The righteous sufferer
Jesus’ mockery, garments divided, and trust in God resonate with the Psalms of the righteous sufferer.
Luke 23
The Innocent King Condemned, Crucified with Transgressors, and Buried in Hope
Jesus is falsely accused before Pilate, mocked by Herod, declared innocent yet condemned under crowd demand, led to crucifixion, warns Jerusalem’s daughters, is crucified between criminals, forgives enemies, saves the repentant criminal, dies in darkness as the temple curtain tears, is declared righteous by a centurion, and is buried by Joseph while the women witness the tomb.
Berean Standard Bible (BSB) , Public Domain · Translation notes · Reference sources
- No Basis for a Charge 23:1-5
Jesus is accused before Pilate as a political rebel, but Pilate finds no basis for condemnation.
- Mocked by Herod 23:6-12
Herod questions Jesus, receives silence, mocks him with his soldiers, and sends him back to Pilate.
- Barabbas Released, Jesus Condemned 23:13-25
Pilate declares Jesus innocent but releases the guilty Barabbas and hands Jesus over to be crucified.
- Do Not Weep for Me 23:26-31
Jesus warns Jerusalem’s mourning women that judgment is coming upon the city.
- Father, Forgive Them 23:32-34
Jesus is crucified between criminals, prays for forgiveness, and has his garments divided.
- The Mocked King 23:35-38
Rulers and soldiers mock Jesus as Messiah, Chosen One, and King of the Jews.
- Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise 23:39-43
One criminal mocks, but the other confesses guilt, Jesus’ innocence, and Jesus’ kingdom, receiving the promise of paradise.
- Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit 23:44-49
Darkness falls, the temple curtain tears, Jesus dies entrusting himself to the Father, and the centurion declares him righteous.
- Laid in a New Tomb 23:50-56
Joseph buries Jesus honorably, and the women witness the tomb before Sabbath rest.
Biblical Theology
How This Chapter Fits
Theological Argument
Luke 23 argues that Jesus’ death is the death of the innocent and righteous King, not the execution of a criminal rebel. Pilate repeatedly finds no guilt in him. Herod finds no capital offense. Barabbas, the actual insurrectionist and murderer, is released while Jesus is condemned. On the cross, Jesus is mocked with titles that are ironically true: Messiah, Chosen One, King of the Jews. He does not save himself because he is saving others through his self-giving death. He is numbered with transgressors, prays forgiveness, receives the repentance of a guilty criminal, and promises immediate fellowship in paradise...
From false accusation to declared innocence, from crowd rejection to substitutionary release of Barabbas, from crucifixion and mockery to paradise promised, from darkness and torn curtain to righteous death, and from burial to resurrection expectation.
- The accusations against Jesus portray him as a political threat, but Roman examination repeatedly finds no guilt deserving death.
- The guilty Barabbas is released while the innocent Jesus is handed over, dramatizing the substitutionary pattern of the passion.
- Jesus’ path to the cross remains prophetic and judicial, as he warns Jerusalem’s daughters of coming judgment.
- Jesus is crucified among criminals, fulfilling the servant pattern of being numbered with transgressors.
- Jesus responds to ignorance and violence with intercession for forgiveness.
- The mockery of Jesus as Messiah, Chosen One, and King unknowingly proclaims the truth of who he is.
Christological Focus
Luke 23 presents Jesus as the innocent and righteous King, the rejected Messiah, the Chosen One, the suffering servant numbered with transgressors, the intercessor who prays forgiveness, the Savior who grants paradise, the obedient Son who entrusts his spirit to the Father, and the crucified Lord whose death tears the temple curtain. He is condemned by men but vindicated by repeated declarations of innocence, the repentant criminal’s faith, the centurion’s praise, and the faithful burial witness.
Luke 23 argues that Jesus’ death is the death of the innocent and righteous King, not the execution of a criminal rebel. Pilate repeatedly finds no guilt in him. Herod finds no capital offense. Barabbas, the actual insurrectionist and murderer, is released while Jesus is condemned. On the cross, Jesus is mocked with titles that are ironically true: Messiah, Chosen One, King of the Jews...
