#1447 Luke 23 Part 4 Don't Cry For Me

 

26 And when they led Him away, they took hold of 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 multitude of the people, and of women who were mourning and lamenting Him. 28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, stop crying for Me, but cry for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when 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 Now two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him. Luke 23: 26-32 LSB

Luke 23: 26-32

Simon of Cyrene - A man that had come in from outside the city for the Passover celebration will end up being the one to carry the Passover cross for the Lamb. It is a very earthly, primitive drawing of taking up the cross, for like all who do so, they are taken hold of, chosen, and this was certainly an unexpected change in the wind, who would have ever imagined such a thing. A Roman soldier could stop you to carry his pack, and you were obliged to do so for a mile, which many of the Jews resented, but Christ's answer for dealing with this was to carry it two. Simon is one of the most intriguing characters because he shows up so briefly, and yet what a phenomenal and unfathomable role.

23But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” 24Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. 25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.… Matthew 16: 23-25

MacArthur on Simon - At some point Simon embraced the gospel of the Lord whose cross he had carried. His wife and sons also became believers and were known to the church at Rome. One of them, Rufus, was singled out by Paul as a choice servant of the Lord, and Simon’s wife ministered to the apostle (Ro 16:13). The church at Cyrene, in which Simon undoubtedly played a significant role, developed and grew strong, eventually sending out missionaries to preach the gospel to the Gentiles at Antioch (Acts 11:20). One of its members, Lucius, even served as one of the pastors at the Antioch church when Paul and Barnabas were sent out as missionaries (Acts 13:1). (See Luke 18-24 MacArthur New Testament Commentary) In MacArthur's Matthew Commentary he adds "It may have been the carrying of Jesus’ cross that led Simon to faith in Him. What began as a forced and probably resented act of physical servitude became the opportunity for spiritual life. Not only Simon himself but his entire family came to salvation, and his wife became like a mother to the apostle Paul."

The lesson from Simon's life is to be ready to be used of the Lord when He calls, for when one is in the center of His will, the impact can be unimaginable. Only eternity will reveal what Simon's availability to carry the Cross of Jesus will mean, but clearly from MacArthur's comment above, it had far reaching impact. Don't refuse to carry His cross! (cf Mk 8:34-36, "daily" in Lk 9:23+).

In the excellent medical article on the crucifixion Dr William Edwards gives us some background which helps understand why Simon of Cyrene was called to carry the cross - The severe scourging, with its intense pain and appreciable blood loss, most probably left Jesus in a preshock state. Moreover, hematidrosis had rendered his skin particularly tender. The physical and mental abuse meted out by the Jews and the Romans, as well as the lack of food, water, and sleep, also contributed to his generally weakened state. Therefore, even before the actual crucifixion, Jesus’ physical condition was at least serious and possibly critical. (Please take time to read the full article). - Precept Austin

V. 27 And following Him - There was a crowd, many who probably laid down palm branches prior, some women who were possibly professional mourners (apparently a thing back then). His disciples which extend beyond the twelve were probably crushed by this, and those that beat their chest later were also greatly disappointed, seeing their hopes of Messiah and His kingdom die upon that tree. We must be brought to God's perspective of this, our scope of the truth is very limited, we see blood, wounds, bruises, defeat, but God has prescribed this as His glorious gospel of redemption, the summation of every Old Testament promise. In this we escape Egypt, we walk through the sea as on dry ground, the Seed of the woman prevails, crushing the head of the serpent. Here we find the Ram in the thicket, the scarlet thread outside of Rahab's window, and here the kinsman Redeemer, the spotless Lamb of God, the only One Who can take away our sins and purchase us back from death. 

