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Luke Chapter
Twenty-three
Luke 23
The Gentiles
however
are not presented in this Gospel
as being voluntarily guilty. We see
no doubt
an indifference which is
flagrant injustice in a case like this
and an insolence which nothing could
excuse; but Pilate does what he can to deliver Christ
and Herod
disappointed
sends Him back unjudged. The will is altogether on the side of the Jews. That
is the characteristic of this part of the history in Luke's Gospel. Pilate
would rather not have burdened himself with this useless crime
and he despised
the Jews; but they were resolved on the crucifixion of Jesus
and require
Barabbas to be released-a seditious man and a murderer (see v. 20-25). [1]
Jesus
therefore
as He was led to Calvary
announced to the women
who with natural feeling lamented for Him
that it was all over with Jerusalem
that they had to bewail their own fate and not His; for days were coming upon
Jerusalem which would make them call those happy who had never been
mothers-days in which they would in vain seek refuge from terror and judgment.
For if in Him
the true green tree
these things were done
what would become
of the dry tree of Judaism without God? Nevertheless
at the moment of His
crucifixion
the Lord intercedes for the unhappy people: they knew not what
they did-intercession
to which Peter's discourse to the Jews (Acts 3) is the
remarkable answer by the Holy Ghost come down from heaven. The rulers among the
Jews
completely blinded
as well as the people
taunt Him with being unable to
save Himself from the cross-not knowing that it was impossible if He was a
Saviour
and that all was taken from them
and that God was establishing
another order of things
founded on atonement
in the power of eternal life by
the resurrection. Dreadful blindness
of which the poor soldiers were but
imitators
according to the malignity of human nature! But the judgment of
Israel was in their mouth
and (on God's part) upon the cross. It was the King
of the Jews who hung there-abased indeed
for a thief hung by His side could
railon Him-but in the place to which love had brought Him for the everlasting
and present salvation of souls. This was manifested at the very moment. The
insults that reproached Him for not saving Himself from the cross
had His
answer in the fate of the converted thief
who rejoined Him the same day in
Paradise.
This history is a striking demonstration of the change to
which this Gospel leads us. The King of the Jews
by their own confession
is
not delivered-He is crucified. What an end to the hopes of this people! But at
the same time a gross sinner
converted by grace on the very gibbet
goes
straight to Paradise. A soul is eternally saved. It is not the kingdom
but a
soul-out of the body-in happiness with Christ. And remark here how the
presentation of Christ brings out the wickedness of the human heart. No thief
would mock at or reproach another thief on the gibbet. But the moment it is Christ
who is there
this takes place.
But I would say a few words on the condition of the other
thief
and on the reply of Christ. We see every mark of conversion
and of the
most remarkable faith. The fear of God
the beginning of wisdom
is there;
conscience upright and vigorous. It is not "and justly" to his
fellow
but "we indeed justly"; knowledge of the perfect sinless
righteousness of Christ as man; the acknowledgment of Him as the Lord
when His
own disciples had forsaken and denied Him
and when there was no sign of His
glory or of the dignity of His Person. He was accounted by man as one like
himself. His kingdom was but a subject of scorn to all. But the poor thief is
taught of God; and all is plain. He is as sure that Christ will have the
kingdom as if He was reigning in glory. All his desire is that Christ should
remember him then; and what confidence in Christ is here shewn through the
knowledge of Him in spite of his acknowledged guilt! It shews how Christ filled
his heart
and how his confiding in grace by its brightness shut out human
shame
for who would like to be remembered in the shame of a gibbet! Divine
teaching is singularly manifested here. Do not we know by divine teaching that
Christ was sinless
and to be assured of His kingdom there was a faith above
all circumstances? He alone is a comfort to Jesus upon the cross
and makes Him
think (in answering his faith) of the Paradise that awaited Him when He should
have finished the work that His Father had given Him to do. Observe the state of
sanctification this poor man was in by faith. In all the agonies of the cross
and while believing Jesus to be the Lord
he seeks no relief at His hands
but
asks that He will remember him in His kingdom. He is filled with one thought-to
have his portion with Jesus. He believes that the Lord will return; he believes
in the kingdom
while the King is rejected and crucified
and when
as to man
there was no longer any hope. But the reply of Jesus goes farther in the
revelation of that proper to this Gospel
and adds that which brings in
not
the kingdom
but everlasting life
the happiness of the soul. The thief had
asked Jesus to remember him when He returned in His kingdom. The Lord replies
that he should not wait for that day of manifested glory which would be visible
to the world
but that this very day he should be with Him in Paradise.