Covenant Significance
Luke 23 displays the covenant crisis and covenant fulfillment accomplished in the death of Jesus. The innocent one is condemned, the guilty is released, and the King is crucified under the title 'King of the Jews.' Jesus is numbered with transgressors, fulfilling Isaiah’s servant pattern. His prayer for forgiveness anticipates the apostolic proclamation of repentance and forgiveness beginning from Jerusalem...
- Innocent one condemned - Jesus’ repeated innocence shows that his death is not deserved punishment for his own sin.
- Guilty one released - Barabbas’s release while Jesus is condemned dramatizes the exchange at the heart of the passion.
- Servant among transgressors - Jesus is crucified with criminals, fulfilling the Isaiah 53 trajectory he cited in Luke 22.
- Forgiveness from the cross - Jesus’ prayer anticipates the new covenant forgiveness proclaimed after the resurrection.
- King rejected by his people - The inscription and mockery identify Jesus as King even in rejection.
Formation
Theological Burden The crucified Jesus is innocent, righteous, kingly, forgiving, substitutionary, temple-fulfilling, and saving, even as he is rejected, mocked, condemned, and buried.
Pastoral Burden This chapter forms disciples who behold the righteous King, confess guilt, receive mercy, reject crowd injustice, trust Jesus in death, and wait faithfully through the silence before resurrection.
Character Aim Repentance, courage, mercy, cross-bearing, reverent lament, hope in death, trust in the Father, and faithful witness.
- Barabbas reflection
- Pilate pressure audit
- Criminal’s prayer
- Cross-mockery reversal
- Forgiveness meditation
Canonical Connections
Suffering servant
Jesus is numbered with transgressors, prays for forgiveness, and dies as the innocent one among the guilty.
The guilty released and the innocent condemned
Barabbas’s release and Jesus’ condemnation embody the exchange pattern at the heart of atonement.
King of the Jews
The crucified Jesus is mocked as king, but Scripture presents the Davidic king as God’s appointed ruler through suffering and vindication.
Forgiveness through ignorance and repentance
Jesus’ prayer for those who do not know what they do anticipates apostolic calls to repent after acting in ignorance.
No Basis for a Charge
Jesus is accused before Pilate as a political rebel, but Pilate finds no basis for condemnation.
Luke 23:1–5
Earthly rulers misjudge the true King.
Biblical Theology
The innocent King condemned under worldly authority.
Theological Movement
The whole assembly rises and brings Jesus before Pilate. The charges are political (perverting the nation, forbidding tribute, claiming to be king). Pilate examines him: are you King of the Jews? Jesus: you have said so. Pilate to the chief priests: I find no guilt in this man. They press harder...
Typological Role Antitype
The accusation 'he perverts our nation, forbids giving tribute to Caesar, and says he is Christ a king' (v.2) echoes the false charges against the Servant in Isaiah 53:9 ('although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth') and Jeremiah 26...
Fulfillment: Isaiah 53:9; Jeremiah 26:11; Psalm 35:11; Isaiah 53:7
1 Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate.
2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”
3 So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.
4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
5 But they kept insisting, “He stirs up the people all over Judea with His teaching. He began in Galilee and has come all the way here.”
Mocked by Herod
Herod questions Jesus, receives silence, mocks him with his soldiers, and sends him back to Pilate.
Luke 23:6–12
The true King refuses spectacle and submits in prophetic silence.
Biblical Theology
The silent Servant mocked by rulers yet moving toward ordained sacrifice.
Theological Movement
Pilate sends Jesus to Herod, who has long wanted to see him and hoped for a sign. Jesus answers nothing. The chief priests and scribes accuse him vehemently. Herod's soldiers mock and dress him in gorgeous apparel, then send him back...
Typological Role Antitype
Jesus silent before Herod fulfills Isaiah 53:7 ('he was oppressed and afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent'). Herod's desire for a sign (v...
Fulfillment: Isaiah 53:7; Isaiah 53:3; 1 Kings 22:10; Psalm 22:8
6 When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean.
7 And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time.
8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle.
9 Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer.
10 Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes stood there, vehemently accusing Him.
11 And even Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in a fine robe, they sent Him back to Pilate.
12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends; before this time they had been enemies.
Barabbas Released, Jesus Condemned
Pilate declares Jesus innocent but releases the guilty Barabbas and hands Jesus over to be crucified.
