sign in sign up
<<
Home , Luke 23

Bible Study: Wednesday, May 5, 2021 Rev. Neely Gaston Luke 23:1-56 Trial and the Cross

Luke 22 The Passover, Betrayal, Lord’s Supper, Denial : 1-2 The Plot to Kill The Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover. The chief priests and the scribes were plotting in secret as to how to kill Jesus. The Passover was celebrated annually in remembrance of Israel’s exodus from Egypt. Thousands came each year to to celebrate this seven-day festival, and the chief priests and scribes were reluctant to arrest Jesus openly because of His great popularity with the people. Preparations for the Passover meal were made on Thursday afternoon and the meal was celebrated after sundown on Thursday evening. Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper later that evening. Luke 22: 3-6 Judas will betray Jesus Satan entered into Judas. Judas had never really believed in Jesus (John 6:64, 70), though apparently none of the other disciples realized it. Satan prompts Judas to go to the chief priests with a plot to betray Him. John records this as well in John 13: 27. Judas agreed to betray Jesus apart from a crowd. Luke 22: 7-13 Preparations for the Passover Meal The Passover had to eaten within the walls of Jerusalem (Dt. 16:5-6). The Passover lamb was to be sacrificed at the Temple, then roasted, and served with various side dishes. Peter and John were to follow a man carrying water and to enter into the house into which he goes. There they found a large upper room, just as Jesus said. The Passover meal consisted of roasted lamb, unleavened bread, bitter herbs, vegetables dipped in salt water, and wine. Luke 22: 14-23 Institution of the Lord’s Supper Jesus earnestly desired to eat this meal with His disciples. 1. The meal represented the founding of the nation of Israel. 2. Jesus Himself was now about to become the true Passover Lamb who would be sacrificed for the sins of His people. 3. This Lord’s Supper would symbolize the giving of His body and blood for the salvation of His people. 4. This Passover meal would be the precursor of the “marriage supper of the Lamb” in heaven. Bread was taken, blessed, broken, and given to His disciples. The cup is the new covenant given by the blood of Jesus poured out for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus also remarks, “the hand of him who betrays me is with me at the table.” Luke 22:24-30 Who is the Greatest? A dispute arose among the disciples as to which of them were to be the greatest. They were still thinking of a political liberator. Jesus says that the greatest is to become as the youngest. It is the servant leader who is the greatest. Luke 22:31-34 Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial Jesus’ use of the pre-Christian name of Peter – Simon – indicates his forthcoming denial. Satan is attempting to cause all of them to fall. Peter is told he will deny Jesus three times before the rooster crows. Luke 22: 35-38 Scripture Must be Fulfilled in Jesus Jesus prepare His disciples for their post- resurrection mission. Jesus is numbered with the transgressors, yet He lived without sin. Go prepared to fight the spiritual fight with the . Luke 22: 39-46 Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives Jesus prays in the garden of Gethsemane – which means oil press. He calls His disciples to stay awake with Him, to pray they will not enter into temptation, and Jesus prayed in agony – sweating blood mixed with sweat – hematidrosis. Luke 22: 47-53 The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus The crowd of temple police and priests come to arrest Jesus, notified by the kiss of Judas. The ear of one of the crowd was cut off, yet healed by the touch of Jesus. Jesus had taught day after day at the Temple, but “this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” Luke 22: 54-62 Peter Denies Jesus Jesus was taken to the high priest’s house, and Peter followed at a distance. was the High Priest. Peter denies to a woman, to a man, and to others three times he does not know Jesus. Jesus turned and looked at Peter. Peter went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22: 63-71 Jesus is Mocked and brought before the Council Jesus was blindfolded, mocked, struck, and became the object of blasphemy. Are you the Son of God? You say that I am. What further testimony do we need? Luke 23: 1-5 Jesus Before Pilate Only the Roman authorities could impose capital punishment. The charges are now recast from religious to political. Normally Caesar would have been in Caesarea, not Jerusalem. He was there because of the threat during Passover for political disorder and rebellion. The charged Jesus with “misleading the nation” and forbidding tribute to Caesar. Thirdly, He was charged with claiming he himself is the Christ, a king. Pilate dismisses the first two charges and asks, “Are you king of the Jews?” “You have said so.” “I find no guilt in this man.” The chief priests and the crowds will not give up – “He stirs up the people…” Luke 23: 6-16 Jesus Before Herod Pilate asked whether Jesus was a Galilean. The answer was yes, so he sent him to be tried under Herod’s jurisdiction. Herod wanted to see Jesus perform some sign or miracle as he had heard about all Jesus had done. Herod questioned Jesus, but no answer came from him. His silence fulfilled :7, and places his death squarely on his accusers. Herod nor Pilate find Jesus guilty of any crime. (Some manuscripts add vs 17, “Now he was obliged to release one man to them at the festival.) Pilate decides he will only punish Jesus and then release Him. Luke 23:18-25 Pilate Delivers Jesus to be Crucified Three times Pilate found Jesus innocent, and Pilate had hoped to release Jesus, but due to the demands of the crowd, he released Barabbas. They demanded Jesus be crucified. Luke 23: 26-43 The Crucifixion Luke’s Gospel is the only account to record Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem (vv. 27-31) This is preceded by the recording of Simon of Cyrene carrying the cross of Jesus. Jesus quotes Zechariah 12: 10-14. The green wood – Jesus – is being destroyed, how much more will the dry wood – the sinful nation of Israel. Jesus is crucified with two criminals, that prophecy of Isaiah 53:12 would be fulfilled – that Jesus in His death would be “numbered with the transgressors.” The Skull, or Golgotha, in Latin, Calvariae, was the place of the crucifixion, outside the city walls of Jerusalem. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” The soldiers cast lots for his clothing (:18). The Sanhedrin and the crowds continue to mock Jesus. “This is the King of the Jews.” Luke only records vv. 39-43, The curse of one criminal, and the confession of the other. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23: 44-49 The Death of Jesus Noon until 3:00 p.m. darkness covers the land, a sign of lament and divine judgment, not an eclipse of the sun since Passover was during the full moon. An eclipse of the sun can only take place during a new moon. The sun’s light failed as Jesus took upon himself the sins of the world. The curtain of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom, significant as God would no longer be separated from His people. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” “Certainly this man was innocent!” Luke makes sure the reader realizes the innocence of Jesus. The people went home beating their breasts, symbolic of grief and repentance. Luke 23: 50-56 Jesus is Buried Jesus is buried in the unused tomb of Joseph of Arimethea, a good and righteous man, looking for the Kingdom of God, a believer. He received permission to take down the body, wrapped him in a linen shroud, and laid Him in the tomb. The women saw the tomb, and where His body was laid, and returned to prepare spices and ointments. They rested on the Sabbath Day.