Luke 23
Gospel of Luke
Luke 23
Scripture of the Week: The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:27
This week, we see the culmination of all Jesus’ work and ministry as He completes his mission. He gives his life over to be sacrificed for the sins of all mankind. Let’s get into Luke’s account of Jesus’ last few hours; His life, death AND burial.
Observation
Most of us have already heard and read the story of Jesus' death and while Jesus is the primary character of this chapter, there are a few others that for a moment catch our attention. Minor singular characters like Pilate, Herod, Barabbas and multiples like the crowds, the soldiers, and the other criminals. What is interesting about Scripture, however, is how minor characters often embody a whole narrative of their own. That is why this week we will turn our focus to the criminals in Luke 23.
In Chapter 22, after Jesus’ serves the first communion with his disciples, he is betrayed by Judas, arrested by the servants of the high priests, and disowned by Peter. Here in Chapter 23 we see Jesus brought before Pilate, sent to Herod, then back to Pilate again. Neither Pilate nor Herod found any basis to charge him for a crime. Herod’s only action towards Jesus was ridicule and mockery. However, the crowds called for him to be crucified. “Release Barabbas instead!” they shouted. Pilate reluctantly agrees to their demands, releasing Barabbas and condemning Jesus to die on a cross with two seemingly random criminals.
Interpretation
The Criminals
Let’s start a bit out of order with the two random criminals that were crucified with Jesus. Unfortunately, we don’t know very much about these criminals. Unlike Barabbas, we do not know why they were in prison and condemned to die. What we do know from the Gospels of Matthew and Mark is that these two criminals joined in mocking Jesus along with the Roman soldiers and the crowds. However, Luke's account of the Crucifixion tells that one of these criminals had a change of heart, rebuked the other criminal, and repented to Jesus. Because of his repentance, this criminal was rewarded greatly.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong. Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43
Barabbas
What do we know about Barabbas? He was a criminal, known for being a murderer, a bandit, and a notorious prisoner (according to all four Gospels). He was likely thrown into prison by the Romans for his involvement in anti-Roman insurrections. The Romans likely hated Barabbas because of these insurrections and wanted him in prison (which speaks to Pilates questioning of Barabbas release over Jesus).
Remember, there were three crosses prepared for the crucifixion at Golgotha. The resources they had were enough for three criminals: three crosses and enough nails to hang these criminals to them. Because of the nature of Barabbas' crimes, Pilate would have preferred to punish him instead of Jesus. Barabbas was the rightful prisoner that was to go to the cross instead of Jesus. When Barabbas was set free, Jesus literally took his place.
Application
Interestingly enough, Barabbas means “son of the father” (bar abba). And Jesus was THE SON of THE FATHER. So what does this mean to us? If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you have said “yes” to Him and He resides in you, You are then considered an adopted son into God’s family! Therefore, we are all “sons of the Father.” Does that mean we are all like Barabbas? Yes! We have all sinned and deserve punishment for our sins and would be considered guilty according to the world’s standards. But Jesus took Barabbas' place in prison and ultimately on the cross. Why is that significant? Pastor Judah Smith puts it this way…” the Father had to treat Jesus like Barabbas in order to treat Barabbas like Jesus.”
Let’s take a look at the posture of all their hearts. The criminals on their crosses both came into this day sinful men with hard hearts. However, they met Jesus on the day of their death and encountered God's grace. This gave them a choice to repent and turn to Jesus or remain like the world. While one of the criminals repented, the other seemingly remained resentful. We do not know the heart of Barabbas or what happened to him after his release. We don’t know whether he took the posture of the repentant or the resentful criminal.
Jesus' heart, however, never changed. He came to this world focused on the Father and the mission laid out before Him. He loved those who were considered unloveable and healed the outcasts of the world. On the cross He prayed, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.” This prayer was not just for those who were crucifying Him but goes all the way back to the Fall of Adam and Eve. In His loving obedience to God, Jesus paid for every sin; from the disobedience in the Garden to the ones we have yet to commit.
Practical Application Questions
- One of the thieves on the cross seemed to have a big wake up call making him literally have a “come to Jesus” moment? When in your life have you experienced that moment?
- What are you facing now that you still need to come to Jesus with and surrender to Him?
- On the cross, Jesus cried out, “why have you forsaken me?” Have you ever felt a time in your life when it seemed as if God had forsaken you? (unanswered prayer, addictions you cannot shake free from, death of a loved one, etc.)
- What else stood out to you in Chapter 23?
