Luke 23 Explained: A Guide to the Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Luke 23 details the final hours of Jesus Christ’s earthly life, covering His trials before Pilate and Herod, His crucifixion between two criminals, and His death and burial. The chapter highlights Jesus’ innocence, His forgiveness towards His executioners, and His promise of paradise to the repentant thief, affirming His divine authority and saving grace even in death.
The Gospel of Luke presents God’s plan of salvation, which culminates in the profound events of chapter 23. This chapter chronicles the most pivotal hours in human history: the unjust trial, the agonizing journey to Golgotha, and the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. More than a historical account, it is the very heart of the Gospel, revealing divine compassion and Jesus’s resolve to redeem humanity.
As we journey through Luke 23, we will prayerfully examine each moment, from Jesus before Pilate and Herod to His final breath and burial. We will explore the vital truths in His words, the powerful lessons from those who encountered Him, and the clear affirmation of His divine identity. Our goal is to deepen your faith, strengthen your understanding of Christ’s sacrifice, and affirm the authority of God’s Word, which declares Jesus as the Son of God, who died for our sins and rose again.
Join us as we open the Scriptures to understand what Luke 23 is about. Together, we will uncover the eternal significance of Jesus’s trial, suffering, and triumph over sin and death—all for our salvation and eternal life. We pray this guide illuminates His boundless grace and inspires a deeper walk with Him.
What is Luke 23 talking about?
Jesus Before Pilate and Herod (Luke 23:1-12)
Luke 23 opens with a pivotal moment. The entire Sanhedrin, the Jewish high council, brought Jesus before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, to face serious charges.
- False Accusations: The accusers presented three treasonous charges: that Jesus was perverting the nation, forbidding tax payments to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself a king (Luke 23:2).
- Pilate’s Inquiry: Pilate directly asked Jesus, “Are You the King of the Jews?” (Luke 23:3). Jesus’ reply was simple yet profound: “It is as you say.” Despite this, Pilate found no basis for their accusations. He announced to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man” (Luke 23:4).
- Sending to Herod: The accusers grew more insistent, mentioning Jesus’ teachings throughout Judea, from Galilee to Jerusalem. Upon hearing “Galilee,” Pilate realized Jesus fell under Herod Antipas’s jurisdiction (Luke 23:6). He then sent Jesus to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
- Herod’s Curiosity and Scorn: Herod was glad to see Jesus, having heard much about Him and hoping to witness a miracle (Luke 23:8). Herod questioned Jesus at length, but Jesus remained completely silent. While the chief priests and scribes stood by, vehemently accusing Him, Herod and his soldiers treated Jesus with contempt and mockery (Luke 23:11). They dressed Him in an elegant robe and sent Him back to Pilate.
- Unlikely Alliance: Significantly, Pilate and Herod, who had previously been enemies, became friends on that very day (Luke 23:12). This unusual reconciliation occurred as part of God’s sovereign plan, even amidst human rejection.
This initial stage highlights Jesus’ unwavering resolve. It also reveals that earthly authorities clearly declared His innocence, yet still sought His condemnation.
The Crowd’s Choice: Barabbas Over Christ (Luke 23:13-25)
Pilate again assembled the chief priests, rulers, and the people to reiterate his judgment: Jesus was innocent.
- Pilate’s Declaration of Innocence: “You brought this Man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion,” Pilate explained (Luke 23:14). “I have examined Him in your presence and have found no guilt in this Man regarding the charges you bring against Him. No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us.” Pilate then proposed to scourge Jesus and release Him.
- The Custom of Release: During the Passover festival, it was customary for the governor to release one prisoner to the crowd (Matthew 27:15). Pilate saw this as an opportunity to free Jesus.
- The Demand for Barabbas: However, the entire crowd shouted, “Away with this Man, and release Barabbas to us!” (Luke 23:18). Barabbas was a notorious criminal, imprisoned for insurrection and murder (Luke 23:19).
- Pilate’s Persistent Efforts: Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate tried to persuade the crowd again. He pleaded with them a third time, asking, “Why? What evil has He done?” He stated once more that he found no reason for a death sentence (Luke 23:22).
- The Crowd’s Vicious Insistence: But the crowd’s shouts for Jesus’ crucifixion grew louder and more insistent (Luke 23:23). Ultimately, their voices prevailed. Pilate gave in to their demand, releasing the murderer Barabbas and delivering Jesus over to their will (Luke 23:25).
