Luke 23

56 verses

TL;DR

Jesus is arrested, tried by Pilate and Herod, and crucified while the crowd demands the release of Barabbas, ending with Jesus' death and the burial of his body.

Summary

The chapter opens with the multitude taking Jesus to Pontius Pilate, accusing him of inciting revolt and claiming to be the King of the Jews. Pilate, finding no guilt, sends Jesus to Herod who also finds no cause for death and returns him to Pilate. The crowds, spurred by the chief priests, demand Jesus’ crucifixion and the release of the prisoner Barabbas. Pilate reluctantly capitulates. Jesus is led to Golgotha, where two criminals are crucified beside him; one mockingly asks for forgiveness and the other rebukes him. Jesus prays for forgiveness, dies after a period of darkness, and the Roman centurion acknowledges him as a righteous man. The chapter concludes with the burial of Jesus in a new tomb by Joseph of Arimathaea, and the women observing the burial before resting the Sabbath.

Outline

1. Arrest and trial by Pilate and Herod; 2. Crowd’s demand for crucifixion and release of Barabbas; 3. Crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus

Themes

Atonement through sacrificePublic pressure versus divine willThe fulfillment of ScriptureRejection and mercy

Keywords

PilateHerodBarabbascrucifixionGolgothaJesuskingsacrificeforgivenessdarknesscenturionJoseph of Arimathaea

People

JesusPilateHerodBarabbasSimon of CyreneSimon the Cyreniantwo criminalscenturionJoseph of Arimathaeawomen from Galileechief priestsscribeskingking of the Jews

Places

JerusalemHerod's jurisdictionGolgothaCalvarythe templeArimathaeaGalilee

Things

crosscrucifixion ropelinen, spices and ointmentssepulchreveil of the templesuperposition of the inscription "KING OF THE JEWS"

Key Verses

Luke 23:34: Jesus' plea of forgiveness to his executioners
Luke 23:45: Darkness over the land symbolizing divine judgment
Luke 23:53: The burial of Jesus in a stone tomb, prefiguring resurrection

Questions

What does Jesus’ forgiveness of the criminals reveal about his understanding of justice?
How does the crowd’s insistence on crucifixion reflect broader themes of fear and power in the narrative?
In what way does the darkness that falls over the land serve as a theological symbol?
What does the inclusion of the two criminals and their differing reactions add to the portrayal of human response to sin?
How might the burial customs and the Sabbath observance influence the interpretation of Jesus’ death and resurrection?

Sentiment

mixed
Contains both sorrowful events (crucifixion, death) and hopeful elements (forgiveness, the centurion’s praise).