This is probably the toughest chapter for me to read. I have read these stories many times, but now that I am sitting and really reading to understand rather than to prepare a message- it seems different!
Jews couldn't pronounce a death sentence, so Jesus was taken to the Roman authority, Pilate. Pilate, the governor of the area, was a cruel, insensitive, and immoral person, yet he had no power of authority to condemn Jesus, as Jesus was from Galilee. Herod, the governor of Galilee, had the authority to condemn Jesus, yet he couldn't find anything wrong. Isn't it sad that Pilate and Herod, they really hated each other, yet they became friends at their mutual hate for Jesus! The author says that Herod was "glad to see Jesus" (v 8) yet he shows his gladness by requesting miracles and entertainment in the form of beating!
I am always confused and taken back by the words in vv 18- 25; the people that originally heralded Jesus as king on Palm Sunday yelled and screamed "Crucify him!" Do we do that at times? Pilate tried several times to save Jesus, but the people insisted. Crowd mentality is a powerful beast. A few rebels in the crowd can incite the entire group. Maybe the people were angry at Jesus-- he came in on Sunday, like a king; the people were ready for the Messiah to take action- and nothing happened! Do we get angry at Jesus for not taking action at times? We say that Jesus died for all, but Barabbas definitely knows and understands that statement.
Typically a crucifix cross bar weighs 75# to 125# and the victims are to carry their own cross bar (the uprights are permanently in the ground at the execution site (Calvary, Golgotha "The Skull")- Jesus probably walked passed them several times in his ministry). Jesus was so weak after his beatings that Simon of Cyrene was called to take over. Cyrene is in North Africa where current Libya is. He was likely there for the Passover and knew of Jesus the healer and preacher, not Jesus the criminal. Jesus said (Luke 9:23-24) to "take up your cross" and Simon definitely understands this. How did Simon feel- angry at Jesus? Angry at the crowd? Did he see Jesus as criminal or Messiah? How do we see Jesus at this point? Would you have carried Jesus' cross?
In "typical" Jesus manners, Jesus asks God to forgive the people that are doing this (v 34). Even minutes before his excruciating death, Jesus shows compassion and love for his enemies. While hanging on the cross, Jesus comments to the one criminal (v 43), "Today you will be with me in Paradise." I wonder how the criminal felt now? And what about the other one? I wonder what happened to him?
Jesus dies. Jesus comments (v 46) "I give you my life." In John 10:18, we hear Jesus say, "No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my won accord." Jesus dedicates his life to God. How does that make you feel in the context of the Christmas season? The curtain in the temple is torn in half (v 45b). The symbolism is that people now have free, unhindered access to God. God is no longer contained in the Temple but is free to move about. At Christmas, we sing "O come, O come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel...rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel has come to you, O Israel." Do those words have different meaning to you know that we have done this reading in the context of Christmas? I can remember one Christmas Eve worship I officiated, part of the message was that the baby we place in the manger today will be the man we hang on a cross on Good Friday. Some of my people were upset? confused? at that statement. After all, it is Christmas not Easter! May we look at this Christmas through slightly different eyes!
The people leave the crucifixion sad (maybe angry or mad too). They may have been expecting something different from their Messiah, yet He is dead, just another prophet! They had forgotten Jesus' promise...do we sometimes forget?
My these words we read stew around for the next many hours of our life; may these words help us understand differently the Christmas that we will celebrate in a few days.