This section vividly portrays the ultimate injustice. The innocent Son of God was condemned while a known criminal was set free. This exchange underscores the profound sacrifice Jesus made for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21).
The Path to Golgotha (Luke 23:26-32)
As they led Jesus away, the tragic journey to Golgotha, the place of crucifixion, began.
- Simon of Cyrene: The soldiers seized a man named Simon from Cyrene, who was coming in from the country. They laid the cross on him, forcing him to carry it behind Jesus (Luke 23:26). This act highlighted the shame and physical suffering Jesus was enduring.
- The Mourning Women: A large crowd followed, including many women who were weeping and lamenting for Him (Luke 23:27).
- Jesus’ Prophetic Warning: Jesus turned to these women with words of compassion and warning: “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children” (Luke 23:28). He warned of the terrible suffering that would befall Jerusalem, predicting a time so dire that people would wish they had never borne children and would call upon mountains to cover them (Luke 23:29-30). He concluded with a chilling proverb about the judgment awaiting an unrepentant nation: “For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” (Luke 23:31).
- Two Criminals Led to Execution: By being led out with two other criminals for execution, Jesus was officially numbered among the transgressors, fulfilling ancient prophecies (Isaiah 53:12).
Even on His agonizing journey, Jesus remained focused on God’s truth. He offered comfort and warning, demonstrating His divine foresight and unwavering love.
The Crucifixion and Final Words of the King (Luke 23:33-49)
The journey culminated at the place called “The Skull,” or Golgotha. Here, the ultimate act of salvation unfolded.
- The Crucifixion: There they crucified Jesus, placing Him between two criminals, one on His right and one on His left (Luke 23:33).
- A Prayer of Forgiveness: In His agony, Jesus uttered an incredible prayer: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). This reflects the boundless love and mercy of our Savior.
- Mockery and Scorn: While the people stood watching, the rulers scoffed at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the Chosen of God” (Luke 23:35). The soldiers also mocked Him, offering Him sour wine (Luke 23:36). Above Him, an inscription read: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS” (Luke 23:38). Even one of the criminals reviled Him.
- The Repentant Thief: The other criminal, however, rebuked his companion and recognized Jesus’ innocence. He then humbly prayed, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). Jesus’ response offered immediate hope: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). This promise beautifully illustrates God’s radical grace.
- Darkness and a Final Cry: Around noon, darkness fell over the whole land until three in the afternoon (Luke 23:44). This supernatural event signaled the cosmic importance of Jesus’ death. Then, with a loud voice, Jesus cried out, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!” (Luke 23:46). Having said this, He breathed His last.
- Supernatural Events and Confession: At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two (Luke 23:45). When the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God and declared, “Certainly this Man was innocent!” (Luke 23:47). The crowds who had gathered, upon witnessing these things, returned home beating their breasts in sorrow (Luke 23:48). The women from Galilee and His acquaintances stood at a distance, watching.
Jesus’ crucifixion was not a defeat, but the ultimate victory. Through His willing sacrifice, He atoned for our sins, demonstrating His divine authority even in death.
The Burial of Jesus (Luke 23:50-56)
After Jesus’ death, His body was honorably laid to rest, an essential prelude to the resurrection.
- Joseph of Arimathea: A good and righteous man named Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the council, is introduced (Luke 23:50). Notably, he had not consented to the council’s decision to condemn Jesus and was awaiting the kingdom of God (Luke 23:51).
- Request for the Body: This courageous man went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body (Luke 23:52).
- Laying Jesus in the Tomb: Joseph took the body down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid Him in a new tomb cut into the rock where no one had ever been laid (Luke 23:53). This action affirmed the reality of Jesus’ physical death, setting the stage for His resurrection.
- The Women Observers: The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph. They saw the tomb and how His body was laid inside (Luke 23:55).
- Preparation for the Sabbath: They returned home to prepare spices and ointments, intending to anoint His body. Then, in obedience to the commandment, they rested on the Sabbath day (Luke 23:56).
This respectful burial confirms that Jesus’ death was real. It prepares the way for the ultimate truth of our faith: His resurrection. He is indeed the Lord of life, who conquered death itself.
What are the important verses in Luke 23?
