Luke 23:1 ¶ And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.
Luke 23:2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
Luke 23:3 And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.
Luke 23:4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.
This chapter opens with the whole council and the accompanying crowd taking Jesus to Pilate, the acting governor of Judah. They charged Jesus with corruption and telling the people not to pay their taxes to Caesar while also declaring Himself to be the Messiah, a king. Obviously, these religious leaders weren’t concerned with breaking the commandment about bearing false witness. They were intent on having Jesus put to death.
It seems that Pilate might have been familiar with the term “Christ” since he asked Jesus if He was the King of the Jews. Though unclear in the KJV wording, John tells us that Jesus did affirm the truth.
John 18:37 “Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
Pilate declared that he could find no fault in Jesus.
Luke 23:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.
Luke 23:6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.
Luke 23:7 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.
Determined not to be thwarted in their purpose, the crowd became much more intense and passionate in their accusation. They declared that Jesus was causing trouble throughout the country from Galilee to Jerusalem. They seemed to know that this would make Pilate take notice since he couldn’t afford the reputation of tolerating insurrectionists. When they mentioned Galilee, Pilate thought he might be able to pass the buck; Galilee was under Herod’s jurisdiction and he just happened to be in Jerusalem. So Pilate sent Jesus to Herod.
Luke is the only gospel writer to tell us about Jesus before Herod.
Luke 23:8 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.
Luke 23:9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
Luke 23:10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
Luke 23:11 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.
Luke 23:12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
Herod was actually pleased to see Jesus because he had heard so much about Him; he hoped to see Him do a miracle. Though Herod posed many questions to Jesus, He refused to answer him. All the while the chief priests and scribes continued pressing their accusations. It seems that Herod and his men decided to play to the crowd, so they abused and mocked Jesus. They dressed Him in a royal robe and sent Him back to Pilate. Luke then adds an interesting observation—Pilate and Herod, former adversaries, became friends that day.
Luke 23:13 ¶ And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
Luke 23:14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
Luke 23:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
Luke 23:16 I will therefore chastise him, and release him.
Luke 23:17 (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)
Luke 23:18 And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:
Luke 23:19 (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)
Mark tells us that Pilate understood that Jesus was not guilty of the charges made against Him; the chief priests were jealous of His popularity and the threat He posed to their authority.
Mark 15:10 “For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.”
He gathered the crowd to address them and again declared that his examination did not show Jesus to be guilty as accused. Furthermore, he had sent Jesus to Herod, and he had not found Jesus worthy of death either. Matthew provides a little more explanation as to Pilate’s hesitancy to yield to the will of the people.
Matthew 27:19 “When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.”
In light of both his own examination and that by Herod, Pilate declared that he would punish Jesus and release Him.
It was a custom for the governor to release a prisoner at the time of Passover. The other three gospel writers tell us that Pilate gave the crowd a choice of releasing Jesus or Barabbas, a robber and murderer.
Luke 23:20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
Luke 23:21 But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.
Luke 23:22 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.
Pilate appealed to the crowd yet again to release Jesus, but they were unfazed. They cried for His crucifixion. Again Pilate asks what evil He had done because he had found Jesus guilty of nothing deserving death. (I think he is still thinking about his wife’s message.) Again he declares that he will have Jesus chastised and released. The chastisement Pilate spoke of was a severe beating with a multi-pronged whip that had rock and metal embedded in the leather cords that comprised the whip.
Luke 23:23 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.
Luke 23:24 And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.
Luke 23:25 And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.
The crowd would not relent. Their voices became even louder as they called for Jesus to be crucified. Finally, Pilate gave in. Matthew tells us that he tried to absolve himself of guilt by a public display of washing his hands.
Matthew 27:24–26 “When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”
It is in Matthew’s account that we see the intensity of the venom of the crowd. They actually call down a curse on their own children for what they are doing. Little did they know how terrible would be the events that proved the fulfillment of that curse over the last two millennia.
Both Matthew and John tell us that Pilate had Jesus scourged before turning Him over to the will of the people. Not only did they scourge Him, but the soldiers also continued to mock Him by making Him wear a crown of thorns along with the robe from Herod. They mockingly knelt before Him as a king and then spit on Him and hit Him on the head with the reed they had used as His scepter.
John 19:1–3 “Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.”
Matthew 27:27–31 “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.”
Luke 23:26 ¶ 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.
Luke 23:27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.
Luke 23:28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
Luke 23:29 For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.