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
I wasn’t sure what you meant in your reply to me - No, Christians thought that Christians were cannibals because of consuming the “body and.blood” of Christ! What did you mean by that? Catholics do believe that and are Christians, so????? Luke 23 was difficult to read. I sincerely believe that Pilate did not want to crucify Jesus and felt that there was no basis - and Herod felt the same way - who passed it back to Pilate. I also think that the women in the crowd remained silent because of their status at the time and could not cry out their true feelings - especially against the Jewish authorities at the time. And perhaps the other men in the crowd could not either because they were afraid of the ramifications from the Jewish authorities who were shouting Crucify Him! The authorities must have all been truly afraid of Jesus. Was this the same Herod that ordered the killing of all Jewish males two years and under? If so, it does seem odd that he wouldn’t jump at the chance to crucify Jesus when he had the opportunity. It’s hard to tell what Simon was feeling when made to carry the cross, especially since he was an outsider. I wonder if he even knew about Jesus. I would like to think I would help anyone who is being treated so badly - even carry the cross that they will soon die on. But how frightening it was to have to get involved! I think the transformation of the Roman centurion - mentioned in several gospels - is probably the most down played event that happened but I feel played a very important part - one we sometimes forget. Even at the end, Jesus is saving and praising God — converting not just the criminal next to Him. I am glad that we read Luke 23 so close to Christmas. In all the hustle and bustle, it does remind us - all because of HIM and the greatest gift God ever gave us!
ReplyDeleteMy comment was that many Christians were persecuted for the "cannibalism" in their rituals-- obviously, people have changed their persecution beliefs some. I agree that neither Pilate nor Herod wanted to condemn Jesus, but the "authorities" almost made them! Herod wasn't the same Herod (I don't think) but a relative. Simon may have been upset that he had to carry Jesus' cross-- after all-- if he was the Messiah, why didn't he do anything- so obviously he must not be the Messiah, so Simon ends up carrying the cross of a "regular criminal". It is good to do these readings so close to Christmas! Thanks Donna!
DeleteSo sad a chapter my tears were flowing again when I read. I read out loud not just to myself and I could hardly get the words out. If it were not for the council taking Jesus to Pilate(who thought Him innocent) and then to Herod (also could not find Him guilty) the crowd was the reason Pilate finally found Him guilty. MOB VIOLENCE We have been seeing that a lot lately with the killing of black lives Mobs destroying whole streets etc. These have not been quiet protests, agitators inciting violence and yes sometimes lives are lost with these occurences . /So we can see first hand from watching the news exactly how it must have been at the time of Jesus. Even insulting Him by making Him carry the cross on which He was to be hung and nailed to. Jesus even forgiving as he was crucified.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if his followers thought He would save Himself? After He died the people leaving saddened What must have been going thru their minds at that time How much fear was there when it became dark in the middle of the day Did they realize that Jesus was the Messiah at the time I wonder! Just thinking!
Mob violence is a very strong thing! We do see evidence of it often! I can't even begin to imagine what the people were thinking when Jesus died...I mean, how could he die- he said he was the Messiah?! It must have been all so confusing and heart wrenching. It was a difficult chapter to read- especially so close to Christmas. Good comments, Clara!
ReplyDeleteYes Jesus could have taken action,but that was not what he was here for. Jesus said to them all,if anyone desires to follow me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily. For who ever desires to save his life, will lose it, but who ever losses his life for my sake will save it. Jesus was very weak so Simon took the cross. Simon saw Jesus as the Messiah. The first will be an angel in heaven with Jesus,the other will be with Satan. Jesus sits at the right hand of the God.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Simon did recognize Jesus as the Messiah or if he recognized him as a common criminal? The news Simon would have had about Jesus would be the great works, miracles, and healing Jesus did...and now this is the Jesus he sees! Good thoughts RoseMarie!
DeleteI think Jesus knew that if he had faith God would “save” him. People must have thought many different things. Jesus was dead. It must have seemed like the end. No more teachings, miracles, healings. Was there a lot of blaming? How long did it take people to move on? After Jesus ascends in to heaven, does everyone go back to how life used to be? Jewish life, calmer?
ReplyDeleteI really do think about how the people of the time felt after the crucifixion and resurrection. To some, it was just a somewhat regular occurrence and life continued. For others a huge set back. For the close followers- did their life ever get back to "normal" Jesus' ascension happened 40 days after the resurrection. So Jesus was dead for three days, came back, was with them for 40 days, then was gone again. What must they have been going through? Imagine their roller coaster of emotions! Add into that the constant persecution from Rome and the disbelief of their fellow Jews! I can't even begin to imagine how they felt! Great thoughts Cathy!
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