Luke 23 offers a profound glimpse into the final hours of Jesus. Certain verses in this chapter stand out, illuminating His divine character, ultimate sacrifice, and the boundless grace of God. These passages reveal Jesus as our compassionate Savior, sovereign Lord, and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
A Prayer of Forgiveness: Luke 23:34
As Jesus hung on the cross, He endured unimaginable pain and mockery. Yet, His heart remained fixed on love and forgiveness. Luke 23:34 records His astonishing prayer: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
This verse is a profound affirmation of Jesus’s divinity. He demonstrates a compassion that is beyond human understanding, interceding for His tormentors—even those who nailed Him to the cross. This prayer is not a plea for Himself, but for His executioners.
Furthermore, it highlights several crucial aspects of our faith:
- Unconditional Love: Jesus extends love even in the face of extreme hatred. This reflects God’s infinite love for humanity, despite our sin (John 3:16).
- Divine Forgiveness: He teaches us that true forgiveness is possible. It is available even for the gravest offenses through His sacrifice.
- Intercessory Role: Christ models His ongoing role as our great High Priest. He intercedes for us before the Father (Hebrews 7:25).
- Ignorance of Sin: Jesus acknowledges that many acted out of spiritual blindness. This underscores humanity’s need for divine revelation and repentance.
Indeed, this prayer stands as a powerful testament to Jesus’s mission. He came not to condemn the world, but to save it (John 3:17). He offered Himself as the ultimate atonement for all sin.
A Promise of Paradise: Luke 23:43
Even in the agony of the crucifixion, Jesus made a remarkable promise to a criminal crucified beside Him. In his final moments, the man turned to Jesus with genuine repentance and asked to be remembered. Jesus’s response in Luke 23:43 is truly breathtaking: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
This single verse offers immense comfort and theological insight. It clearly demonstrates Jesus’s divine authority over life and death, showing that He alone can grant eternal salvation. Moreover, it assures us of several vital truths:
- Immediate Salvation: The repentant thief received immediate assurance of eternal life. There was no purgatory or waiting period.
- Grace Through Faith: His salvation came through simple faith and repentance, not through good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). This highlights the accessibility of God’s grace to all who believe.
- Jesus’s Deity: Only God possesses the power to guarantee entry into Paradise. Jesus’s promise validates His claim as the Son of God. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).
- Assurance of Eternal Life: This promise confirms the reality of a glorious afterlife for believers. It provides hope beyond the grave—a hope firmly anchored in Christ.
Therefore, Luke 23:43 provides profound reassurance to every believer. Salvation is a gift received by faith in Jesus Christ, leading directly into His eternal presence.
A Final Committal: Luke 23:46
Jesus’s final words before His death are recorded in Luke 23:46. They encapsulate His perfect trust and submission to the Father: “Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this, he breathed his last.”
This powerful declaration reveals Jesus’s sovereignty, even in death. It is not a cry of despair but a statement of divine purpose and ultimate triumph. This verse underscores His unique relationship with the Father and highlights His voluntary surrender as part of God’s eternal plan. Consider these key takeaways:
- Perfect Obedience: Jesus perfectly fulfilled God’s will. His life, death, and resurrection were all part of God’s redemptive plan (Philippians 2:8).
- Voluntary Sacrifice: Jesus did not have His life taken from Him; rather, He willingly laid it down (John 10:18). Committing His spirit to the Father shows His conscious control over the event.
- Trust in the Father: Even in the darkest moment, Jesus demonstrated complete faith in God. He entrusted His very spirit into the Father’s care. This offers a model for our own faith in difficult times.
- Anticipation of Resurrection: This final statement points toward a future beyond the grave. Though He committed His spirit, His body would not remain in the tomb. He would rise victorious on the third day (Matthew 28:6).
Ultimately, Luke 23:46 stands as a testament to Jesus’s divine authority and His completed mission. He died not as a victim, but as a triumphant King, perfectly submitting to the Father to secure our eternal salvation.
What is the warning in Luke 23?
Jesus’ Prophetic Words to the Daughters of Jerusalem (Luke 23:27-31)
On His way to Golgotha, Jesus encountered a group of women mourning His fate. While they lamented His suffering, Jesus turned to them not just to acknowledge their sorrow, but to offer a profound and sobering prophecy.