Luke 23:30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
My understanding is that the condemned man was required to carry the crossbar of the cross to the place of crucifixion. Jesus had not slept in over 24 hours, had suffered intense agony as He prayed in garden, and had endured such a terrible beating that He was too weak to carry the crossbar. So the soldiers conscripted a man identified as Simon, a Cyrenian (currently known as the Libyan city of Tripoli), to carry Jesus’ cross for him.
Among the crowd that followed was a group of women who were publicly displaying their grief for Jesus. Jesus turns to them and tells them not to weep for Him but to weep for themselves and their children in light of judgment that would come upon the people. He describes that time of judgment as one in which it would be better to be childless.
The words of verse 30 seem to tie directly to words describing the reaction of the people at the opening of the sixth seal as stated in Revelation.
Revelation 6:12 & 15-16 “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal…. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
The prophet Isaiah also uses similar terminology that seems to be referencing the same time as Revelation.
Isaiah 2:19 “And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.”
Luke 23:31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?
In context, we can understand that this must be a statement to action taken against an innocent man vs. what will happen to a guilty one. I decided to do some research and found a good explanation by Wayne Jackson of the Christian Courier as follows:
The “green tree” is that which is not appropriate for use as fuel for a fire; “dry” wood, though, is particularly suited for that very purpose. The “green tree” illustrates the precious Son of God, the sinless Savior, who was so very undeserving of the wicked and brutal treatment that the Jews already had heaped upon him, and would bring to a violent conclusion within hours.
The “dry” wood signifies the flammable state of a considerable portion of the Hebrew populous, from whom the “sap” of sacred devotion had dissipated. Alfred Edersheim, himself an ethnic Jew, captured the spirit of the passage in this way.
“For if Israel has put such flame to its ‘green tree’ how terribly would the Divine judgment burn among the dry wood of an apostate and rebellious people, that had so delivered up its Divine King, and pronounced sentence upon itself by pronouncing it upon Him!” (The Life & Times of Jesus the Messiah, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1947, Vol. II, p. 588).
Luke 23:32 ¶ And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Luke notes that two other condemned men were crucified alongside Jesus. This was also in fulfillment of prophecy.
Isaiah 53:12 “Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
When they came to Calvary, the place of crucifixion, they crucified Jesus placing the condemned men to each of His sides. Matthew and John describe Calvary as the place of the skull known as Golgotha.
As always, Jesus is concerned for the sinner. He prays aloud and asks the Father to forgive them because they don’t know what they are doing. This is also in fulfillment of prophecy as shown in the verse from Isaiah above.
In yet another fulfillment of prophecy the soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ robe. The wording of Psalm 22 is so descriptive of Jesus’ crucifixion that one cannot deny the connection.
Psalms 22:14–18 “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.”
Luke 23:35 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.
Luke 23:36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
Luke 23:37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
The crowd and especially the rulers that had pressed for Jesus to be put to death were there to see the sentence carried out. They still didn’t let up mocking Him. If He was the Messiah, the chosen of God, He should be able to save Himself as He professed to save others. They just didn’t understand that His death was necessary to accomplish the salvation they were mocking. The Roman soldiers joined in the mockers. They taunted Him to save Himself if He truly was the king of the Jews.
Luke points out that they offered Jesus vinegar as they mocked Him. Mark described the vinegar as a combination of wine and myrrh and notes that Jesus refused it.
Luke 23:38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
A sign was placed over Jesus that was written in Greek, Latin and Hebrew that said: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. We learn from John that Pilate specified the wording and refused to change it to suit the chief priests.
Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
Luke 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
Luke 23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Even one of the thieves on a cross beside Him joined in mocking Jesus. He taunted Him to save Himself and them also. The other thief rebuked the one that was taunting Jesus and admitted that they were getting what they deserved, but Jesus was innocent. He then turned to Jesus and addressed Him as “Lord” and asked Him to remember him when He came into His kingdom. Jesus told the thief that he would be with Him in paradise that very day.
One can’t help but wonder how much of Jesus’ trial the thief had witnessed and what made him understand that Jesus was the Messiah. Maybe it was just the gracious ministry of the Holy Spirit to an open heart. This thief is the prime example from scripture that God’s grace is available to the sinner to the moment of death. David Guzik makes a good point in light of this truth however: “There is one deathbed conversion in the Bible, so that no one would despair; but only one, so that no one would presume.”
Luke 23:44 ¶ And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
Luke 23:45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
Luke 23:46 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.
Luke now gives us a time designation and informs us that an unnatural darkness covered the earth for three hours. The sun was darkened and the veil of the temple was torn in half. Finally, with one last burst of strength Jesus cries out loudly yielding His Spirit to the Father.
Matthew gives further information.