…4because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me. 6In burnt offerings and sin offerings You took no delight.… Hebrews 10: 4-6

V. 28 Daughters of Jerusalem - Similar to references of Israel in the OT. 

9Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 10And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem, and the bow of war will be broken. Then He will proclaim peace to the nations. His dominion will extend from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.… Zechariah 9: 9-10

Cry for yourselves and for your children - Even through His suffering shines forth compassion, teaching, warning. He sees what's coming for Him and embraces His destiny, and He sees what is coming for them in the events of 70 A.D. and laments, warns them to cry not for His agony, but Jerusalem's own fate, the wages of their deeds. If only our sins brought us so many tears as our pain and discomfort. We don't hate the original cause so much as the effect. 

Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed - Jesus' point is that in these coming days, it will be better to have never had any offspring, so horrible will be this time! What bitter irony! Normally barrenness was considered to be like a divine curse (Luke 1:25; Ge 30:23; Isa 4:1) and childbirth a joy and blessing (Lk 1:57–58; 11:27; Ge 21:6–7; Isa 54:1) but in this time of destruction it would be a "blessing" (relatively speaking), for women would loose their offspring and even some would be forced to cannibalize their offspring to stay alive! (Cannibalism had been prophetically promised as one of the curses on Israel for breaking covenant - see Lev 26:29, Dt 28:53, Jer 19:9, cf 2 Ki 6:28-29, Lam 4:10. Josephus tells a dreadful story of the siege of Jerusalem by the Romans. see this account in Josephus War 6. Chapter 3. Paragraph 4)

Notice the irony once again as Jesus is predicting judgment coming on the Jews and their holy Temple - Jesus is not so much as the judged as He is the Judge (Acts 10:42) in full control of the situation, even His last steps prior to His crucifixion! - Precept Austin

V. 30 Fall on us, and to the hills, cover us - They want to be put out of their misery, afraid to take their own lives, but begging for God to make it fast. Going back to Hosea we can see that this is a clear reference to their judgment. Jerusalem missed the time of her visitation. She could not discern it.

…7Samaria will be carried off with her king like a twig on the surface of the water. 8The high places of Aven will be destroyed— it is the sin of Israel; thorns and thistles will overgrow their altars. Then they will say to the mountains, “Cover us!” and to the hills, “Fall on us!” 9Since the days of Gibeah you have sinned, O Israel, and there you have remained. Did not the battle in Gibeah overtake the sons of iniquity?… Hosea 10: 7-9

V. 32 Two others also, who were criminals - Some believe them, and I find it highly probable, to be the associates of Barabbas, the thief, murderer, and insurrectionist who was released instead of Jesus. 

…17No one may be in the Tent of Meeting from the time Aaron goes in to make atonement in the Most Holy Place until he leaves, after he has made atonement for himself, his household, and the whole assembly of Israel. 18Then he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD and make atonement for it. He is to take some of the bull’s blood and some of the goat’s blood and put it on all the horns of the altar. 19He is to sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times to cleanse it and consecrate it from the uncleanness of the Israelites.…

20When Aaron has finished purifying the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, he is to bring forward the live goat. 21Then he is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to put them on the goat’s head and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man appointed for the task. 22The goat will carry on itself all their iniquities into a solitary place, and the man will release it into the wilderness.… Leviticus 16: 17-22

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#1446 Luke 23 Part 3 Instead Of

 

13 And 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 in this man no guilt of what you are accusing 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 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 had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city and for murder.) 20 But again Pilate addressed them, wanting to release Jesus, 21 but they kept on calling out, saying, “Crucify, crucify Him!” 22 And he said to them a third time, “Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt worthy of 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 were prevailing. 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. Luke 23: 13-25 LSB

Luke 23: 13-25 LSB

Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people - This is the sixth trial, the final to determine Jesus' guilt or innocence. This seems to show a trickle down effect from the chief priests who envy this Man that performs miracles and corrects their bad doctrine, to the rulers who are empty politicians, and finally to the people, some of whom cried out Hosanna, and had witnessed His healings. A fickle bunch.  