Luke 23:28-31 records His words:
“Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
Understanding Jesus’ Prophecy
Jesus’ words carried multiple layers of meaning, revealing His divine foresight and compassion even in the midst of His own suffering. Here is a breakdown of this solemn warning:
- A Shift in Focus: Jesus redirected the women’s grief away from Himself. He knew His sacrifice was a purposeful part of God’s redemptive plan (John 10:17-18). Therefore, He urged them to look beyond His immediate suffering and consider the future consequences facing their nation.
- Impending Judgment on Jerusalem: Jesus was primarily warning of the future destruction of Jerusalem, which occurred in A.D. 70 when the Roman army destroyed the city and its Temple. He prophesied that this judgment, a direct consequence of the nation rejecting its Messiah, would cause such extreme suffering that barrenness would be considered a blessing.
- The “Green Wood” and “Dry Wood” Analogy: This powerful metaphor highlights the severity of the coming judgment.
- Green Wood: This refers to Jesus Himself—innocent, righteous, and vibrant with life, yet suffering an unjust punishment.
- Dry Wood: This represents the spiritually barren people of Jerusalem. Jesus’ point was a chilling one: if an innocent man (the “green wood”) could suffer so greatly, how much more severe would the judgment be for the guilty (the “dry wood”) who had rejected God’s Son? The analogy underscores the terrifying consequences of unbelief.
The Enduring Message for Believers
This passage serves as a profound reminder for all generations. By foretelling the consequences of rejecting God’s grace, Jesus spoke with divine authority. His words affirm His identity not only as a suffering Messiah but also as a prophetic King who knows the future.
Ultimately, this passage highlights the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Even while bearing the weight of humanity’s sin, Jesus warned of the dire outcome for those who refuse His sacrificial love. The cross may be a symbol of suffering, but it is also the path to eternal life for all who believe (Romans 6:23). His warning, therefore, is a call for us to heed His words and embrace the salvation He freely offers.
What is the significance of the thieves in Luke 23?
Two Responses to the Savior
The scene at Calvary, described in Luke 23, is profound: Jesus Christ hung on a cross between two criminals. Although both men shared His condemnation, their responses to Him were drastically different, representing humanity’s two primary reactions to the Savior.
The first thief, while enduring his own just punishment, joined the crowd in mocking Jesus. Filled with scorn and unbelief, he challenged Jesus to save both Himself and them (Luke 23:39). In his final moments, this man chose to reject the Son of God.
In stark contrast, the second thief displayed a different spirit. He rebuked his companion, acknowledging their shared guilt while recognizing Jesus’ innocence. “Do you not even fear God,” he asked, “since you are under the same condemnation?” (Luke 23:40). He then affirmed their deserved punishment, contrasting it with Jesus’ blamelessness: “And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:41).
This contrast highlights a critical truth: even in agony, Jesus’ presence compels a choice. Ultimately, every person is confronted with Christ and must decide whether to believe or reject Him.
The Repentant Thief: A Testament to God’s Grace
The repentant thief’s plea is one of the most powerful moments in Scripture. Turning to Jesus, he made a simple request: “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). This brief sentence reveals a profound faith. Despite Jesus’ current suffering, the thief recognized His authority and future reign. He understood that Jesus was more than a dying man—He was a King.
Jesus’ immediate response provides immense comfort and hope:
- “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).
This divine promise reveals several foundational truths about God’s plan for salvation:
- God’s Boundless Grace: Salvation is not earned through good works or a lifetime of religious observance. It is freely given through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). This thief had no time for good deeds, yet he received immediate grace.
- Jesus’ Sovereign Authority: Even while being crucified, Jesus demonstrated His power over life and death and His ability to grant eternal life. He is the ultimate judge and the giver of paradise (John 5:24).
- Immediate Assurance: Jesus’ words confirm that for the repentant believer, there is no waiting period or purgatory. Paradise awaits immediately upon death for those who trust in Him [1].
- The Nature of True Repentance: The thief’s repentance was genuine. It involved acknowledging his sin, recognizing Jesus’ holiness, and humbly trusting in Him for salvation.
The story of the repentant thief powerfully affirms Jesus’ identity and mission, revealing Him as the divine Lord even in suffering. His sacrifice makes redemption available to all who turn to Him in faith, regardless of their past. This encounter underscores that Jesus is indeed Lord and Savior, whose grace extends to the very last breath.