Matthew 27:51–53 “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
What we have is a series of supernatural events. A solar eclipse doesn’t last for three hours, nor does it darken the earth completely. The New Bible Commentary notes that Passover was always celebrated at a full moon, a time during which an eclipse is not possible. Not only was the veil of the temple torn in half, it was torn from top to bottom. This was a very thick curtain, so this rip was a miracle in itself. A natural earthquake does not result in people coming out of their graves. God is making a huge statement—You have just crucified my beloved Son, the Lamb of God proclaimed by John the Baptist.
John 1:29 “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
By ripping apart the veil at the temple, God is declaring that access to Him is now possible by each and every person because of His Son’s sacrificial provision. Jesus affirmed that only through Him can one have access to the Father.
John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
In Jewish time the 6th hour would be noon and the 9th hour would be 3:00 p.m.—the time at which the Passover lambs were being slain at the temple. Jesus died as our Passover lamb.
Luke 23:47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
Luke 23:48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
Luke 23:49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
It seems that the supernatural phenomena that occurred when Jesus died caused many to realize that Jesus just might have been who He claimed to be. Matthew tells us that one of the centurions actually testified that He was the Son of God.
Matthew 27:54 “Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.”
Though we aren’t told what they may have said in response to events, Luke reminds us that the women from Galilee who followed Jesus were at the crucifixion. John gives us more information.
John 19:25 “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.”
As a mom, I truly can’t imagine being the mother of Jesus watching all that happened to her Son. Yes, she had the message of the angel to hold onto; but that message must have seemed unbelievable at the time—if it ever came to mind at all. I would also think that Jesus told His mother just as surely as His disciples about what was going to happen to Him. Maybe that is what strengthened her to be able to endure the sight of His suffering.
Luke 23:50 ¶ And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:
Luke 23:51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
Luke 23:52 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
Luke 23:53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.
Enter Joseph of Arimathaea, a rich man who was actually a part of the Sanhedrin. He was known as a good and just man, and Luke emphasizes that he did not support the actions of the council. John tells us that this man was a secret disciple of Jesus because he stood in fear of his cohorts.
John 19:38 “And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews….”
Joseph was evidently a man of influence since Pilate consented to give him the body of Jesus upon his request. He took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen and laid it in a new grave that was carved out of stone. John and Matthew tell us more.
John 19:39–42 “And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.”
Matthew 27:59–60 “And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.”
We learn that Nicodemus assisted Joseph and brought myrrh and aloes to help in preparing the body for a proper Jewish burial. We also learn that the tomb was in a garden that was close by and that it was actually Joseph’s own tomb.
Luke 23:54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
Luke 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
Evening was drawing near and they wanted to complete everything before the Passover Sabbath began. Note is made that the women from Galilee (Mary and her friends) saw where Jesus was buried and went home to prepare spices and ointments to embalm the body after the Sabbath, but they were careful not to break Jewish law.
Luke 24:1 ¶ Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
Luke 24:2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
Luke 24:3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
Luke 24:4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
Luke 24:5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
Luke 24:6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
Luke 24:7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
Continuing right on in context from the previous chapter, we are told that on the first day of the week (Sunday), the women brought the spices they had prepared to Jesus’ grave very early in the morning. When they arrived, the stone had been rolled away from the opening; so they went into the cave and found that Jesus’ body was missing. This obviously was not what they were expecting. As they were trying to process what could have happened, two men (obviously angels) appeared to them in shining garments. The women were frightened and fell down prostrate before them. The angels calmly asked them why they were looking for someone who was alive among the dead. Jesus had risen as He had told them He would when teaching them in Galilee. He had specifically told them that He would be delivered into the hands of sinful men to be crucified and that He would rise again on the third day.
Though obvious, I think we sometimes forget that the angels are well aware of all that is going on here on earth and are well informed so as to most effectively minister to those of us who are “heirs of salvation” according to the Father’s will.
Hebrews 1:13–14 “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
I think Matthew also adds some important information to take into account.
Matthew 27:62–66 “Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”
Pilate had appointed soldiers to keep watch over the tomb so as to effectively squelch any report of a supposed resurrection. Isn’t it amazing that in spite of the irrefutable evidence that Jesus had arisen from the grave just as He had said The chief priests didn’t even consider that they had made a mistake and should repent of their actions. In fact, when the soldiers came to report what had happened, they decided to bribe the soldiers to lie and say that the body had been stolen while they slept.
Matthew 28:11–15 “Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.”
Luke 24:8 And they remembered his words,
Luke 24:9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
Luke 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
Luke 24:11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
It seems that the words of the angels triggered their memories; it must have been the point in time that God chose to remove whatever had kept them from understanding.
