Luke Chapter 23: The Trial, Crucifixion, and Burial of Jesus


Summary
Luke 23 narrates the climactic events leading to Jesus’ death and burial, emphasizing His innocence, compassion, and fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. The chapter unfolds in several key scenes:
  • Trials Before Pilate and Herod (23:1–25): The Jewish leaders accuse Jesus before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, charging Him with subverting the nation, opposing taxes, and claiming to be a king (23:2). Pilate finds no fault in Jesus (23:4, 14) but sends Him to Herod Antipas, who mocks Him and returns Him to Pilate (23:6–12). Despite declaring Jesus innocent, Pilate yields to the crowd’s demand and sentences Him to crucifixion, releasing Barabbas instead (23:18–25).
  • The Crucifixion (23:26–49): Simon of Cyrene carries Jesus’ cross (23:26). Jesus comforts women mourning for Him, warning of Jerusalem’s coming judgment (23:27–31). He is crucified between two criminals (23:33). Jesus prays, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (23:34), while soldiers mock Him and divide His garments (23:34–36). One criminal repents, and Jesus promises him paradise (23:39–43). Darkness covers the land, the temple curtain tears, and Jesus dies, entrusting His spirit to God (23:44–46). A centurion declares Him righteous, and the crowds leave in sorrow (23:47–49).
  • The Burial (23:50–56): Joseph of Arimathea, a righteous Sanhedrin member, requests Jesus’ body from Pilate and buries Him in a new tomb (23:50–53). The women prepare spices but rest on the Sabbath (23:54–56).
Cross-References
  • Trials:
    • Matthew 27:11–26; Mark 15:1–15; John 18:28–19:16: Parallel Gospel accounts of Jesus’ trials, with John emphasizing Pilate’s dialogue with Jesus.
    • Isaiah 53:7: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth,” fulfilled in Jesus’ silence before Herod (23:9).
    • Acts 4:27–28: The conspiracy of leaders against Jesus fulfills God’s plan.
  • Crucifixion:
    • Psalm 22:16–18: Prophecies of pierced hands and feet and divided garments are fulfilled.
    • Isaiah 53:5: “He was pierced for our transgressions,” pointing to Jesus’ sacrificial death.
    • Amos 8:9: Darkness at noon as a sign of divine judgment.
    • Hebrews 10:19–20: The torn temple curtain symbolizes access to God through Jesus’ sacrifice.
  • Forgiveness and Paradise:
    • Acts 7:60: Stephen echoes Jesus’ prayer for forgiveness of enemies.
    • 2 Corinthians 12:4; Revelation 2:7: Paradise as the place of God’s presence.
  • Burial:
    • Isaiah 53:9: “His grave was assigned with the wicked, yet with a rich man in his death,” fulfilled by Joseph’s tomb.
    • Matthew 27:57–61; John 19:38–42: Parallel accounts of the burial.
Theological Meaning
Luke 23 is rich with theological significance, highlighting Jesus’ identity and mission:
  • Atonement: Jesus’ death is the sacrificial atonement for humanity’s sins (Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2), fulfilling the role of the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53). His blood establishes the new covenant (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 9:12).
  • Innocence and Justice: Repeated declarations of Jesus’ innocence (23:4, 14, 22, 47) underscore that His death was unjust by human standards but divinely ordained for salvation (Acts 2:23). This contrasts human failure with God’s redemptive plan.
  • Forgiveness: Jesus’ prayer, “Father, forgive them” (23:34), exemplifies divine mercy, extending forgiveness even to His executioners (1 Timothy 1:15). It models the Christian call to forgive enemies (Matthew 5:44).
  • Salvation by Faith: The repentant criminal’s salvation (23:43) demonstrates that faith in Jesus, not works, grants eternal life (Ephesians 2:8–9). “Paradise” signifies immediate access to God’s presence upon death.
  • Temple Curtain: The tearing of the temple curtain (23:45) symbolizes the removal of barriers between God and humanity, as Jesus’ sacrifice opens direct access to God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19–22).
  • Submission: Jesus’ final words, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (23:46, quoting Psalm 31:5), reflect His trust in God and obedience to His will, even in death (Philippians 2:8).
  • Witnesses: The centurion’s declaration (23:47) and the women’s faithfulness (23:49, 55) affirm Jesus’ righteousness and prepare for the resurrection testimony (Luke 24:10).