How Does Luke 23 Affirm Jesus’s Divinity?
Luke 23 provides profound evidence of Jesus Christ’s divine nature. Even during His unjust trial and execution, His actions and the responses of others revealed His true identity. These events underscore His unparalleled authority and sinless perfection.
Declared Innocent by Earthly Rulers
One powerful affirmation of Jesus’s divinity comes from the very authorities who tried to condemn Him. Both Pontius Pilate and King Herod found no fault in Jesus. This declaration is repeated several times, highlighting His blameless character.
- Pilate’s Repeated Verdicts: Pilate publicly declared Jesus innocent, stating, “I find no guilt in this man” (Luke 23:4). He later reiterated, “You brought me this man as one who incites the people to rebellion. And behold, having examined him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges you bring against him” (Luke 23:14).
- Herod’s Agreement: Even King Herod, to whom Pilate sent Jesus, found no reason for punishment. Pilate confirmed this, saying, “Nor has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him” (Luke 23:15).
These repeated declarations of innocence are crucial, as they emphasize Jesus’s perfect righteousness. He was truly “without sin” (Hebrews 4:15), and this blamelessness made Him the perfect, spotless sacrifice required for atonement (1 Peter 1:18-19). Ultimately, only a divine being could live such a life and perfectly fulfill God’s law.
Authority Over Life and Death
On the cross, Jesus demonstrated His divine authority over eternal life itself. This profound power was on full display during His interaction with the two criminals crucified alongside Him. While one thief mocked Him, the other recognized Jesus’s holiness and pleaded for remembrance.
- The Repentant Thief’s Plea: This criminal humbly asked Jesus, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).
- Jesus’s Divine Promise: Jesus responded with an astonishing declaration of grace and authority. He said, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).
This statement is a profound affirmation of Jesus’s divinity, as only God has the power to forgive sins and grant immediate entry into His eternal presence. Jesus did not merely offer hope; He promised immediate salvation. This powerful promise confirmed His absolute dominion over death and the afterlife, showing He was not just a prophet or a good man, but the divine Son of God who holds the keys to Paradise (Revelation 1:18).
The Centurion’s Confession
As Jesus died, a Roman centurion made an unexpected and powerful confession. His admission came amidst extraordinary cosmic events surrounding the crucifixion—the sky grew dark, and the temple veil tore, signifying a profound spiritual shift (Luke 23:44-45).
- Witnessing the End: The centurion observed Jesus’s suffering and his final moments, seeing Jesus commend His spirit to God the Father (Luke 23:46).
- The Centurion’s Declaration: Overwhelmed by what he saw, the centurion praised God and exclaimed, “Certainly this man was innocent!” (Luke 23:47).
Matthew’s Gospel provides an even stronger account of the centurion’s confession: “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54). Such an affirmation from a hardened Roman soldier, an outsider to the Jewish faith, is highly significant. It was a recognition born of supernatural conviction, testifying that even those farthest from God can perceive His divine presence in Jesus. The centurion’s confession, therefore, echoes what countless believers have come to know: Jesus Christ is Lord and the Son of God.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luke 23
What is Luke 23 talking about?
Luke 23 offers a profound account of Jesus Christ’s final hours, detailing His unjust trials, His journey to be crucified, and His death on the cross. The chapter highlights the severe injustice Jesus faced while also showing His unwavering commitment to God’s redemptive plan.
Specifically, Luke 23 chronicles several key events:
- Jesus Before Pilate and Herod: Jesus is brought before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Although Pilate finds no guilt in Jesus, he sends Him to Herod Antipas, who also finds no reason to condemn Him (Luke 23:1-12). This declaration of innocence from both rulers highlights Jesus’ blamelessness.
- The Crowd’s Choice: Despite Pilate’s attempts to release Jesus, the crowd, stirred up by religious leaders, demands the release of Barabbas—a known murderer—instead. They then cry out for Jesus to be crucified (Luke 23:13-25).
- The Path to Golgotha: As Jesus carries His cross toward Golgotha, He encounters women who are weeping. He stops to deliver a prophetic warning to them about the judgment that will soon fall on Jerusalem (Luke 23:26-32).