Luke 9:43–45 “And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples, Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.”
The women couldn’t wait to go and report to the eleven apostles and other disciples that were with them. Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James are identified by name; but it is clear that there were others with them. I think that Mary the mother of Jesus must have been with the apostles or surely she would have been named.
The apostles didn’t believe them; that statement surprised me. These women had been strong supporters of the Lord and His disciples. They were obviously excited and eager to share the good news with the others. They were all used to experiencing supernatural things when following Jesus, so why would they doubt the women in light of what Jesus had taught them?
It doesn’t surprise me that Peter was the one identified as running to the grave to see for himself. He had already experienced a tremendous disappointment due to his lack of faith, and he didn’t want to fail yet again. When he got to the grave, he saw the grave clothes but no body. Still, instead of embracing the truth of Jesus’ resurrection, he left still wondering what had happened.
John tells us that Peter didn’t go alone to the grave; though not specifically named, it is widely accepted that he went with Peter. John also points out that the head linen was folded and set apart from the other linen wrappings. (Personal note: This is one of the main reasons that I do not believe that the shroud of Turin is authentic.)
I think it is important to again note that there are discrepancies in the gospel accounts of events regarding the resurrection. Yes, the Holy Spirit inspired every word of scripture; but He spoke through the experiences of the writers. Luke in particular would have been recording what he had heard second hand. It’s also important to remember that each gospel writer directed his account to a different audience with specific purpose. It doesn’t make any witness wrong; it is just a presentation of the facts from different perspectives. All you have to do is listen to the witnesses called in any court case to understand this reality.
Luke 24:13 ¶ And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
Luke 24:14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
Luke 24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
Luke 24:16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
Luke 24:17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
Luke 24:18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
Luke 24:19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
Luke 24:20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
“two of them” – Evidently referring to two of the disciples in the group that heard the message of the women. One of the men is identified as Cleopas.
The two men headed out that same day to the village of Emmaus, approximately 7 miles from Jerusalem according to Easton’s Dictionary. Naturally, they couldn’t help talking about all that had happened. As they were talking, Jesus joined them; but they did not recognize Him. Again, God had supernaturally hidden Him from recognition. Jesus asked them what they were discussing that had made them so sad. Cleopas decided that this man must have been a stranger to Jerusalem not to know what the big news of the week was. Jesus pressed them to tell Him about it. So he told Him about Jesus of Nazareth, a mighty prophet in word and deed, that the chief priests and Sanhedrin had delivered to Pilate who had condemned Him to death by crucifixion in accordance with their will.
Luke 24:21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
Luke 24:22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
Luke 24:23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
Luke 24:24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
Cleopas went on to explain that they had thought Jesus was the promised Messiah that was to redeem Israel—implying that they had been proven wrong. He went on to note that this had happened three days ago. This day, however, a group of women had gone to the grave early in the morning, but His body was gone. They came back and reported that they had seen angels that told them Jesus was alive. A couple of the disciples then ran to the grave and verified the truth of the women’s report. It was true—Jesus was not there.
Luke 24:25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
Luke 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
Luke 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Luke 24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
Luke 24:29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
Luke 24:30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
Luke 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
After hearing the report from Cleopas, Jesus begins to talk to them with an address that is pretty pointed; but I think He is really remarking on the heart of the Jewish people in general as He directs His remarks to the two disciples.
Jesus observes how foolish and slow of heart the people are to believe the words recorded by the prophets. He then poses a question in light of those prophecies (I think with the words of Isaiah especially in mind)—Shouldn’t the Messiah have suffered all that you told me to establish His kingdom (I think is the implication). He then began at Moses and continued on through the prophets to point out all the scriptures that spoke of Him.
As they neared Emmaus, Jesus indicated He had further to go; but they urged Him to stay with them for the night. Jesus consented; and as they sat down to eat, He took the bread and blessed it before breaking it and serving them. Finally, their eyes were opened and they recognized Him. Did they see the nail prints in His hands? Then Jesus immediately vanished out of sight.
Luke 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
Luke 24:33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
Luke 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
Luke 24:35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
The men realized that there was good reason that their hearts spoke to them as Jesus told them of the scriptures. Like the women, they couldn’t wait to share their experience. That same hour they headed back to Jerusalem and rejoined the eleven apostles and the other followers of Jesus that were with them. The group reported to the two men that Jesus had indeed risen because he appeared to Simon Peter. The two men then gave their own testimony to Jesus’ resurrection and how they hadn’t recognized Him until He broke bread with them.