Questions and Answers
  1. Why did Pilate and Herod find Jesus innocent but still condemn Him (23:4–15)?
    • Pilate found no evidence of rebellion or treason (23:4, 14, 22), and Herod saw Jesus as a curiosity, not a threat (23:8–11). However, Pilate yielded to the crowd’s pressure to avoid a riot (23:23–25; John 19:12–16), showing political weakness. This human injustice fulfilled God’s plan (Acts 4:27–28), as Jesus’ death was necessary for salvation.
  2. Who was Barabbas, and why was he released (23:18–19)?
    • Barabbas was a notorious prisoner, likely a rebel or murderer (23:19; Mark 15:7). The crowd’s choice to free him instead of Jesus reflects their rejection of the Messiah and preference for a worldly figure. This irony highlights Jesus taking the place of sinners, as Barabbas’ release symbolizes humanity’s redemption through Christ’s sacrifice.
  3. What is “paradise” that Jesus promised the criminal (23:43)?
    • Paradise refers to the presence of God or heaven, where the righteous go after death (2 Corinthians 12:4; Revelation 2:7). Jesus’ promise to the repentant criminal shows that faith in Him grants immediate salvation, even at life’s end, without requiring works or ritual (Ephesians 2:8–9).
  4. Why did the temple curtain tear (23:45)?
    • The temple curtain separated the Holy of Holies, God’s dwelling place, from the rest of the temple (Exodus 26:31–33). Its tearing at Jesus’ death signifies that His sacrifice removes the barrier between God and humanity, granting all believers access to God’s presence (Hebrews 9:11–14; 10:19–20). It also signals the end of the old covenant’s sacrificial system.
  5. Why did Jesus say, “Father, forgive them” (23:34)?
    • Jesus’ prayer reflects His mission to bring forgiveness (Luke 19:10) and models divine love for enemies (Matthew 5:44). “They know not what they do” suggests the ignorance of His executioners—soldiers following orders and leaders blinded by pride (Acts 3:17). It shows God’s mercy extends even to those who crucify His Son.
  6. Who was Simon of Cyrene (23:26)?
    • Simon, from Cyrene (modern-day Libya), was likely a Jewish pilgrim in Jerusalem for Passover. He was compelled to carry Jesus’ cross, possibly because Jesus was weakened from scourging (John 19:1). His role symbolizes the call to bear the cross of discipleship (Luke 14:27). Tradition suggests his sons, Alexander and Rufus, became Christians (Mark 15:21; Romans 16:13).
  7. What does the darkness mean (23:44–45)?
    • Darkness from noon to 3 p.m. (the “sixth to ninth hour”) signifies divine judgment or mourning (Amos 8:9). It underscores the cosmic significance of Jesus’ death, as creation itself responds to the Creator’s suffering (Colossians 1:16–17).
  8. Who was Joseph of Arimathea, and why did he bury Jesus (23:50–53)?
    • Joseph was a wealthy Sanhedrin member and secret disciple who did not consent to Jesus’ condemnation (23:50–51). His bold request for Jesus’ body and provision of a new tomb fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 53:9) and showed devotion despite risk (John 19:38). His actions contrast the disciples’ fear and the leaders’ hostility.
  9. Why did the women rest on the Sabbath (23:56)?
    • The women, faithful followers like Mary Magdalene and Joanna (Luke 24:10), prepared spices for burial but rested to obey the Sabbath commandment (Exodus 20:8–11). This shows their devotion to Jewish law and sets the stage for their discovery of the empty tomb (Luke 24:1).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: Crucifixion was a brutal Roman punishment for rebels and criminals, designed to maximize suffering and deterrence. Jesus’ crucifixion outside Jerusalem (23:33) fulfilled the requirement for sacrifices to be offered outside the camp (Hebrews 13:12; Leviticus 16:27). Pilate’s and Herod’s roles reflect the collaboration of Jewish and Roman authorities, fulfilling prophecy (Psalm 2:2).
  • Cultural Questions: A layperson might wonder why Jesus was mocked (23:35–36) or why the crowd turned against Him. Mocking was common in crucifixions to humiliate victims, and the crowd’s shift reflects mob dynamics and the leaders’ manipulation (Luke 22:66–71). Luke emphasizes Jesus’ innocence to show His death was a miscarriage of justice yet part of God’s plan.
  • Application: Luke 23 invites reflection on Jesus’ sacrifice, forgiveness, and the hope of salvation. The repentant criminal’s story encourages faith, while Jesus’ prayer challenges believers to forgive others. The torn curtain assures direct access to God through Christ.
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