John MacArthur notes that "The entire series of trials was filled with irony. The one whom men judged is the judge of all men; the one whom men condemned will eternally condemn them. The perfectly righteous, sinless, and innocent one was condemned as a blasphemer and criminal. The one who always pleased holy God did not please sinful men. Men sought to kill the very one who gave them life. The Lord Jesus Christ was declared a blasphemer for claiming to be who He truly is, making His accusers blasphemers. All of the wicked participants in Christ’s trials who judged and condemned Him did nothing but what God had predetermined must happen. Their decisions did not determine His fate, but rather their own. They wasted the most monumental, unparalleled opportunity that anyone could ever have—a personal encounter with the Son of the living God, the Creator of the universe and the Redeemer of sinners." (See context in Luke 1-24 MacArthur New Testament Commentary) - Precept Austin

V. 14 You brought this man to me as one who incites rebellion - Remember this, this is part of their charge, and it is important in their minds in order to sway the Roman rulers. 

V. 14b And behold, having examined Him before you, I have found in this man no guilt of what you are accusing Him - This is the civil court, the secular ruler, Pontius Pilate, the representative of Rome, and it is Rome that holds the power of the death sentence. He declares Jesus innocent.

…27The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning Him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28And though they found no ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have Him executed. 29When they had carried out all that was written about Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.… Acts 13: 27-29

V. 15 No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us - Herod had John the Baptist killed, and was a disgusting man, but didn't come up to the blood lust of the Sanhedrin.

Constable has an interesting thought on Herod's "verdict" - Pilate also announced that Herod's verdict agreed with his own. Herod was a recognized authority on Jewish affairs that Pilate's hearers probably respected more than they did Pilate since Herod was Semitic. Both men agreed that Jesus had done nothing worthy of death. - Precept Austin

V. 16 Therefore I will punish and release Him - Pilate is so pragmatic, Jesus hasn't done anything wrong, yet he feels the need to accommodate the Karens, and so logically he thinks he will save Jesus life by selecting this lesser punishment. Whatever it is that has these people so upset, he knows He's not an insurrectionist, that they are hypocrites when it comes to those claims. Jesus has already been beaten and mocked, and so Pilate offers more of the same. This will teach Jesus a lesson, get Him to do the smart thing and move far away from these white washed tombs.

…4Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted. 5But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53: 4-5

…40At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.… Acts 5: 40-42

V. 17 Now he was obliged to release to them at the feast one prisoner - This was a good will tradition between Rome and the occupied area. 

V. 18 Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas - What did they try to indict Jesus on? Insurrection I think.

V. 19 He had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city and for murder - Okay, so now I'm confused, they want to charge Jesus for something that this man actually did, plus he was a murderer. It is interesting that in John's gospel Barabbas is also called a robber, and when Jesus hangs on the cross it is between two thieves, hence the thief on the cross. Some have wondered from all this, was that middle cross originally intended for Barabbas? It paints quite a picture when one ponders the reality of the gospel.

He was one who had been thrown into prison (phulake) for an insurrection made in the city, and for murder - Mark 15:7 says Barabbas "had committed murder in the insurrection." Some Jews (especially the Zealots) might have regarded him as a hero for seeking to overthrow the Romans oppressors. Notice that the insurrection had actually been in the city of Jerusalem. Imagine Pilate's thoughts as they now asked for Barabbas to be released into the streets of the very city he had committed an insurrection! It was another reason Pilate would much rather release Jesus than Barabbas!

He - This refers to Barabbas who is only described in the Bible. However the Holman Bible Dictionary has an interesting note "According to Origen, supported by a relatively small number of late manuscripts at Matthew 27:16 , Barabbas was named “Jesus Barabbas.” Though not well attested, the reading is possible. If it is correct, Pilate's question to the crowd in Matthew 27:17 would have added poignancy. - "So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”"

MacArthur points out another irony regarding the name Barabbas - His name means “son of a father”; in a strange irony, Pilate was offering them the choice between Barabbas, the son of a human father, and Jesus, the Son of the heavenly Father! (See context in Luke 1-24 MacArthur New Testament Commentary)

Indeed, there is a sense in which every human being ever born makes a choice between "Barabbas" and Jesus. We either choose to remain in Adam, the first "insurrectionist" (excluding of course Satan), or by grace through faith to cast our lot with Christ! Dear reader have you stubbornly chosen to remain in Adam and face eternal punishment or to be swept by the wind of His Spirit and His Word into Christ and enjoy eternal life in Him?