Precious testimony
and perfect grace! Jesus crucified was more than King-He
was Saviour. The poor malefactor was a testimony to it
and the joy and
consolation of the Lord's heart-the first-fruits of the love which had placed
them side by side
where
if the poor thief bore the fruit of his sins from
man
the Lord of glory at his side was bearing the fruit of them from God
treated as Himself a malefactor in the same condemnation. Through a work
unknown to man save by faith the sins of His companion were for ever put away
they no longer existed
their remembrance was only that of the grace which had
taken them away
and which had for ever cleansed his soul from them
making him
that moment as fit to enter Paradise as Christ Himself his companion there!
The Lord then
having fulfilled all things
and still
full of strength
commends His spirit to His Father. He commits it to Him
the
last act of that which composed His whole life-the perfect energy of the Holy
Ghost acting in a perfect confidence in His Father
and dependence upon Him. He
commits His spirit to His Father
and expires. For it was death that He had
before Him-but death in absolute faith which trusted in His Father-death with
God by faith; and not the death that separated from God. Meantime nature veiled
itself-acknowledged the departure from this world of Him who had created it.
All is darkness. But on the other hand God reveals Himself-the veil of the
temple is rent in twain from the top to the bottom. God had hidden Himself in
thick darkness-the way into the holiest had not yet been manifested. But now
there is no longer a veil; that which has put sin away through perfect love now
shines forth
while the holiness of God's presence is joy to the heart
and not
torment. What brings us into the presence of perfect holiness without a veil
put away the sin which forbade us to be there. Our communion is with Him
through Christ
holy and unblameable before Him in love.
The poor centurion
struck with all that had taken place
confesses-such is the power of the cross upon the conscience-that this Jesus
whom he has crucified was certainly the righteous man. I say conscience
because I do not pretend to say that it went any farther than that in the case
of the centurion. We see the same effect on the spectators: they went away
smiting their breasts. They perceived that something solemn had happened-that
they had fatally compromised themselves with God.
[1] This
wilful guilt of the Jews is strongly brought out in John's Gospel also
that
is
their national guilt. Pilate treats them with contempt; and there it is
they say
"We have no king but Caesar."
── John Darby《Synopsis of Luke》
Luke 23
Chapter Contents
Christ before Pilate. (1-5) Christ before Herod. (6-12)
Barabbas preferred to Christ. (13-25) Christ speaks of the destruction of
Jerusalem. (26-31) The crucifixion
The repentant malefactor. (32-43) The death
of Christ. (44-49) The burial of Christ. (50-56)
Commentary on Luke 23:1-5
(Read Luke 23:1-5)
Pilate well understood the difference between armed forces
and our Lord's followers. But instead of being softened by Pilate's declaration
of his innocence
and considering whether they were not bringing the guilt of
innocent blood upon themselves
the Jews were the more angry. The Lord brings
his designs to a glorious end
even by means of those who follow the devices of
their own hearts. Thus all parties joined
so as to prove the innocence of
Jesus
who was the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Commentary on Luke 23:6-12
(Read Luke 23:6-12)
Herod had heard many things of Jesus in Galilee
and out
of curiosity longed to see him. The poorest beggar that asked a miracle for the
relief of his necessity
was never denied; but this proud prince
who asked for
a miracle only to gratify his curiosity
is refused. He might have seen Christ
and his wondrous works in Galilee
and would not
therefore it is justly said
Now he would see them
and shall not. Herod sent Christ again to Pilate: the friendships
of wicked men are often formed by union in wickedness. They agree in little
except in enmity to God
and contempt of Christ.
