231 Then the whole body of them got up and brought Him before Pilate . 2 And they began to accuse Him, saying , "We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar , and saying that He Himself is Christ , a King ." 3 So Pilate asked Him, saying , "Are You the King of the Jews ?" And He answered him and said , " It is as you say ." 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds , " I find no guilt in this man . 5 But they kept on insisting , saying , "He stirs up the people , teaching all over Judea , starting from Galilee even as far as this place ."
6 When Pilate heard it, he asked whether the man was a Galilean . 7 And when he learned that He belonged e to Herod's jurisdiction , he sent Him to Herod , who himself also was in Jerusalem at that time . 8 Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus ; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time , because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him. 9 And he questioned Him at some length e ; but He answered him nothing . 10 And the chief priests and the scribes were standing there, accusing Him vehemently . 11 And Herod with his soldiers , after treating Him with contempt and mocking Him, dressed Him in a gorgeous robe and sent Him back to Pilate . 12 Now Herod and Pilate became friends with one another that very day ; for before they had been e enemies with each other .
13 Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people , 14 and said to them, "You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion , and behold , having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him 15 "No , nor has Herod , for he sent Him back to us; and behold , nothing deserving death has been done by Him. 16 "Therefore I will punish Him and release Him." 17 [Now he was obliged e to release to them at the feast one prisoner.] 18 But they cried out all together , saying , " Away with this man , and release for us Barabbas !" 19 (He was one who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city , and for murder . 20 Pilate , wanting to release Jesus , addressed them again , 21 but they kept on calling out, saying , "Crucify , crucify Him! 22 And he said to them the third time , "Why , what evil has this man done ? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death ; therefore I will punish Him and release Him." 23 But they were insistent , with loud voices asking that He be crucified . And their voices began to prevail . 24 And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted . 25 And he released the man they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder , but he delivered Jesus to their will .
26 When they led Him away , they seized a man , Simon of Cyrene , coming in from the country , and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus . 27 And following Him was a large crowd of the people , and of women who were mourning and lamenting Him. 28 But Jesus turning to them said , "Daughters of Jerusalem , stop weeping for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children . 29 "For behold , the days are coming when e they will say , ' Blessed are the barren , and the wombs that never bore , and the breasts that never nursed .' 30 "Then they will begin TO SAY TO THE MOUNTAINS , 'FALL ON US,' AND TO THE HILLS , 'COVER US.' 31 "For if they do these things when the tree is green , what will happen when it is dry ?"
32 Two others also , who were criminals , were being led away to be put to death with Him. 33 When they came to the place called The Skull , there they crucified Him and the criminals , one on the right and the other on the left . 34 But Jesus was saying , " Father , forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing ." And they cast lots , dividing up His garments among themselves. 35 And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying , "He saved others ; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God , His Chosen One ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 23:1-35
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.