Here we encounter another of the many ironies in the trial of our Lord - If Jesus had raised an insurrection against Caesar, the Jewish accusers would have rallied to His position, rather than rail at Pilate to crucify Him! - Precept Austin

…13The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus. You handed Him over and rejected Him before Pilate, even though he had decided to release Him. 14 You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead, and we are witnesses of the fact.… Acts 3: 13-15

V. 21 Crucify Him, Crucify Him - Astonishing, one would think that you would have to do something grossly wrong, like murder, rape, personally destroy a community, not heal, not preach, but they want the worst sort of penalty placed upon the most Just to have ever walked on the planet. I couldn't even do this to a murderer, this is slow and painful, not quick justice, but long and drawn out, acting upon every faculty, muscle and nerve. What is going through their minds? From where does this rage grow?

…14It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” 15At this, they shouted, “Away with Him! Away with Him! Crucify Him!” “Shall I crucify your King?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” replied the chief priests. 16Then Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified, and the soldiers took Him away.… John 19: 14-16

It is interesting that the death penalty of the Jews that would normally have been carried out for blasphemy was stoning. Of course, God had providentially arranged that they would not have the power to kill Jesus which led to the classic Roman penalty of crucifixion, in keeping with the OT prophecies. The other alternative was beheading but that quick death was reserved as a "privilege" only given to Roman citizens. - Precept Austin

V. 23 And their voices were prevailing - They got what they wanted. The mob is a powerful tool, but it all transpires as God had not only predicted but decreed. 

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#1445 Luke 23 Part 2 Bonding Agent

 

6 Now when Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was in Jerusalem in those days.

Jesus Before Herod

8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he rejoiced greatly; 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, but He answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and the scribes were standing there, vehemently accusing Him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers, after treating Him with contempt and mocking Him, dressed Him in a bright 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 enemies with each other. Luke 23: 6-12 LSB

Luke 23: 6-12 Herod

Now when Pilate heard this - The Sanhedrin had just accused Jesus of stirring up the people all the way up to the region of Galilee, so he asked whether the man was a Galilean. Sometimes this is probably out of respect for jurisdiction or the ruler of said place, but Pilate and Herod did not like each up until this point. Pilate doesn't find anything in Jesus worthy of the sort of discipline the Sanhedrin are asking for, and so like politics and work, he passes the buck, this is Herod's problem. Pilate is not a man of integrity though, yet he is adverse to this, probably not liking the Sanhedrin, and later his wife will also counsel him against harming Jesus.

…18For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. 19While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.” 20But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.… Matthew 27: 18-20

V.8 For he had wanted to see Him for a long time - Why? He thought of Him like David Copperfield or Chris Angel, someone who could do tricks like Pharaoh's magicians. It is sad, but most of the interest surrounding Jesus is superficial like this, desiring to be entertained or fed, not repent. Sin is so dark it causes the soul not to recognize it's need, it always looks for something other than the remedy that God provides. 

25When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they asked Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?” 26 Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it is not because you saw these signs that you are looking for Me, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”… John 6: 25-27

V.9 But He answered him nothing - Jesus was truly the Lamb of God, down to every minute detail of Holy Scripture. He doesn't try to vindicate Himself here, gain a powerful ally by performing some signs, no, the Authority that has decided this matter is above all that, the eternal will of God. 

…6We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. 7He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. 8By oppression and judgment He was taken away, and who can recount His descendants? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was stricken for the transgression of My people.… Isaiah 53: 6-8

V. 10 And the chief priests and the scribes were standing there, vehemently accusing them - Everyone was in town for the Passover, including Jesus' enemies. After all they thought this had more to do with their traditions then it did with Him, though He stands before them as the culmination of this very thing. They are ravenous though and continue to follow Him from one trial to another, 3 religious and 3 Civil. This is trial number 5. 

