Luke 23

Luke 23 details the trial, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus Christ. It begins with His appearance before Pilate, then Herod, as the Jewish leaders press for His death. Despite Pilate’s repeated declaration of Jesus’ innocence, the crowd demands crucifixion. Jesus is led to Calvary, where He is crucified between two criminals. Luke captures Jesus’ responses, the reactions of those witnessing His death, and the events surrounding His burial in the tomb.

Luke 23:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Then the whole multitude of them arose and led Him to Pilate.
2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.”
3 Then Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered him and said, “It is as you say.”
4 So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no fault in this Man.”
5 But they were the more fierce, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place.”

The religious leaders bring Jesus to Pilate, accusing Him of political offenses to ensure the Roman governor takes action. They frame Jesus as a threat to Rome, claiming He forbids paying taxes and declares Himself King, which could incite rebellion. Pilate, however, sees no guilt in Jesus after questioning Him, but the leaders press their accusations, increasing the tension between Pilate and the crowd.

Luke 23:6-12 (NKJV)
6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked if the Man were a Galilean.
7 And as soon as he knew that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him.
9 Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing.
10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him.
11 Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.
12 That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other.

Pilate attempts to pass the responsibility by sending Jesus to Herod, hoping Herod would handle the matter since Jesus is from Galilee. Herod, curious to see Jesus perform a miracle, questions Him but receives silence. Frustrated and influenced by the religious leaders’ accusations, Herod mocks Jesus and returns Him to Pilate. Ironically, this interaction brings Pilate and Herod closer, highlighting the political dynamics surrounding Jesus’ trial.

Luke 23:13-25 (NKJV)
13 Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people,
14 said to them, “You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him;
15 no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him.
16 I will therefore chastise Him and release Him”
17 (for it was necessary for him to release one to them at the feast).
18 And they all cried out at once, saying, “Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas”—
19 who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder.
20 Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them.
21 But they shouted, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”
22 Then he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.”
23 But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed.
24 So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested.
25 And he released to them the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

Pilate repeatedly asserts Jesus’ innocence, offering to release Him after a light punishment. However, the crowd demands Barabbas, a known criminal, be freed instead. Pilate’s reluctance is overcome by the crowd’s pressure, and he ultimately yields, sentencing Jesus to crucifixion. This exchange reflects the profound miscarriage of justice as the innocent is condemned while the guilty is freed, symbolizing Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity’s sins.

Luke 23:26-31 (NKJV)
26 Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.
27 And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him.
28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
29 For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!’
30 Then they will begin ‘to say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’
31 For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?”

As Jesus is led to His crucifixion, Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry the cross. A crowd, including women mourning for Him, follows, but Jesus urges them to mourn for the future judgment that will come upon Jerusalem. His words foreshadow the suffering and desolation that will follow, emphasizing the severity of the times ahead.

Luke 23:32-38 (NKJV)
32 There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death.
33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.
34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.
35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”
36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine,
37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”
38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

At Calvary, Jesus is crucified between two criminals, fulfilling His destiny as the sacrificial Lamb. In His agony, He prays for His executioners’ forgiveness, demonstrating His boundless compassion. The onlookers mock Him, challenging Him to save Himself if He is truly the Messiah, failing to understand that His mission is one of sacrifice, not self-preservation.

Luke 23:39-43 (NKJV)
39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

One criminal mocks Jesus, but the other defends Him, recognizing His innocence and asking to be remembered in His kingdom. Jesus’ promise of Paradise reflects His grace, offering salvation to a repentant sinner even in His final moments, underscoring His role as the Savior of all who seek forgiveness.

Luke 23:44-49 (NKJV)
44 Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
45 Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.
46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last.
47 So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous Man!”
48 And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned.
49 But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

As Jesus dies, supernatural events unfold: darkness covers the land, and the temple veil tears, symbolizing access to God through His sacrifice. Jesus’ final words entrust His spirit to the Father, and His death moves even a Roman centurion to declare His righteousness. The witnesses are deeply impacted, recognizing the significance of His death.

Luke 23:50-56 (NKJV)
50 Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man.
51 He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God.
52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before.
54 That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near.
55 And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid.
56 Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the council who disagreed with the execution, courageously requests Jesus’ body and prepares it for burial. He places Jesus in a new tomb, fulfilling burial customs just before the Sabbath begins. The women, devoted followers, observe where He is laid, intending to return after the Sabbath to complete the burial process, symbolizing their enduring loyalty and love.