Luke Chapter 23
Human nature is so peculiar – we are quick to believe a lie about someone. And the more a lie is spoken the more it is accepted as truth. The accusations brought against Jesus were completely false except one; He is the Christ and He is the King!
When Jesus answered Pilate’s question, “are you the king of the Jews;” the first word in Jesus’ answer was in the emphatic. Jesus emphasized that word “you,” you said it Pilate. Jesus had just caused people in power to state the truth from their own lips – first the Jewish religious leaders said it and now a Roman authority had stated it. Whether they recognized it or not, they had spoken the truth.
When Pilate said he could find no fault in Jesus, the Jewish religious leaders became more fierce. They now shouted their lies and accusations. This was the mob mentality, the insurrectionists. Something that was strictly forbidden under Roman jurisdiction, the Jewish people were not allowed to become unruly.
Something the religious leaders said must have revealed that Jesus was from Galilee because Pilate quickly ended things and ordered Jesus to be taken to Galilee where Herod had jurisdiction.
Let's Reflect
1. Why was Herod glad to see Jesus?
2. When Jesus did not entertain Herod in the way he wanted, what did he do to Jesus?
3. Even someone who was so ruthless and evil, someone who found pleasure in executing people, said what about Jesus? See verse 14.
4. What was Pilate’s plan for Jesus since he nor Herod found any fault in Him?
5. It cannot be emphasized enough what Pilate said about Jesus. When they shouted, “crucify Him,” how did Pilate respond? What did he say a third time?
6. There were of course some who did not “buy into” the lies being propagated about Jesus. These people did what according to verse 27 when Jesus was being led to Golgotha?
7. Take note of all of the words and titles mentioned in reference to Jesus at His crucifixion. What did the rulers and soldiers call Jesus while they were mocking Him?
8. What did the thief on the cross say about Jesus? See verse 41.
9. As the Messiah breathed His last breaths, what happened in the temple?
10. The man Joseph of Arimathea that asked for the body of Jesus – did he believe the lies propagated about Jesus? What do we learn about this man?
11. There were some women from Galilee who were there when the preparation of Jesus’ body was done for the tomb. Verse 55 tells us they saw what done to Jesus’ body?
12. The next day was the Sabbath (a Saturday) which meant they did what on that day?
Devotionals
