Luke 23 picks up after the chief priests and teachers of the law had determined that Jesus was guilty. They took Him to Pilate and made accusations against Him. Pilate asked Him questions and told the crowd that he “found no basis for a charge against this man.” The people present continued their charges against Him. When Pilate heard them say that He was a Galilean, he realized that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, so he sent Him to Herod. Herod was pleased to see Jesus, for he had been wanting to see Him perform a sign. He asked Jesus numerous questions, but Jesus gave no answer. It was then that Herod and his soldiers dressed Him in robe and mocked Him. They then sent Him back to Pilate. Pilate told the crowd that neither he nor Herod found basis for charges against Jesus and proposed punishment and release. The crowd called for a prisoner to be released in Jesus’s place and to crucify Jesus. Three times Pilate appealed to the crowd, for he recognized that Jesus had done nothing deserving of death. Those present continued to insist that Jesus be crucified, and Pilate gave in to avoid an insurrection. Soldiers let Him away, forcing Simon from Cyrene to carry His cross behind Jesus. There were two other men that were to be crucified with Jesus at the place they called the Skull. As they hung Him upon the cross and cast lots for His clothes, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (verse 34) Rulers and soldiers mocked and insulted Him, and one of the criminals did the same. However, the other criminal rebuked him and spoke truth as he recognized that he and the other criminal were deserving of death, but Jesus had done nothing wrong. Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” (verse 42-43) Darkness came over the entire land for three hours, even though it was mid-day. As Jesus surrendered His Spirit to God, the temple curtain tore in two and He breathed His last breath. The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” (verse 47) Joseph, a member of the Council, who was good and upright, asked for Jesus’ body to bury. The women who had come with Jesus followed Joseph to see where Jesus had been laid so that they could prepare the perfumes and spices for burial, but had to rest on the Sabbath in accordance with the Commandments.
Falsely accused,
crowds tried make a case;
Pilate could see,
death wasn’t the way.
Sent to Herod,
hoping he’d agree;
death not deserved,
Jesus should be freed.
Herod sent back,
beaten and bruised;
Pilate gave in,
cross for the accused.
Off to the hill,
the place called the Skull;
with criminals,
foretold was fulfilled.
One criminal,
knew he had done wrong;
he asked Jesus,
if he could belong.
Jesus assured,
that he soon would be,
in paradise,
both saved and set free.
Darkness then came,
the veil tore in two;
He breathed His last,
all seemed over, through.
Body taken,
to burial place;
women followed,
to know where He’s laid.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to save us. Jesus, thank You that Your love is what held You to that cross to bear the weight of all of our sin. Forgive us for not thanking You enough for all that You endured on our behalf. Teach us to be ever aware of the weight You bore, and give You all our gratitude for the opportunity to be in relationship with You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make Your goodness known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for who You are and for Your love that goes far beyond what our hearts can comprehend. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how He died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” – Mark 15:39