Commentary on Luke 23:13-25
(Read Luke 23:13-25)
The fear of man brings many into this snare
that they
will do an unjust thing
against their consciences
rather than get into
trouble. Pilate declares Jesus innocent
and has a mind to release him; yet
to
please the people
he would punish him as an evil-doer. If no fault be found in
him
why chastise him? Pilate yielded at length; he had not courage to go
against so strong a stream. He delivered Jesus to their will
to be crucified.
Commentary on Luke 23:26-31
(Read Luke 23:26-31)
We have here the blessed Jesus
the Lamb of God
led as a
lamb to the slaughter
to the sacrifice. Though many reproached and reviled
him
yet some pitied him. But the death of Christ was his victory and triumph
over his enemies: it was our deliverance
the purchase of eternal life for us.
Therefore weep not for him
but let us weep for our own sins
and the sins of
our children
which caused his death; and weep for fear of the miseries we
shall bring upon ourselves
if we slight his love
and reject his grace. If God
delivered him up to such sufferings as these
because he was made a sacrifice
for sin
what will he do with sinners themselves
who make themselves a dry
tree
a corrupt and wicked generation
and good for nothing! The bitter
sufferings of our Lord Jesus should make us stand in awe of the justice of God.
The best saints
compared with Christ
are dry trees; if he suffer
why may not
they expect to suffer? And what then shall the damnation of sinners be! Even
the sufferings of Christ preach terror to obstinate transgressors.
Commentary on Luke 23:32-43
(Read Luke 23:32-43)
As soon as Christ was fastened to the cross
he prayed
for those who crucified him. The great thing he died to purchase and procure
for us
is the forgiveness of sin. This he prays for. Jesus was crucified
between two thieves; in them were shown the different effects the cross of
Christ would have upon the children of men in the preaching the gospel. One
malefactor was hardened to the last. No troubles of themselves will change a
wicked heart. The other was softened at the last: he was snatched as a brand
out of the burning
and made a monument of Divine mercy. This gives no
encouragement to any to put off repentance to their death-beds
or to hope that
they shall then find mercy. It is certain that true repentance is never too
late; but it is as certain that late repentance is seldom true. None can be sure
they shall have time to repent at death
but every man may be sure he cannot
have the advantages this penitent thief had. We shall see the case to be
singular
if we observe the uncommon effects of God's grace upon this man. He
reproved the other for railing on Christ. He owned that he deserved what was
done to him. He believed Jesus to have suffered wrongfully. Observe his faith
in this prayer. Christ was in the depth of disgrace
suffering as a deceiver
and not delivered by his Father. He made this profession before the wonders
were displayed which put honour on Christ's sufferings
and startled the
centurion. He believed in a life to come
and desired to be happy in that life;
not like the other thief
to be only saved from the cross. Observe his humility
in this prayer. All his request is
Lord
remember me; quite referring it to
Jesus in what way to remember him. Thus he was humbled in true repentance
and
he brought forth all the fruits for repentance his circumstances would admit.
Christ upon the cross
is gracious like Christ upon the throne. Though he was
in the greatest struggle and agony
yet he had pity for a poor penitent. By
this act of grace we are to understand that Jesus Christ died to open the
kingdom of heaven to all penitent
obedient believers. It is a single instance
in Scripture; it should teach us to despair of none
and that none should
despair of themselves; but lest it should be abused
it is contrasted with the
awful state of the other thief
who died hardened in unbelief
though a crucified
Saviour was so near him. Be sure that in general men die as they live.
Commentary on Luke 23:44-49
(Read Luke 23:44-49)
We have here the death of Christ magnified by the wonders
that attended it
and his death explained by the words with which he breathed
out his soul. He was willing to offer himself. Let us seek to glorify God by
true repentance and conversion; by protesting against those who crucify the
Saviour; by a sober
righteous
and godly life; and by employing our talents in
the service of Him who died for us and rose again.