- The Crucifixion and Final Words: At Golgotha, Jesus is crucified between two criminals. From the cross, He speaks powerful words of forgiveness, promises paradise to a repentant thief, and commits His spirit to the Father. A Roman centurion, witnessing these events, declares His righteousness (Luke 23:33-49).
- The Burial of Jesus: Finally, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, boldly requests Jesus’ body and lays Him in a new tomb (Luke 23:50-56).
In summary, Luke 23 vividly portrays the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, demonstrating His profound and obedient love for all humanity.
What are the important verses in Luke 23?
Luke 23 is rich with verses that capture profound theological truths and moments of divine grace. Here are three particularly significant passages:
- A Prayer of Forgiveness: Luke 23:34
“And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'”
This verse reveals the boundless compassion of Jesus. Even while enduring unimaginable suffering on the cross, He prayed for the very people who persecuted Him. It stands as a powerful testament to His divine nature and His mission to reconcile humanity with God.
- A Promise of Paradise: Luke 23:43
“And He said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'”
Jesus spoke these words to the repentant thief crucified beside Him. They offer incredible comfort and assurance of salvation through faith alone. This promise confirms that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not earned by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- A Final Committal: Luke 23:46
“Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this He breathed His last.”
This verse marks Jesus’ voluntary surrender of His life, signifying His absolute trust in the Father and the completion of His earthly mission. This act confirms His authority over life and death, showing He willingly laid down His life only to take it up again (John 10:18).
These verses highlight Jesus’ character, His power, and the eternal hope He offers to all who believe.
What is the warning in Luke 23?
The main warning in Luke 23 is delivered by Jesus Himself to the “daughters of Jerusalem” as He is being led to the cross (Luke 23:27-31). Seeing a group of women mourning for Him, Jesus turns to them with a sobering message.
He told them:
- Weep for Yourselves, Not for Him: Jesus tells them not to weep for His suffering, but for the devastating judgment that is coming upon them and their children. “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children” (Luke 23:28).
- A Time of Great Distress: He prophesied a time of such extreme hardship that barrenness would be considered a blessing. “For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!'” (Luke 23:29).
- Desire for Hiding: The suffering would be so great that people would wish for the mountains to fall on them, preferring a quick death. “Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us'” (Luke 23:30).
- The Fire on the Green and Dry Wood: Jesus used an analogy to explain the coming judgment’s severity. “For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” (Luke 23:31). In other words, if an innocent man (the “green wood”) could suffer like this, what terrible fate awaited the unrepentant nation (the “dry wood”)?
While this warning specifically predicted the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, it also serves as a timeless spiritual caution. It reminds every generation of the consequences of rejecting God’s Son and ignoring the call to repentance. Ultimately, the passage urges us to turn to Jesus for salvation before it is too late.
What is the significance of the thieves in Luke 23?
The presence of two thieves crucified alongside Jesus in Luke 23 is profoundly significant. They represent two distinct responses to Jesus, underscoring the universal choice that all humanity faces.
- Two Responses to the Savior:
- The Mocking Thief: One criminal joined the crowd in mocking Jesus. He challenged Him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” (Luke 23:39). This man represents those who reject Jesus, seeking only worldly rescue instead of spiritual salvation.
- The Repentant Thief: In stark contrast, the other thief rebuked his companion. He recognized Jesus’ innocence and his own sinfulness, then humbly prayed, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). This man placed his faith entirely in Jesus.
- The Repentant Thief: A Testament to God’s Grace:
The exchange with the repentant thief is one of the most powerful displays of God’s grace in the Bible. This man had no good works to offer, no time for baptism, and no ability to join a church. His only act was a heartfelt confession of faith in Jesus. In response, Jesus gave him an immediate promise of paradise: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).
This encounter teaches us several vital truths:
- Salvation Is by Grace Through Faith: The thief’s story powerfully demonstrates that salvation is a free gift received through sincere faith in Jesus, not earned by good works or religious rituals (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- It Is Never Too Late for Repentance: Even at the very end of life, anyone who genuinely turns to Jesus in faith will be saved.
- Jesus Has Authority to Grant Eternal Life: Jesus’ promise confirms His divine power to forgive sins and grant eternal life to all who believe in Him (John 14:6).
The two thieves are timeless examples of a crucial choice: to reject Jesus or to repent and receive His glorious promise of eternal life.