Jesus is handed over to Pilate and Herod and crucified. May we exalt our God for His payment of exceeding grace for our sin.
Luke 23: Jesus Before Pilate
1 Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate.
2 And they began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king."
3 And Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" And he answered him, "You have said so."
4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, "I find no guilt in this man."
5 But they were urgent, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place."
Jesus Before Herod
6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean.
7 And when he learned that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time.
8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him.
9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer.
10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him.
11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate.
12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.
13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
14 and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him.
15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him.
16 I will therefore punish and release him."
17
Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified
18 But they all cried out together, "Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas"---
19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder.
20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus,
21 but they kept shouting, "Crucify, crucify him!"
22 A third time he said to them, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him."
23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed.
24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted.
25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.
The Crucifixion
26 And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus.
27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him.
28 But turning to them Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
29 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!'
30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us,' and to the hills, 'Cover us.'
31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him.
33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.
34 And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments.
35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!"
36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine
37 and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!"
38 There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
40 But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."
42 And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43 And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
The Death of Jesus
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour,
45 while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
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.
47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, "Certainly this man was innocent!"
48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts.
49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.
Jesus Is Buried
50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man,
51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God.
52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid.
54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning.
55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid.
56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
Things to think about…
1. Look at Luke 23:6-16. Jesus is before Herod. Herod was called ‘a fox’ by Jesus and Herod desperately wanted to get Jesus to do some miracle (read trick) for him. Even if Christ performed a miracle before him do you think Herod would have repented of his sin? Can you think of any modern-day applications where this type of Herodian spirit is being expressed either inside or outside the church? The western church is very much in danger of seeking after experiences rather than genuine spirit led expression. Miracles don’t save, grace saves. Miracles do however point to the person and work of Christ, so we rejoice when we see them occur in Jesus’ name.
2. Of all the prisoners that Pilate would have had opportunity to release, why do you think that people asked for Barabbas to be released over Jesus, Luke 23:18? Barabbas had committed insurrection against the Romans. He was probably seen as more of a saviour in their eyes than Jesus at this point. They didn’t realise that they needed saving from sin rather than from the Romans. Many would realise the difference just 50 days hence at Pentecost.
3. The testimony from Pilate regarding the innocence of Jesus is worthy of consideration. The people cry out for Pilate to “crucify, crucify” Jesus. Pilate answers, vs 22 “, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death.” The worldly governor knew the truth about Jesus even being warned by his wife to have nothing to do with His condemnation, Mt 27:19. Religious people who have hardened their hearts to the Holy Spirit are the worst kind of rebels. These hypocrites are sadly found in both the pulpit and the pew on occasion.
4. In Luke 23:28-31 Jesus addresses the “daughters of Jerusalem”. What part of history is Jesus speaking to them about when he says, “weep for yourselves and your children”, vs 28. Ans:- AD70 when Jerusalem would be destroyed by Rome – after a long and cruel 3 year siege. When abundant grace has been shown, accountability for that knowledge must follow. Pray for the prodigals from many Christian homes that have heard the gospel since their birth. Pray they return with faith, repentance and restoration.
5. Another prophecy is fulfilled in Luke 23:34 with the casting of lots for Jesus clothing from Psalm 22:18. Jesus perfectly fulfills both the law and the prophets even to the point of death. Is there any other saviour like this? Indeed not.
6. How much theology do you need to receive a pass from Jesus to enter into heaven? How much theology do you think the thief on the cross next to Jesus had when Jesus said to him ‘today you will be with me in paradise’? The gift of saving faith by God’s grace is enough. Just accept Jesus as your Saviour from sin and it is done.
7. The darkness for 3 hours described in Luke 23:44 represented a number of things. The darkness of the human heart is one, but also that the light of the Father that was turned away from His Son as He took on the sin of the world. Another is alluded to in Luke 23:45. The old covenant was ripped apart. The veil in the temple was torn. We can now come to Christ directly by faith rather than by the sacrificial system via the Levitical priesthood.
8. There is a misunderstanding of an old version of the Nicene Creed which says Jesus entered Hell. The original document says that He died and was buried for three days. Jesus’ testimony is that he went straight into the father’s presence, Luke 23:46. Jesus did not have to pay off the devil. He had to pay the Father on our behalf. Have you ever been confused on this issue? The hell Jesus went through was being separated from the Father as He turned His face away.
9. In Luke 23:50 we are introduced to the noble character of Joseph of Arimathea. His compassionate actions fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy that He would be buried among the wealthy, Isa 53:9. How do you think Joseph’s actions would have been received by the other council members? Have you ever been placed in a similar position where friends or close associates would be critical of your devotion to Jesus? Both Matthew, Mt 27:57-60 and Luke only mention Joseph wrapping the body of Jesus. But John, Jn 19:38-42 mentions that there was another man who was involved with Joseph. This was Nicodemus who had sought out Jesus by night. These two men were emboldened, not to mention unclean after touching the dead body of Christ. Fortunately, it was the Passover and the normal rule of uncleanness did not apply, Num 9:6-14. We also carry about the death of Jesus in our message, but we live in the light of His resurrection.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Prayer Points
1. ‘One for Israel’ have asked for our prayers. There is another court case this month against them for proclaiming Jesus as Israel’s Messiah. The message of Yeshua is seen as anti-Israel and could have profound consequences, potentially leading to the gagging of the gospel in Israel
2. Members quarterly meeting on Sunday - New members will be voted upon. See CBC’s Youtube page if you need to see the new members classes.
3. Pray for peace over the Israel/Gaza, Ukraine/Russian wars.
4. New Life group starting soon in Fernvale/Lowood after membership course
5. Those that haven’t come to church for a while to return.
6. Revival over our city.
7. Finances to cover our needs
8. Pray for PlayPatch, Kids church, Creche and Kids Hope at Karalee State school.
9. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. Final session of New Members completed. We look forward to welcoming new members next Sunday
2. More visitors on Sunday
3. The Lord’s grace over our lives and country
4. Café, music, kids church, admin, sound and technical team every week
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Quarterly Members Meeting 25th May after church.
2. Ministries this week. Life groups, Kids@Church, Kids Hope - Karalee.
3. PlayPatch 1-5yos, Fridays 9:30am at church.
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for May...
Q. 32. What is a change of heart called? A. Regeneration.
Bible References – Titus 3:5-7.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