Commentary on Luke 23:50-56
(Read Luke 23:50-56)
Many
though they do not make any show in outward
profession
yet
like Joseph of Arimathea
will be far more ready to do real
service
when there is occasion
than others who make a greater noise. Christ
was buried in haste
because the sabbath drew on. Weeping must not hinder sowing.
Though they were in tears for the death of their Lord
yet they must prepare to
keep holy the sabbath. When the sabbath draws on
there must be preparation.
Our worldly affairs must be so ordered
that they may not hinder us from our
sabbath work; and our holy affections so stirred up
that they may carry us on
in it. In whatever business we engage
or however our hearts may be affected
let us never fail to get ready for
and to keep holy
the day of sacred rest
which is the Lord's day.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Luke》
Luke 23
Verse 4
[4] Then
said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people
I find no fault in this
man.
Then said Pilate —
After having heard his defence-I find no fault in this man - I do not find that
he either asserts or attempts any thing seditious or injurious to Cesar.
Verse 5
[5] And they were the more fierce
saying
He stirreth up the people
teaching
throughout all Jewry
beginning from Galilee to this place.
He stirreth up the people
beginning from
Galilee — Probably they mentioned Galilee to alarm
Pilate
because the Galileans were notorious for sedition and rebellion.
Verse 7
[7] And
as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction
he sent him to
Herod
who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.
He sent him to Herod — As his proper judge.
Verse 8
[8] And
when Herod saw Jesus
he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of
a long season
because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have
seen some miracle done by him.
He had been long desirous to see him — Out of mere curiosity.
Verse 9
[9] Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
He questioned him —
Probably concerning the miracles which were reported to have been wrought by him.
Verse 11
[11] And
Herod with his men of war set him at nought
and mocked him
and arrayed him in
a gorgeous robe
and sent him again to Pilate.
Herod set him at nought — Probably judging him to be a fool
because he answered nothing.
In a splendid robe — In
royal apparel; intimating that he feared nothing from this king.
Verse 15
[15] No
nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and
lo
nothing worthy of death is done
unto him.
He hath done nothing worthy of death — According to the judgment of Herod also.
Verse 16
[16] I
will therefore chastise him
and release him.
I will therefore chastise him — Here Pilate began to give ground
which only encouraged them to press
on. Matthew 27:15; Mark 15:6; John 18:39.
Verse 22
[22] And
he said unto them the third time
Why
what evil hath he done? I have found no
cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him
and let him go.
He said to them the third time
Why
what
evil hath he done? — As Peter
a disciple of Christ
dishonoured him by denying him thrice
so Pilate
a heathen
honoured Christ
by thrice owning him to be innocent.
Verse 26
[26] And
as they led him away
they laid hold upon one Simon
a Cyrenian
coming out of
the country
and on him they laid the cross
that he might bear it after Jesus.
Matthew 27:31; Mark 15:21; John 19:16.
Verse 30
[30] Then
shall they begin to say to the mountains
Fall on us; and to the hills
Cover
us.
Verse 31
[31] For
if they do these things in a green tree
what shall be done in the dry?
If they do these things in the green tree
what shall be done in the dry? — Our Lord makes use of
a proverbial expression
frequent among the Jews
who compare a good man to a
green tree
and a bad man to a dead one: as if he had said
If an innocent
person suffer thus
what will become of the wicked? Of those who are as ready
for destruction as dry wood for the fire?
Verse 34
[34] Then
said Jesus
Father
forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they
parted his raiment
and cast lots.
Then said Jesus —
Our Lord passed most of the time on the cross in silence: yet seven sentences
which he spoke thereon are recorded by the four evangelists
though no one
evangelist has recorded them all. Hence it appears that the four Gospels are
as it were
four parts
which
joined together
make one symphony. Sometimes
one of these only
sometimes two or three
sometimes all sound together.