V. 11 After treating Him with contempt and mocking Him, dressed Him in a bright robe and sent Him back to Pilate - Neither Pilate or Herod are huge fans of the Jewish leadership, and probably resent being told how to do their job, but Jesus didn't do any miracles for Herod, no side show, so now the boys provide one on their own. Dressing Jesus like a king, calling Him the King of the Jews, this takes a jab at both Jesus and the Sanhedrin. It is a wonder, I mean look at this Guy, He claims to be the Son of God but he can't handle these mere mortals, of all the things wrong in the world, of all the things the Pharisees could be upset by, why Him?

After treating Him with contempt - Contempt is an ugly word in English which means a lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike. The Greek verb exoutheneo means they treated Jesus as of no account ("count Him as nothing!"), making light of Him as One who had no merit or worth! (contrast Rev 5:9,12+) They disdained the Holy One of Israel! They had no use for Jesus (or so they thought), Who they regarded as beneath them. O, how wrong they were! And they will have all eternity to experience the gnawing feelings of regret and remorse for their horrid contempt of the One Who could have been the Savior of their souls!

Had these reprobates known the Scriptures, they might have seen that their treatment of Jesus had been prophesied hundreds of years earlier in Isaiah when he wrote "He was despised (bazah = treated with contempt, as worthless, despicable!) and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like One from Whom men hide their face He was despised (bazah), and we did not esteem Him ("considered Him insignificant")." (Isa 53:3+) Despised is repeated in Isaiah's passage, giving us a sense of the degree of disdain the Jews would have for their Messiah! Woe!

Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – Note the contrast in the verse. Herod sat there as King "with his men of war" surrounding him, and Jesus stood there beaten and battered in torn, ragged clothes. Herod, judging by appearance, counted the Man who claimed to be the Son of God as nothing. This Man and His claim did not matter, not to Herod. (Borrow Luke Commentary) - Precept Austin

V. 12 Now Herod and Pilate became friends with one another that very day - They found something to bond over, both loved a good joke, both couldn't stand the whiners that brought Jesus to them. Herod's father tried to kill Jesus as an infant, but seeing Jesus, he was unimpressed. 

…4saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.” 5For with one mind they plot together, they form an alliance against You— 6the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites,… Psalm 83: 4-6

…26The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ 27 In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. 28They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen.… Acts 4: 26-28

Now Herod and Pilate became friends with one another that very day - Now the focus of their enmity is directed against Christ resulting in their newly minted friendship. It is a tragic commentary on these two pagan rulers that their friendship was cemented by a common rejection of Christ. Is this not still true that worldly men are brought together because of their hatred of the other worldly Christ. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

For before they had been enemies with each other - The nature of their prior enmity is unknown.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend - This is an ancient proverb which suggests that two opposing parties can or should work together against a common enemy. The earliest known expression of this concept is found in a Sanskrit treatise on statecraft, the Arthashastra, which dates to around the 4th century BC, while the first recorded use of the current English version came in 1884.

J C Ryle comments that "The incident before us is a striking emblem of a state of things which may always be seen in the world. Men of the most discordant opinions can unite in opposing truth. Teachers of the most opposite doctrines can make common cause in fighting against the Gospel. In the days of our Lord, the Pharisees and the Sadducces might be seen combining their forces to entrap Jesus of Nazareth and put Him to death. In our own times we sometimes see infidels and idolaters—worldly pleasure-lovers and bigoted ascetics,—the friends of so-called liberal views and the most determined opponents of all changes—all ranked together against evangelical religion. One common hatred binds them together. They hate the cross of Christ. To use the words of the apostles in the Acts: “Against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, are gathered together.” (Acts 4:27.) All hate each other very much, but all hate Christ much more. The true Christian must not count the enmity of the world a strange thing.(cf Jn 15:18, 19, 20) (Luke 23 - Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospels)

