[:en]SCRIPTURE: LUKE 23
Bible Verses:
“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
“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.” (Luke 23:42-43)
“ Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”[e] When he had said this, he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:46)
Pilate found no basis to charge Jesus, so when he knew Jesus was a Galilean, he sent him to Herod, who was under his jurisdiction. Herod wanted to see Jesus perform miracles but Jesus spoke no word. Herod ridiculed and mocked him and sent him back to Pilate. That day, Herod and pilate became friends because they were enemies before. Pilate refused to make a right decision. He ended up condemning an innocent man and releasing Barabbas, a guilty criminal.
THE CRUCIFIXION (vs. 26-43)
While on the cross, Jesus said: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (v. 34). There were two criminals beside Jesus. One of them exercised great faith by asking Jesus to remember him. Jesus answered him”: “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise” (v. 43). The other one hurled insults against him while the other criminal hurled insults against him.
JESUS’ DEATH (vs. 44-49)
There was darkness from the 6th to 9th hour. The sun stopped shining and the curtain of the temple was torn into two. Jesus cried out in a loud voice: “Father, into your hand I commit my spirit” (v. 46)
JESUS’ BURIAL (vs. 50-56)
Joseph was a member of the council, a good and upright man. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. He wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in a rock.
PEOPLE IN THIS CHAPTER:
- Jesus – He asked His Father to forgiven everyone including those who crucified Him.
- Pilate – He was a Roman ruler, who did not uphold justice. Instead of making right decision, he compromised with the wicked.
- Herod – An evil king who wanted to see Jesus perform miracles. Unbelief is the cause of his eternal damnation.
- Barabbas – He was a criminal that deserved to die. But Jesus took his place and he was set free
- Two Criminals – One of the criminals hurled insults at Jesus while the other criminal rebuked him and asked Jesus to remember him when he came into his kingdom.
- The Centurion – He saw what had happened and believed that Jesus is the Son of God.
- Joseph – He was not ashamed to take Jesus’ body, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in rock.
- The women – They followed Jesus to the cross a a distance and saw how Jesus’ body was laid in it. They went home and prepared spices and perfumes.
APPLICATION:
- Jesus – We must learn to forgive our enemies
- Pilate – Christians should seek the truth and adhere justice.
- Herod – Miracles from God in your life should convince you that He is an Almighty and all powerful God.
- Barabbas – We all have sinned and deserve to die but Jesus died on the cross on our behalf to give us eternal life.
- The Criminal – No matter how great our sins are, even to the last minute, if we believe in Christ, we can be with Him in heaven.
- The Centurion – God’s creation reveals that He is God who controls the universe.
- Joseph – Do not be ashamed to profess that you are a believer of Christ and be His witness?
- The women – Follow Christ till the end.
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