Luke 23: Advent

Luke 23 begins with Jesus being handed over to Pontius Pilate, but Pilate did not feel Jesus was guilty of a capital offense. Jesus was sent to Herod, but Herod was looking for a show. Jesus was returned to Pilate who was content to have Jesus flogged, but the Pharisees were whipping up the crowd into a frenzy and asked for Barabbas to be released (the Pharisees were leveraging the people’s anger toward Rome in hopes they’d get Barabbas free to fight with and for them). Pilate acquiesced to their demands and gave Jesus over for crucifixion with two other criminals. We see Jesus pray for forgiveness for His tormentors, die on the cross, and buried in a borrowed tomb. Jesus gave His spirit back to God, and even one of His executioners believed.

As you read on this day before Christmas Eve, you now have the “why” for Jesus. He came to die for our sins and pay the penalty that could only be fulfilled by God’s perfect sacrifice. Let’s give thanks to God Almighty for Jesus and the gift of salvation.

You can read chapter 23 by clicking here

Reflection Questions

1. What charge did the religious leaders levy against Jesus in hopes Pilate would remove the threat He posed?

2. What was Herod looking for in Jesus?

3. Why did Pilate not want to execute Jesus?

4. Luke repeatedly reveals that the religious leaders were afraid of the people. Why would they whip them into a frenzy and try to get Barabbas released?

5. Why did Jesus need Simon the Cyrene’s help carrying the cross?

6. Verse 34 gives one of the most profound glimpses into Jesus’ heart. What does this mean to you?

7. The mocking of Jesus is heartbreaking to consider, but one of the criminals on the cross next to Jesus had a different experience. What was Jesus’ promise to him? How did that event change the criminal’s life and eternity for an untold number of people who fear they are too far gone to be saved?

8. What do Jesus’ last words signify?

9. What is the significance of Joseph of Arimathea offering his tomb to Jesus?

10. Luke 23 ends with the note that the women observed the Sabbath and awaited the time to prepare Jesus’ body. This is a cliffhanger of sorts. How do you feel knowing what you will read tomorrow?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your sacrifice. Words can’t do Justice what I feel as I read about your cruel death on the cross. As the world is so focused on Jesus as a baby in this holy season, may I be ever mindful of why you came and what you accomplished. You defeated sin and shouldered separation from Father so I would not need to. Thank you seems so inadequate, but I thank you all the same. In the name of Jesus, thank you. Amen.