Luke 24:36 ¶ And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Luke 24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
Luke 24:38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
Luke 24:40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
Luke 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
Luke 24:42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
Luke 24:43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
While they were yet speaking, Jesus appeared in their midst saying, “Peace unto you.” In spite of all they had heard—the disciples were afraid and thought they were seeing a ghost. Jesus asks them why they are afraid and why they doubted that He was real. He then tells them to look at His hands and feet, to touch Him and verify that He is real. The disciples were still not convinced, so Jesus asked for some food which He ate right in front of them.
Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
As with the two on the road to Emmaus (who were in the group), He reminds them that everything prophesied by Moses, the prophets and in the psalms concerning Him, the Messiah, had to be fulfilled. Finally, He supernaturally enabled them to understand the truth from the scriptures. They understood that Jesus had to die and rise from the grave the third day so that the message of repentance and remission of sins could be preached as the gospel message. It was important that it begin in Jerusalem. In fact, they were those chosen as witnesses to the fulfillment of those prophecies.
Then Jesus gives them a very precious promise; He is going to send a pledge from the Father to empower them to share this message. We now know that pledge or promise is the person of the indwelling Holy Spirit. He would guarantee that all the rest of the prophecies about the Messiah were fulfilled.
Ephesians 1:3 & 12-14 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…. That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Jesus instructs them to wait in Jerusalem until they receive this empowerment from the Father.
Luke 24:50 ¶ And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
Luke 24:51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
Luke 24:52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
Luke 24:53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
Luke tells us nothing more about the intervening time that Jesus tarried to testify of His resurrection and provide the final words of instruction and encouragement to the apostles. He takes us directly to the point in time when Jesus returns victorious to heaven to take His seat at the right hand of the Father to await the appointed time for His return to establish the kingdom.
He led them up the Mount of Olives to Bethany and lifted up His hand in blessing over them. While He was blessing them, He was carried up into heaven. His followers then return to Jerusalem with great joy, worshipping Him as they went. While they waited according to His instruction, they spent time at the temple praising and blessing God.
“Amen” = trustworthy; so be it
I have just basically gone through this chapter and retold the related events in my own words. There is so much here to think about. Some of my thoughts and observations concerning these events follow.
Obviously, none of Jesus’ followers believed He would be resurrected from the grave. In fact, they didn’t believe it when they saw it without further proof. It is clear to me that the record in scripture is the more believable because of how it reveals the disbelief His own disciples exhibited toward His resurrection.
Having quite a bit of bible study behind me at this point in time, it stands out that Jesus was determined to elevate the status of women in society. It is to women that the resurrection is first revealed. Though I didn’t include it in this narrative, John informs us that Jesus actually appeared to a woman first, Mary Magdalene, after Peter and John left the empty tomb.
Jesus was always intent upon pointing out the accuracy of the prophetic scriptures. He knew it was important that they understand without a doubt that He was the promised Messiah. I think He was also intent on having His Father honored and glorified through the fulfillment of His prophecies.
Jesus showed His interest in the faith of all His disciples—not just the apostles—those we would consider the most important. He appeared to a couple of men traveling home to Emmaus before appearing to the group of apostles.
It stood out to me that sometime after talking to Mary Magdalene and before appearing to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, He spent some time with Peter. Jesus doesn’t hold grudges against us for our failures; He is ever concerned about encouraging us to continue to grow in our faith in spite of our failures.
Jesus always boldly spoke the truth. In His concern to grow the faith of the two disciples traveling to Emmaus, He spoke with loving rebuke of their attitude toward the scripture. He didn’t tailor His message to what they wanted to hear; He told them what they needed to hear. It’s also clear that He didn’t allow their weakness of faith to keep them from fellowship with Him. He used it as an opportunity to show His love and grow their faith.
Jesus understands our human weaknesses; He didn’t berate the disciples for being so slow to believe the truth even when they saw Him. He allowed them to touch Him and proceeded to eat in front of them to let them process the fact that their eyes were not deceiving them.
According to Jesus’ example, it would seem that our resurrection bodies will be able to materialize and dematerialize at will. Neither will they impede our ability to enjoy food. How cool is that!
I think it was also to strengthen their faith that the Lord graciously chose to let His followers see Him ascend into heaven. I think this helped to strengthen their resolve in light of the opposition and persecution they would face in the future—some even to the point of death. Though they would no longer get to experience the presence of His person, they would soon possess the indwelling Holy Spirit and would never be without His provision and protection. I think this was all vital to the spread of the gospel and the establishment of a firm foundation for the growth of the true church.
Luke is careful to point out that Jesus declared that the gospel was to be preached in His name to ALL nations. It was to begin in Jerusalem with the Jews but was not to be limited to Jerusalem and the Jews.