Jesus is crucified, buried and resurrected. So much encouragement for the early church and for us in these 2 final chapters of Luke.
Luke 23: Jesus Before Pilate
1 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."
Jesus Before Herod
6 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 over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time.
8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him.
9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer.
10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him.
11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate.
12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.
13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
14 and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him.
15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him.
16 I will therefore punish and release him."
17
Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified
18 But they all cried out together, "Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas"---
19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder.
20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus,
21 but they kept shouting, "Crucify, crucify him!"
22 A third time he said to them, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him."
23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed.
24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted.
25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.
The Crucifixion
26 And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus.
27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him.
28 But turning to them Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep 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 wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him.
33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.
34 And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments.
35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!"
36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine
37 and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!"
38 There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
40 But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."
42 And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43 And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
The Death of Jesus
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour,
45 while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last.
47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, "Certainly this man was innocent!"
48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts.
49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.
Jesus Is Buried
50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man,
51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God.
52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid.
54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning.
55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid.
56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
Luke 24: The Resurrection
1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.
2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb,
3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel.
5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee,
7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise."
8 And they remembered his words,
9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.
10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles,
11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.
12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marvelling at what had happened.
On the Road to Emmaus
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem,
14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened.
15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.
16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
17 And he said to them, "What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?"And they stood still, looking sad.
18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19 And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,
20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.
21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.
22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning,
23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.
24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
25 And he said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?"
27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther,
29 but they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.
31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.
32 They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?"
33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together,
34 saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!"
35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, "Peace to you!"
37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit.
38 And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?
39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have."
40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marvelling, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?"
42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish,
43 and he took it and ate before them.
44 Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled."
45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
46 and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,
47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
48 You are witnesses of these things.
49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."
The Ascension
50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.
51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
53 and were continually in the temple blessing God
Things to think about…
1. Look at Luke 23:6-16. Jesus is before Herod. Herod was called ‘a fox’ by Jesus and he desperately wanted to get Jesus to do some miracle (read ‘trick’) for him. Even if Christ performed a miracle before him, do you you think Herod would have repented of his sin? Can you think of any modern day applications where this type of Herodian spirit is expressed either inside or outside the church? Miracles don’t save, grace saves. But miracles point to Christ so we ask that the Lord continues to bless us with His supernatural presence.
2. Of all the prisoners that Pilate would have had opportunity to release, why do you think the people asked for Barabbas to be released over Jesus, Luke 23:18? He committed insurrection against the Romans. He was more of a saviour in their eyes than Jesus at this point. They didn’t realise what they needed saving from something far greater than the Romans.
3. In Luke 23:28-31 Jesus addresses the ‘daughters of Jerusalem’. What part of history is Jesus speaking to them about when he says ‘weep for yourselves and your children’, vs 28. Ans:- AD70 when Jerusalem would be destroyed by Rome – after a long and cruel siege. When abundant grace has been shown, accountability for that knowledge must follow. They had rejected the teaching and the ministry of Christ. To those whom much is given, much is required.
4. How much theology do you need to receive a pass from Jesus to enter into heaven? How much theology do you think the thief had when Jesus said to him ‘today you will be with me in paradise’? The gift of faith by grace is enough. While death bed conversions are rare, they are enough when they are genuine.
5. The darkness for 3 hours described in Luke 23:44 represented a number of things. The darkness of the human heart is one. Another is eluded to in Luke 23:45. The veil torn in two represented that Israel had shunned the light, but a great light was about to dawn upon the Gentiles and they were free to enter into a holy relationship with Christ.
6. There is a misunderstanding of an old version of the Nicean Creed which says Jesus entered Hell, the original Nicean document says that He died and was buried for three days. Jesus’ testimony is that he went straight into the Father’s presence, Luke 23:46. Jesus did not have to pay off the devil. He had to pay the Father on our behalf. Have you ever been confused on this issue? The hell Jesus went through was being separated from the Father as He turned His face away.
7. In Luke 23:50 we are introduced to the noble character of Joseph of Arimathea. His compassionate actions are actually fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that He would be buried among the wealthy, Isa 53:9. How do you think his actions would have been received by the other council members? Have you ever been placed in a similar position?