John MacArthur writes that "Herod’s life ended in disgrace: Herodias would ultimately prove to be Herod’s downfall. After Emperor Caligula granted Herodias’s brother Agrippa I (Acts 12:1) the title of king, she demanded that Herod go to Rome and obtain the same title. (The gospel references to him as king [Matt. 14:9; Mark 6:14, 22] reflect informal popular usage of the term.) But before Herod and Herodias reached Rome, a messenger from Agrippa accused Herod of wrongdoing. As a result, Caligula deposed Herod who, accompanied by Herodias, was banished permanently to a city in what is now France. Antipas and Herodias are reminiscent of another ill-fated couple, Ahab and Jezebel. “Like Ahab,” writes D. A. Carson, “Antipas was wicked but weak; and Herodias, like Jezebel, wicked and ruthless” (Matthew, in Frank E. Gaebelein, ed. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984], 8:338). Antipas’s weakness coupled with Herodias’s ruthlessness ensured that eventually their sins could only bring disastrous consequences. (See The MacArthur New Testament Commentary) - Precept Austin

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#1444 Luke 23 Part 1 The Sanhedrin Collective

 

Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” 5 But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.” Luke 23: 1-5 ESV

Luke 23: 1-5

Jesus was never the victim of human decisions. He wasn’t the victim of a corrupt disciple who betrayed Him. He wasn’t the victim of a couple of corrupt high priests who arraigned Him. He wasn’t the victim of the Jewish Supreme Court who condemned Him. Nor was He the victim of Pilate and Herod, who ultimately executed Him. He was God’s chosen Lamb, and God had predetermined that He would die. But nonetheless, this litany of corrupt and tragic characters play very particular roles in the murder of the Son of God. - J Mac

Then the whole company of them arose and brought Him before Pilate - This is the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Supreme Court, and this is a show of solidarity, and we know of only one member that dissented secretly at that time and later offered up a burial place, Joseph of Arimathea. I believe that one other member, Nicodemus, also came to believe, and was present for the dressing of Christ's burial. Maybe more believed later, but look at that number here, 70 men, religious leaders, studied, knowledgeable, respected men with money, titles and influence, and we can only find 2 that quietly object for fear of the 68, that's a terrible percentage. Are you sure you want to be a Christian? These are the kind of odds you are up against, even the people who don't want this to happen to Him are afraid to speak up. 

Pilate has been the governor for a few years. He was the governor of Israel from 26 to 36 A.D. So he’s been in power a few years. He’ll be in power for a few years after Jesus dies. However, this act in itself is an utter disregard for justice. Remember what I told you a few weeks ago. According to Jewish law, when the council rendered a verdict of guilty, they had to stay in their seats, they could not dismiss from the court.

The council had to stay in that place, they had to remain there one full day so that during that day anyone who had any testimony to bring to indicate anything other than the verdict of condemnation - that is, anyone who could show up with further evidence as to the innocence of the one condemned - would have a full hearing in the court. They disregarded that as they had disregarded every other element of their own system. After condemning Jesus, they immediately arose and left the court chamber. They should have stayed there, seated in their chamber through that entire day. - Precept Austin

38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. John 19: 38-42

V. 2 We found this man misleading our nation - A group of concerned citizens, that's the reason they are coming forward, not blood lust, no, they are fact checkers and have found this man to be spreading misinformation. That's why they had to ignore their own laws, present false witnesses, abandon the post they are supposed to remain in for the day, hold kangaroo courts at night, because they are deeply concerned civil servants. These guys would move up fast in the corporate world, they have the spin, they have the money, they have the connections, numbers and influence, and they will use it today to get a non violent man who healed many put to death. 

…43Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to accept My message. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. 45But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me!… John 8: 43-45

V. 2b And forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar - You see, Rome has the power of the death penalty and they have to make their case to the Civil authorities now. Governments need taxes, and so this is a good place to attack, the purse, but it's not what Jesus actually taught. So these religious leaders, those that judge by God's commandments, lied.

