Luke 23 Jesus Denounces the Pharisees and the Experts in the Law

1 Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate.

2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king.”

3 So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
“Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.

4 Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

5 But they insisted, “He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.”

6 On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean.

7 When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle.

9 He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.

10 The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him.

11 Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate.

12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.

13 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 in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him.

15 Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death.

16 Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.”

18 With one voice they cried out, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!”

19 (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)

20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again.

21 But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

22 For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”

23 But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.

24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand.

25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

26 The Crucifixion
As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.

27 A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him.

28 Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.

29 For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’

30 Then
“‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!”
and to the hills, “Cover us!”’

31 For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.

33 When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.

34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”

36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar

37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”

38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.

39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?

41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

43 Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

44 Jesus’ Death
It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour,

45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.

46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.”

48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away.

49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

50 Jesus’ Burial
Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man,

51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God.

52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body.

53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid.

54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.

56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

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Analysis of Luke Chapter 23

Luke Chapter 23 is one of the most profound and dramatic in the Gospel according to Luke. It deals primarily with the trial, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus Christ. Each verse carries deep theological significance and emotional weight. The chapter can be divided into several key segments for a thorough analysis: Jesus before Pilate, Jesus before Herod, the condemnation, the crucifixion, the death, and finally the burial of Jesus. We will examine each of these parts in detail, extracting meaningful insights and interpretations from the text.

Jesus Before Pilate (Verses 1-7)

The chapter begins with Jesus being brought before Pontius Pilate. The chief priests and scribes accuse Jesus of misleading the nation, forbidding the payment of taxes to Caesar, and claiming to be the Messiah, a king.

Verse 1: “Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate.” This introductory declaration sets the stage for what is to come. Jesus is being moved from a religious trial to a political one.
Verse 2: “And they began to accuse him, saying, ‘We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.'” Here, the Jewish leaders present their charges. They knew Pilate would be more interested in accusations that threaten Roman authority.

Pilate’s initial reaction is notable. He questions Jesus directly:

Verse 3: “So Pilate asked Jesus, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ ‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied.” Jesus’ response can be seen as a confirmation of his identity in a manner that reflects both humility and authority, something consistent with His earlier demeanor.
Verses 4-7: Pilate finds no guilt in Jesus and sends Him to Herod, as Galilee (where Jesus is from) is under Herod’s jurisdiction. This action signifies Pilate’s reluctance to condemn an innocent man and an attempt to pass the responsibility.

Jesus Before Herod (Verses 8-12)

The interaction between Jesus and Herod is unique to Luke’s gospel:

Verses 8-9: Herod is excited to see Jesus, hoping to see a miracle. However, Jesus remains silent, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53:7).
Verse 11: “Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate.” Mockery and the elegant robe symbolize Herod’s disdain, treating Jesus’ claim to kingship as a joke.
Verse 12: “That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.” Common political interests outweigh former enmities, showing the lengths to which powers will go to maintain control.

Condemnation by Pilate (Verses 13-25)

The narrative returns to Pilate, who now faces pressure from the crowd and Jewish leaders:

Verses 13-16: Pilate reiterates Jesus’ innocence and offers to chastise and release him. The mention of chastisement can be seen as a compromise to appease the crowd.
Verse 18-19: The crowd demands Barabbas’ release over Jesus. Barabbas, a known insurrectionist, symbolizes a perverse choice of rebellion over redemption.

Pilate attempts one more plea:

Verses 20-22: Despite Pilate’s three appeals highlighting the lack of evidence against Jesus, the crowd loudly demands crucifixion. Pilate surrenders to their cries, signifying human frailty and moral corruption in yielding to public pressure over justice.
Verse 25: “He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.” Here, the unjust transaction is complete. This speaks powerfully about the miscarriage of justice and the depths of human sinfulness.

The Crucifixion (Verses 26-43)

The narrative transitions to Jesus’ journey to Golgotha:

Verses 26: Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry the cross, highlighting the theme of discipleship (“carrying one’s cross”) and the international dimension of Jesus’ mission.
Verses 27-31: A large crowd and mourning women followed Jesus. Jesus addresses them with a message about the impending judgment on Jerusalem, reflecting His prophetic role and the gravity of His sacrifice.

Jesus is crucified at Golgotha:

Verses 32-34: “Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed…. Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'” This plea for forgiveness reveals Jesus’ divine compassion, offering grace to His persecutors amidst excruciating suffering.
Verses 35-37: The rulers, soldiers, and one of the criminals mock Jesus, challenging Him to save Himself — a temptation He resists, showing His commitment to His redemptive mission.

The exchange between Jesus and the penitent thief is one of the most moving sections:

Verses 39-41: One criminal mocks while the other rebukes him, recognizing Jesus’ innocence and sovereign kingship.
Verse 42: “‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” This plea signifies faith in Jesus’ kingship and afterlife.
Verse 43: Jesus’ response, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise,” assures immediate entrance into eternal life, emphasizing salvation by faith and grace.

Jesus’ Death (Verses 44-49)

The moment of Jesus’ death is marked by supernatural signs and spiritual significance:

Verse 44-45: Darkness covers the land, and the temple curtain tears, symbolizing a cosmic upheaval and the end of barriers between God and humanity.
Verse 46: “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.” Jesus’ final words show trust and surrender to the Father, fulfilling Psalm 31:5.

The aftermath of Jesus’ death brings varied reactions:

Verse 47: A centurion praises God, declaring Jesus’ innocence — a witness from a surprising source. His declaration reflects the recognition of Jesus’ righteous character, even by a gentile observer.
Verses 48-49: The crowd and acquaintances react with mourning and bewildered observation, indicative of the profound and immediate impact of Jesus’ death on those who witnessed it.

The Burial (Verses 50-56)

The chapter concludes with the burial of Jesus, an act of respect and faith:

Verse 50-53: Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the council and secret disciple, courageously asks for Jesus’ body and places it in a new tomb. This act of devotion and fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 53:9) illustrates faith and reverence.
Verses 54-56: The women who followed Jesus witnessed the burial and prepared spices, showing their love and loyalty, setting the stage for the resurrection narrative.

Conclusion

Luke Chapter 23 encapsulates the heart of the Christian gospel — the trial, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus Christ. Each section layers profound theological and emotional truths about Jesus’ identity, His sacrificial love, humanity’s sinfulness, and the hope of redemption. This chapter not only chronicles historical events but also invites reflection on themes of justice, grace, and the kingdom of God. Through Pilate’s and Herod’s political maneuvering, the crowd’s choice, the criminals’ interactions, and the faithful acts of Joseph and the women, we see a tapestry of responses to Jesus and His mission. It leaves readers contemplating the cost of discipleship and the depth of divine love displayed on the cross.

Understanding the Key Messages in Luke 23: Insights and Explanation

Jesus denounces the hypocrisy and self-righteousness of the Pharisees and the experts in the law. He warns his disciples and the people against following their example, describing their practices as focused on outward appearances rather than genuine inward transformation.

Notes

This chapter contains some of Jesus' strongest rebukes against the religious leaders of his time. It highlights the importance of genuine faith and the dangers of hypocrisy.