8. In Luke 24:1-12 we see these three women Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James and Joanna bringing spices to anoint the body of Christ. They remembered that a stone had been rolled in front of the tomb, yet they come to anoint Jesus. Sometimes we hear the Word of God and even though we fear or doubt, we go anyway. The Lord blesses in these situations. These women were met by two angels and told ‘He is risen’. This is our message, even when we doubt, let’s encourage each other to live out and share this timeless truth.
9. I love the ‘Road to Emmaus’ story in Luke 24:13-35. Imagine hearing this sermon about who Jesus is in the OT within the Law, Psalms and the Prophets from the lips of Christ! Look at verse 31. Their eyes were opened when Jesus blessed and broke the bread. When we fellowship with each other, especially around communion, the Lord indeed speaks. Can you remember a time when the Lord spoke to you during a communion service and in some way, opened your eyes? May we have the same statements as these men that our “hearts would burn within us” when we hear the Word of God”
10. Look at the three things the Lord reveals to the disciples when he appears to them as the resurrected Christ. 1. He reveals Himself, Luke 24:38, 39. 2. He opens their minds to understand the scriptures, vs 45 and then 3. He asks them to be clothed with power from on high, vs 49 – we know this was Pentecost where they all received the Holy Spirit and gifts. As Christians we should have all three of these realities working out through our lives. Question:- are all three evident in your life? May there be plenty of examples.
11. Look at the Ascension in Luke 24:50-53. It says after He ascended they worshiped Him, vs 52. Isn’t that what we do? Even though Christ is not here in bodily form, we worship Him. Do you sometimes doubt Christ’s presence when you are trying to worship? What are the factors that stop us from worshiping Him ‘in spirit and in truth’? May they all be removed and we see Him as He is – our resurrected Lord.
Vision Point
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Prayer Points
1. Pray for the present turmoil going on with the riots in America. Pray for Christ’s peace.
2. Pray for wisdom and clarity with some restrictions are being lifted this month.
3. Continue to pray for our government for wisdom and economic management.
4. Pray that as restrictions are lifted that businesses may return and people who have lost their jobs may return to gainful employment. .
5. Sunday’s fb live messages for Kids church and – “Nobody likes a bad tenant” Luke 20.
6. Our online Chuwar Kids at church program – that our kids still feel connected to church and love worshipping Him.
7. Pastoral care. Pray people feel connected in this isolation period. Been great catching up with people at the Bean Redeemed café.
8. Church finances to meet our expenses and to put a roof over our café.
9. Our City and Country – Pray for revival over our city and the leadership of our country even through these challenging times. Pray especially for people to be stable with respect to mental health.
Praise Points.
1. Restrictions being lifted – cell groups can now meet up.
2. Finances being maintained and donation to Café roof. Thankyou!
3. New website up and running. Check it out www.chuwarbaptist.com
4. Online streaming continues to develop – thankyou technical team https://www.facebook.com/ChuwarBaptistChurch
5. Streaming and fb live being done very well by Dan and the technical team. Thanks Doug, Dan, Jesse and Peter. Thanks worship team.
6. Infection curve continues to drop below 1% infection levels. as a response to the virus in Australia
7. Praise the Lord churches are functioning well in this environment and the gospel is going out in the media.
8. Encouraging online comments – the church is still functioning well and people are being cared for.
Announcements
1. Pray about offerings to help with putting a roof over the café. Our temporary white shade has come to the end of its life. $6k required for a new roof. $3k has been donated.
2. Cell groups can meet up – Ask for details as to how and what is required.
3. New church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Kids Church now streamed live at 9:00am every Sunday morning via CBC’s fb page.
5. Tune in again this week on our Facebook page this Sunday 9:30am https://www.facebook.com/ChuwarBaptistChurch .
June catechism question...
Q. 13. What do we pray for in the fourth petition? A. That God would give us all things needful for our bodies and souls.
Bible Reference – Ps.145:15&16; Prov.30:8&9; 1Tim.4:4&5.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
Pastor Jay
