Notes on Luke 23:26-56

Luke 23:26-56

Jesus' Crucifixion. The death of Jesus is central to the Gospel narrative and the Christian faith (1 Cor. 15:1-8). Jesus did not merely die as a martyr but a Savior, according to God's plan (9:22).

Luke 23:26

They Roman soldiers conscripted a person from the crowd to help Jesus carry the cross. Simon of Cyrene. Perhaps a Jewish worshipper in Jerusalem for the Passover (see Mark 15:21; Rom. 16:13). Cyrene was located in modern day Tripoli. cross. The crosses used for crucifixion were made up of two parts. Typically, those who were crucified were forced to carry the crossbeam to the place of execution (see note on v. 21). Jesus was too weak from beatings and abuse to carry his cross (see note on v. 25).

Luke 23:27

Public displays of grief were common in that culture, and still are even today. The crowd and weeping women likely saw Jesus as innocent, yet unjustly condemned.

Luke 23:28

Daughters of Jerusalem. These women fulfilled the prophetic word of Zech. 12: 10-14. They represented the entire nation, though there is a special emphasis on them as women who will suffer. weep. But in the midst of their weeping, Jesus points them to a different judgment. Rather than feeling sorry for Jesus, they should weep for the judgment they will experience when Jerusalem is destroyed (vv. 29-31; see notes on 21:5-9). He hoped they would repent (13:34; 19:41-44).

Luke 23:29-30

Such would be the severity of Jerusalem's coming destruction that the women would wish they had never given birth and all would wish that the mountains themselves would fall upon them, putting them out of their misery (Hos. 10:8; Rev. 6:16; see notes on 21:5-9).

Luke 23:31

Jesus emphasized the divine judgment behind Jerusalem's fall (vv. 28-30). tree is green . . . dry. A fire is best started and maintained with something old or dry rather than moist, green wood. Jesus used this imagery to indicate the severity of God's coming judgment. The Romans punished Jesus who would innocent, so even worse would happen to the guilty.

Luke 23:32

Jesus' death with criminals fulfilled the prophecy of Isa. 53:12.

Luke 23:33

The Skull. In Aramaic, it was called Golgotha (Mark 15:22). crucified. Jesus' crucifixion experience fulfilled several prophetic passages in the Old Testament (see Ps. 22:6-18; Isa. 50:6; 53:3-8, 10). However, the Gospel writers did not dwell on the well-known details of crucifixion (see Mark 15:25; Matt. 27:35; John 19:18). Rather than focus on the physical sufferings of Jesus, they highlighted his spiritual sufferings under God's wrath, which secured salvation for sinners (see notes on vv. 44-47).

Luke 23:34

forgive. Even in the face of cruel rebellion, Jesus was patient with sinners. His prayer did not excuse the Jews or Romans for their part in his wrongful execution (see note on vv. 19, 23-24). Instead, it showed that they did not fully understand the wickedness of their actions. They had crucified the Holy and Righteous Son of God (1:35; Acts 3:14) who came to save sinners as the promised Christ (2:11; 19:10). cast lots. The soldiers gambled for Jesus' clothing in fulfillment of Ps. 22:18. See BC 57.

Luke 23:35

Luke contrasted the response of the people and their leaders. mocking. The ridicule of the Jewish leaders fulfilled the prophetic experience of Ps. 22:7-8. save. Jesus could have easily saved himself (Matt. 26:53). But by not saving himself, he was saving others (Mark 10:45; Gal 3:13; 1 Pet. 2:23-25). Christ. See notes on 2:11; 22:67. chosen one. See notes on 9:34-35.

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