12At this, the leaders sought to arrest Jesus, for they knew that He had spoken this parable against them. But fearing the crowd, they left Him and went away. 13Later, they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to catch Jesus in His words. 14“Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?”…

…15But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.” 16So they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. 17Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him.… Mark 12: 12-17

Saying that He Himself is Christ, a King - You got Him here, this He does acknowledge, and it is the worst sort of blasphemy unless it happens to be true. How would they know the truth though? We saw before how He pointed them to the prophets who wrote about Him, the same prophets their fathers killed. They are also not above lying so how interested are they in truth, how would they recognize it?

…69But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70So they all asked, “Are You then the Son of God?” He replied, “You say that I am.” 71“Why do we need any more testimony?” they declared. “We have heard it for ourselves from His own lips.”… Luke 22: 69-71

V. 3 And Pilate asked Him, "Are You the King of the Jews" - Pilate is the Roman governor. He obviously recognizes the reference to a "Christ", a Messianic reference to God's coming King. The Jews are waiting for God's Kingdom, expecting God's King, and there have been insurrectionist before, people who have troubled Rome, so this is another good ploy of the Sanhedrin. Pilate would not want to be guilty of letting such a rebel go, but that is not what he is seeing before him. He sees a very quiet, peaceful individual with bruises from his accusers, and it's just not adding up. Pilate is also a man of sarcasm and wit so asking Jesus whether He is not only a King, but the King of the Jews, is taking a jab at these men who hate Jesus. There was already much speculation about this, but He is not the sort of king these religious elite would choose, but they forget Who it is that chooses.

…48“How do You know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” 49“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50Jesus said to him, “Do you believe just because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.”… John 1: 48-50

…20and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. 21He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.… Daniel 2: 20-22

1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. 2Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval.… Romans 13: 1-3

V. 3b You have said so - As you say. Not the sort of majesty Pilate would expect to see in a king, so he is still seemingly unmoved on that vein, and doesn't see Jesus as a legitimate threat in Himself. This will become more evident as these trials go on.

…12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses. 13I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate: 14Keep this commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ,… 1 Timothy 6: 12-14

It is as you say - This was the most solemn mode of affirmation used by the Jews. It is this statement and His confession in John's Gospel that He was truly the King and Messiah (Jn 18:34-37, cf Jn 19:11) which Paul describes in his letter to Timothy writing "I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,." (1 Ti 6:13-14).

THOUGHT - In short, Jesus' "good confession" is an example for the believer's good confession before the "Pilates" of this world! Of course, the only way we can accomplish this confession is by continual dependence on and filling with the Spirit of Christ (Eph 5:18+), who enables supernatural boldness (see Acts 4:31+) in proclaiming Christ and His Gospel to a lost, adversarial world.

Ryle agrees writing that "Paul refers to this saying when he tells Timothy that our Lord 'in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession' (1 Timothy 6:13). (Luke 23 - Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospels) - Precept Austin

…34“Are you saying this on your own,” Jesus asked, “or did others tell you about Me?” 35“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “ Your own people and chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?” 36Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.”…

…37“Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.” 38“What is truth?” Pilate asked. And having said this, he went out again to the Jews and told them, “I find no basis for a charge against Him. 39But it is your custom that I release to you one prisoner at the Passover. So then, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”… John 18: 34-39

…10So Pilate said to Him, “Do You refuse to speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?” 11Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.” 12From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”… John 19: 10-12

V. 4 I find no guilt in this man - The Civil authorities don't see a reason for a conviction.

V. 5 He stirs up the people - Governors don't like riots and such, and he wants to control his area so as not to have upper management feel the need to interfere, so they attack him at a very human level, his fear of failure or being accused of as much. They are a crafty bunch, but again, this is God's choice for His Son, and He overrules the evil of these men even to the good of all those who will look to the cross. They are like Antifa, they throw the bottle, twist the words, lie, and are here trying to stir up a crowd, trying to stir up the Civil authorities, all to shut this one Man up, to kill Him. 

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