torn in two. |
| Luke 23:46 | Jesus cries out to God, saying, 'Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!' |
| Luke 23:47 | The centurion praises God, saying, 'Certainly this man was innocent!' |
| Luke 23:48 | The crowd that had gathered to watch Jesus die beats their breasts and returns home. |
| Luke 23:49 | All of Jesus' acquaintances and the women who had followed Him from Galilee stand at a distance and watch these things. |
4. The Burial of Jesus (Luke 23:50-56)
| Luke 23:50 | There is a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, who is a good and righteous man. |
| Luke 23:51 | Joseph had not consented to the Council's decision to crucify Jesus. |
| Luke 23:52 | Joseph goes to Pilate and asks for Jesus' body. |
| Luke 23:53 | Joseph takes Jesus' body down from the cross and wraps it in a linen cloth. |
| Luke 23:54 | It is the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath is about to begin. |
| Luke 23:55 | The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee follow Joseph and see the tomb and how Jesus' body is laid in it. |
| Luke 23:56 | The women return and prepare spices and perfumes, but they rest on the Sabbath, according to the commandment. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the crucifixion of Jesus?
The crucifixion of Jesus is significant because it demonstrates the sacrifice of God for the sins of humanity, and it is the central event of the gospel message (Luke 23:34, 46).
Why did Jesus pray for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him?
Jesus prayed for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him because He wanted to demonstrate the mercy and compassion of God, and to show that He came to save sinners, not to condemn them (Luke 23:34).
What does the repentance of the criminal reveal about the possibility of salvation?
The repentance of the criminal reveals that salvation is possible for anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, and that faith in Jesus Christ is the key to receiving forgiveness and redemption (Luke 23:40-43).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 23:2 → John 18:33-37 | The accusation of Jesus as a king is also recorded in John 18:33-37, where Pilate asks Jesus if He is the King of the Jews. |
| 2 | Luke 23:4 → Matthew 27:11-14 | The declaration of Jesus' innocence by Pilate is also recorded in Matthew 27:11-14, where Pilate asks Jesus if He is the King of the Jews. |
| 3 | Luke 23:26 → Mark 15:20-22 | The crucifixion of Jesus is also recorded in Mark 15:20-22, where Jesus is led to the cross and crucified alongside two criminals. |
| 4 | Luke 23:30 → Luke 21:23 | The warning of Jesus to the women is also recorded in Luke 21:23, where Jesus says that the time will come when people will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed!' |
| 5 | Luke 23:32 → Isaiah 53:12 | The crucifixion of Jesus alongside two criminals is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 53:12, where it is written that the Messiah will be numbered with the transgressors. |
| 6 | Luke 23:34 → Acts 7:60 | The prayer of Jesus for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him is also recorded in Acts 7:60, where Stephen prays for the forgiveness of those who are stoning him. |
| 7 | Luke 23:43 → 2 Corinthians 5:8 | The promise of Jesus to the criminal that he will be with Him in paradise is a fulfillment of the promise in 2 Corinthians 5:8, where it is written that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. |
| 8 | Luke 23:45 → Exodus 26:31-33 | The tearing of the veil of the temple is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Exodus 26:31-33, where it is written that the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. |
| 9 | Luke 23:46 → Psalm 31:5 | The cry of Jesus to God is a quotation of Psalm 31:5, where it is written that the righteous will commit their spirit to God. |
| 10 | Luke 23:49 → Psalm 38:11 | The beating of breasts by the crowd is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Psalm 38:11, where it is written that the righteous will mourn and lament the death of the innocent. |
Sermons on Luke 23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Jug of Water by Richard Wurmbrand | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story of a man who had forgotten his purpose in life and became consumed by worldly desires. The man had a happy life with a wealthy wife and |
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Seven Words From the Cross - Forgiveness by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the statement made by Jesus on the cross, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." He highlights the four wonders of this state |
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(John) 21 - Trial Tragedy of Divine Love by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the movements of Jesus during his trial and crucifixion. The speaker highlights the contrast between the cruelty of Jesus' enemies and the ten |
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How a Christian Gives Himself Away by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a different approach to church programs and gatherings. He highlights the story of Gideon and how God used a small number of men |
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From Groans to Glory by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the wonder and complexity of the human body, which God created as his masterpiece. He highlights the unique nature of human interaction, whe |
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My Own Resurrection by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the power of God, particularly focusing on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the transformative impact it can have on individuals. It delves into the conc |
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Seven Words From the Cross - Submission by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. He highlights the significance of the three statements Jesus made before his death: "I thirst," "It is |
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Saints Alive by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three basic wars that every human being faces: the war within oneself, the war with others, and the war with God. The speaker references J |
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The Cost of Worship by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the humility and simplicity of Jesus Christ. He compares Jesus to the apostle Paul, who often said "finally" but continued to write more cha |
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What Christ Did for Me (Zac’s Testimony) by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the disconnect between the captivating nature of worldly entertainment and the perceived lack of interest in church and sermons. The speaker |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Luke 23
In this chapter, we see the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry, as He is tried, crucified, and buried. The chapter is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice of God for the sins of humanity, and the possibility of redemption through faith in Jesus Christ. As Matthew Henry notes, the crucifixion of Jesus is a demonstration of the love of God for humanity, and the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world. The chapter also highlights the innocence of Jesus, the cruelty of the crowd, and the faith of the criminal who repented and asked Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. As we reflect on the events of this chapter, we are called to love and forgive others, even when they do not deserve it, and to trust in the mercy and justice of God. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The innocence of Jesus
Throughout the chapter, Jesus is portrayed as innocent, with even Pilate declaring Him to be not guilty. This highlights the injustice of Jesus' crucifixion and the mercy of God in allowing it to happen.
The cruelty of the crowd
The crowd's demand for Jesus' crucifixion is a stark contrast to the innocence and mercy of Jesus. This highlights the fallen nature of humanity and the need for redemption.
The faith of the criminal
The criminal's repentance and faith in Jesus is a powerful example of the gospel message and the possibility of salvation, even in the most unexpected circumstances.