Luke 23
Gospel of Luke
Luke 23
Scripture of the Week: The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:27
This week, we see the culmination of all Jesus’ work and ministry as He completes his mission. He gives his life over to be sacrificed for the sins of all mankind. Let’s get into Luke’s account of Jesus’ last few hours; His life, death AND burial.
Observation
Most of us have already heard and read the story of Jesus' death and while Jesus is the primary character of this chapter, there are a few others that for a moment catch our attention. Minor singular characters like Pilate, Herod, Barabbas and multiples like the crowds, the soldiers, and the other criminals. What is interesting about Scripture, however, is how minor characters often embody a whole narrative of their own. That is why this week we will turn our focus to the criminals in Luke 23.
In Chapter 22, after Jesus’ serves the first communion with his disciples, he is betrayed by Judas, arrested by the servants of the high priests, and disowned by Peter. Here in Chapter 23 we see Jesus brought before Pilate, sent to Herod, then back to Pilate again. Neither Pilate nor Herod found any basis to charge him for a crime. Herod’s only action towards Jesus was ridicule and mockery. However, the crowds called for him to be crucified. “Release Barabbas instead!” they shouted. Pilate reluctantly agrees to their demands, releasing Barabbas and condemning Jesus to die on a cross with two seemingly random criminals.
Interpretation
The Criminals
Let’s start a bit out of order with the two random criminals that were crucified with Jesus. Unfortunately, we don’t know very much about these criminals. Unlike Barabbas, we do not know why they were in prison and condemned to die. What we do know from the Gospels of Matthew and Mark is that these two criminals joined in mocking Jesus along with the Roman soldiers and the crowds. However, Luke's account of the Crucifixion tells that one of these criminals had a change of heart, rebuked the other criminal, and repented to Jesus. Because of his repentance, this criminal was rewarded greatly.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong. Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43
Barabbas
What do we know about Barabbas? He was a criminal, known for being a murderer, a bandit, and a notorious prisoner (according to all four Gospels). He was likely thrown into prison by the Romans for his involvement in anti-Roman insurrections. The Romans likely hated Barabbas because of these insurrections and wanted him in prison (which speaks to Pilates questioning of Barabbas release over Jesus).
Remember, there were three crosses prepared for the crucifixion at Golgotha. The resources they had were enough for three criminals: three crosses and enough nails to hang these criminals to them. Because of the nature of Barabbas' crimes, Pilate would have preferred to punish him instead of Jesus. Barabbas was the rightful prisoner that was to go to the cross instead of Jesus. When Barabbas was set free, Jesus literally took his place.
Application
Interestingly enough, Barabbas means “son of the father” (bar abba). And Jesus was THE SON of THE FATHER. So what does this mean to us? If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you have said “yes” to Him and He resides in you, You are then considered an adopted son into God’s family! Therefore, we are all “sons of the Father.” Does that mean we are all like Barabbas? Yes! We have all sinned and deserve punishment for our sins and would be considered guilty according to the world’s standards. But Jesus took Barabbas' place in prison and ultimately on the cross. Why is that significant? Pastor Judah Smith puts it this way…” the Father had to treat Jesus like Barabbas in order to treat Barabbas like Jesus.”
Let’s take a look at the posture of all their hearts. The criminals on their crosses both came into this day sinful men with hard hearts. However, they met Jesus on the day of their death and encountered God's grace. This gave them a choice to repent and turn to Jesus or remain like the world. While one of the criminals repented, the other seemingly remained resentful. We do not know the heart of Barabbas or what happened to him after his release. We don’t know whether he took the posture of the repentant or the resentful criminal.
Jesus' heart, however, never changed. He came to this world focused on the Father and the mission laid out before Him. He loved those who were considered unloveable and healed the outcasts of the world. On the cross He prayed, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.” This prayer was not just for those who were crucifying Him but goes all the way back to the Fall of Adam and Eve. In His loving obedience to God, Jesus paid for every sin; from the disobedience in the Garden to the ones we have yet to commit.
Practical Application Questions
- One of the thieves on the cross seemed to have a big wake up call making him literally have a “come to Jesus” moment? When in your life have you experienced that moment?
- What are you facing now that you still need to come to Jesus with and surrender to Him?
- On the cross, Jesus cried out, “why have you forsaken me?” Have you ever felt a time in your life when it seemed as if God had forsaken you? (unanswered prayer, addictions you cannot shake free from, death of a loved one, etc.)
- What else stood out to you in Chapter 23?