Father — So
he speaks both in the beginning and at the end of his sufferings on the cross:
Forgive them - How striking is this passage! While they are actually nailing
him to the cross
he seems to feel the injury they did to their own souls more
than the wounds they gave him; and as it were to forget his own anguish out of
a concern for their own salvation. And how eminently was his prayer heard! It
procured forgiveness for all that were penitent
and a suspension of vengeance
even for the impenitent.
Verse 35
[35] And
the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him
saying
He saved others; let him save himself
if he be Christ
the chosen of God.
If thou be the Christ; Luke 23:37.
If thou be the king —
The priests deride the name of Messiah: the soldiers the name of king.
Verse 38
[38] And
a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek
and Latin
and
Hebrew
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Matthew 27:37; Mark 15:26; John 19:19.
Verse 39
[39] And
one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him
saying
If thou be
Christ
save thyself and us.
And one of the malefactors reviled him — St. Matthew says
the robbers: St. Mark
they that were crucified with
him
reviled him. Either therefore St. Matthew and Mark put the plural for the
singular (as the best authors sometimes do) or both reviled him at the first
till one of them felt "the overwhelming power of saving grace."
Verse 40
[40] But
the other answering rebuked him
saying
Dost not thou fear God
seeing thou
art in the same condemnation?
The other rebuked him — What a surprising degree was here of repentance
faith
and other
graces! And what abundance of good works
in his public confession of his sin
reproof of his fellow criminal
his honourable testimony to Christ
and
profession of faith in him
while he was in so disgraceful circumstances as
were stumbling even to his disciples! This shows the power of Divine grace. But
it encourages none to put off their repentance to the last hour; since
as far
as appears
this was the first time this criminal had an opportunity of knowing
any thing of Christ
and his conversion was designed to put a peculiar glory on
our Saviour in his lowest state
while his enemies derided him
and his own
disciples either denied or forsook him.
Verse 42
[42] And
he said unto Jesus
Lord
remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Remember me when thou comest — From heaven
in thy kingdom - He acknowledges him a king
and such a
king
as after he is dead
can profit the dead. The apostles themselves had not
then so clear conceptions of the kingdom of Christ.
Verse 43
[43] And
Jesus said unto him
Verily I say unto thee
To day shalt thou be with me in
paradise.
In paradise —
The place where the souls of the righteous remain from death till the
resurrection. As if he had said
I will not only remember thee then
but this
very day.
Verse 44
[44] And
it was about the sixth hour
and there was a darkness over all the earth until
the ninth hour.
There was darkness over all the earth — The noon-tide darkness
covering the sun
obscured all the upper
hemisphere. And the lower was equally darkened
the moon being in opposition to
the sun
and so receiving no light from it. Matthew 27:45.
Verse 45
[45] And
the sun was darkened
and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
Verse 46
[46] And
when Jesus had cried with a loud voice
he said
Father
into thy hands I
commend my spirit: and having said thus
he gave up the ghost.
Father
into thy hands — The Father receives the Spirit of Jesus: Jesus himself the spirits of
the faithful.
Verse 47
[47] Now
when the centurion saw what was done
he glorified God
saying
Certainly this
was a righteous man.
Certainly this was a righteous man — Which implies an approbation of all he had done and taught.
Verse 48
[48] And
all the people that came together to that sight
beholding the things which
were done
smote their breasts
and returned.
All the people —
Who had not been actors therein
returned smiting their breasts - In testimony
of sorrow.
Verse 50
[50] And
behold
there was a man named Joseph
a counsellor; and he was a good man
and
a just:
Matthew 27:57; Mark 15:43; John 19:38.
── John ‘Wesley《Explanatory Notes on Luke》
Chapter 23. Go Through Death
One Criminal
Blasphemes
The Other Repents
I. Tried before
Pilate
II. Jesus
Crucified
III. Buried
with the Rich
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》