Notes on Luke 23:46-24:49

Luke 23:46

Father. Having finished making atonement for sin, Jesus entrusted himself to God. He used the words of Scripture to express his confidence in the Father (Ps. 31:5; see 1 Pet. 4:19). died. Jesus' death was further evidence of his true humanity (1 John 1:1-2; see note on 1:35). He experienced the full consequences of sin, though he himself was without sin (Rom. 6:23; Heb. 4:15). By experiencing death and rising from the dead (9:22; 24:1-7), Jesus conquered sin for his people (2 Tim. 1:10; Heb. 2:14-15).

Luke 23:47

The Roman government found no fault in Jesus (v. 22). Neither did this centurion. Moreover, Matthew recorded the beginnings of faith in him (Matt. 27:54).

Luke 23:48

The crowds saw Jesus' innocence at his trial (v. 20-22), his graciousness from the cross (v. 34), and the darkness of God's displeasure (v. 44). All of this has not left them unchanged. They leave beating their breasts — a cultural sign of mourning and repentance.

Luke 23:49

Jesus' family and friends as well as some disciples saw his death (Pss. 38:11; 88:8).

Luke 23:50-51

Unlike the others, Joseph was a sincere worshipper of God. Though part of the Jewish leadership, he had not been part of their plan to kill Jesus. Council. The Jewish Sanhedrin (see note on 20:1). kingdom. Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, though perhaps secretly.

Luke 23:52

Joseph showed tremendous courage in asking for Jesus' body. No one wanted to be associated with someone who was shamefully executed by crucifixion (see note on v. 21). Also, Pilate was no friend of the Jewish people, especially the Sanhedrin (see notes on vv. 1, 23-24). Yet, the Jews believed in proper burials even for enemies or executed criminals (Deut. 21:23; 2 Sam. 21:12-14). Jesus' body certainly deserved such care in death.

Luke 23:53

Joseph was granted care of Jesus' body (v. 52). Unlike a tomb where many people were buried together and was already full of the stench of death, this was a new tomb. Being a man of wealth and importance, it was the one that Joseph most likely had made for himself. But he gave it as a sign of affection and devotion to Jesus. In doing so, he also fulfilled God's word (Isa. 53:9).

Luke 23:54

Day of the Preparation. The day before the Sabbath. According to the traditions of this time, day began at nightfall. Since the Sabbath began on Friday evening, this was last Friday afternoon. Sabbath. See note on 6:1. See WLC 117.

Luke 23:55-56

Likely encouraged by Joseph's example (vv. 52-53), these women were also willing to identify with Jesus and offered something costly to honor him in his death. They followed Joseph and saw the amount of burial spices used to hastily anoint Jesus before the coming of the Sabbath (v. 54; John 19:39). Though surely thankful for all that Joseph did, they determined to prepare even more perfumes and ointments for him (8:2-3; 24:1). rested. A display of genuine faith and piety (see 1:6; notes on Exod. 20:10; Deut. 5:14). See WLC 117, 121.

Jesus' Resurrection - Luke 24:1-49

Though condemned by the Jewish leaders and Roman government, God vindicated the work of his Son, Jesus (1 Tim 3:16). By raising him back to life, he indicated that Jesus did indeed atone for sins and would not reign with all authority (Eph. 1:22-23; Phil. 2:5-11). Thus, the resurrection became the bedrock of Christian hope for salvation (1 Cor. 15:12-20, 54-57).

Luke 24:1

first day. It is early Sunday morning. This caused a shift in believers' day of worship (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2; Rev. 1:10). they. The women return to finish anointing Jesus's body in burial (22:39, 54-56). spices. The ancient Jews did not practice any form of embalming. Instead, they covered corpses with spices and ointments in burial (23:26).

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