Study 54. Luke 23:1-36

 11. Notice how the elders accused Jesus to the Roman governor (23:2). Were their charges just? How do you know? (Lk 20:20-26, 22:49-52; Jn 18:36)

There were 3 charges and one additional comment:

• 'misleading our nation' ( = inciting revolt, sedition)
  
• 'forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar'
• 'saying that he himself is Christ, a king'

'He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place'

Pilate’s first question (lit "You are the king of the Jews?") of Jesus is identically worded in all four Gospels and in all four his 'you' is emphatic (Morris)

Jesus could not say 'no'. Nor could he say, 'yes'.

12. Why did Pilate pronounce Jesus innocent? (Lk 23:4, 13-15)? How did Pilate interpret the elders' accusation and Jesus' words (23:1-4)?

"You have said so.” parallels the “You say that I am.” of 22:70

 

Jesus did not defend Himself (Mt 27:12) - not the action of a desperate rebel. (cf. Is 53:7)

Pilate knew the Jewish leaders had acted out of envy (Mk 14:10, Mt 27:18)

His wife had warned him that Jesus was innocent (Mt 27:19)\

'the Gospels make it plain that he tried hard to avoid making a decision. He started by trying to get the Jews to deal with the whole matter themselves (John 18:31). Later he sent Jesus to Herod (7). He attempted to get the Jews to accept Jesus as the prisoner to be released at Passover (Mark 15:6), and he offered to beat Jesus and release him (16). But in the end he could not avoid making the fateful decision.' (Morris)

13. Describe Herod's attitude toward Jesus (23:8-11)

Herod was happy to meet Jesus and to have the chance to see a miracle by Him 

Jesus made no answer, so his attitude changed to contempt and mockery.

This is an indication of superficial attraction- attitude changes once expectations are not met.

 

"He is the only person to whom Jesus said nothing at all" (Morris)

 

Why is it important that Pilate and Herod both found Jesus innocent of breaking any law (23:13-16, 22) Why did Pilate condemn Jesus? (23:20-25)

 

The voices of the crowd: many, urgent, loud

Insistent (Mk 15:14, 23:21)

Fear of personal loss (19:12)

 

These are also reasons for us to make ungodly decisions

 

How is Jesus' conduct in 22:39-23:25 a model for Christians? Name some specific ways.

Surrender to the Father and committing all things to His will

Mercy to enemies

Assertion of innocence 

Silence and restraint

Matching words with the one who needed to hear them

"But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. ²¹ For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. ²² He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. ²³ When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." (1 Pet 2:20-23)

• Not sinning and not lying under stress
• Not returning insults for insult
• Not calling on authority to harm
• Trusting in God's righteous judgment
  

14. How does 23:28-31 suggest Jesus felt toward His mourners?

Compassion and concern

15. Describe Jesus' attitude toward His executioners (23:34)?

What is the green tree and the dry? (cf. Jer 11:16-17, 27:7-8)
What were "these things" that were being done?

"This looks like a proverbial saying. Several possible meanings have been suggested. If the innocent Jesus suffered thus, what will be the fate of the guilty Jews? If the Romans treat thus One whom they admit to be innocent, what will they do to the guilty? If the Jews treat like this Jesus who had come to bring salvation, what will be their punishment for destroying him? If the Jews behave like this before their wickedness reaches its consummation, what will they be like when it does? If grief is aroused by the present events, what will it be when the subsequent disaster strikes? None is impossible, but perhaps the first suggestion is to be preferred" (Morris)

Leon Morris, Luke: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 3, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988), 343–344.