Luke 23:13–25
The righteous King dies in place of the guilty.
Biblical Theology
The righteous Servant condemned in place of the guilty.
Theological Movement
Pilate calls together the chief priests, rulers, and people: I find no guilt worthy of death — I will chastise him and release him. Pilate's thrice-offered release is refused. They demand crucifixion and Barabbas. He delivered Jesus over to their will...
Typological Role Antitype
Barabbas released and Jesus crucified fulfills the Day of Atonement scapegoat pattern (Lev 16:7-10) by reversal — the innocent one dies and the guilty goes free. Pilate's three declarations of innocence (v...
Fulfillment: Leviticus 16:7-10; Psalm 22:12-13; Isaiah 53:5-6; Zechariah 12:10
13 Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people,
14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him.
15 Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death.
16 Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”
17 BSB does not include verse 17 in this source text.
18 But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!”
19 (Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate addressed them again,
21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”
22 A third time he said to them, “What evil has this man done? I have found in Him no offense worthy of death. So after I punish Him, I will release Him.”
23 But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices for Jesus to be crucified. And their clamor prevailed.
24 So Pilate sentenced that their demand be met.
25 As they had requested, he released the one imprisoned for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over to their will.
Do Not Weep for Me
Jesus warns Jerusalem’s mourning women that judgment is coming upon the city.
Luke 23:26–32
The suffering King advances to the cross and calls for repentance.
Biblical Theology
Theological Movement
Simon the Cyrenian is compelled to carry the cross behind Jesus — the first literal cross-bearer after the command of Luke 9:23. Jesus addresses the weeping women: do not weep for me but for yourselves and your children. The days are coming when they will say 'Blessed are the barren...
Typological Role Antitype
Simon of Cyrene compelled to carry the cross (v.26) echoes the pattern of the Servant's cross-bearer — the cross-carrying community participating in the Servant's burden (Isa 53:4; Matt 11:29)...
Fulfillment: Isaiah 53:12; Jeremiah 9:17-20; Hosea 10:8; Isaiah 53:4
26 As the soldiers led Him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene on his way in from the country, and they put the cross on him to carry behind Jesus.
27 A great number of people followed Him, including women who kept mourning and wailing for Him.
28 But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
29 Look, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore, and breasts that never nursed!’
30 At that time ‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’
31 For if men do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
Father, Forgive Them
Jesus is crucified between criminals, prays for forgiveness, and has his garments divided.
32 Two others, who were criminals, were also led away to be executed with Jesus.
Luke 23:33–43
From the cross, Jesus extends grace and eternal life.
Biblical Theology
Theological Movement
At the Place of the Skull: Jesus crucified, criminals on either side. Father, forgive them — they do not know what they are doing. Lots cast for his garments. The rulers mock, the soldiers mock, one criminal mocks. The other criminal rebukes him and asks to be remembered...
Typological Role Antitype
The crucifixion fulfills Psalm 22:7-8 (they wag their heads and mock: 'he trusts in God; let him deliver him') and Isaiah 53:12 ('numbered with transgressors.....
Fulfillment: Psalm 22:7-8; Isaiah 53:12; Psalm 22:18; Isaiah 25:8
33 When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left.
34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
The Mocked King
Rulers and soldiers mock Jesus as Messiah, Chosen One, and King of the Jews.
35 The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”
36 The soldiers also mocked Him and came up to offer Him sour wine.
37 “If You are the King of the Jews,” they said, “save Yourself!”
38 Above Him was posted an inscription: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise
One criminal mocks, but the other confesses guilt, Jesus’ innocence, and Jesus’ kingdom, receiving the promise of paradise.
39 One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. “Are You not the Christ?” he said. “Save Yourself and us!”
40 But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment?
41 We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”
43 And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit
Darkness falls, the temple curtain tears, Jesus dies entrusting himself to the Father, and the centurion declares him righteous.
Luke 23:44–49
The righteous Son dies and tears open access to the Father.
Biblical Theology
The righteous Son’s voluntary death opens access to God.
Theological Movement
Darkness over the whole land from noon to three. The sun's light fails; the curtain tears. Jesus cries with a loud voice: Father, into your hands I commit my spirit — and breathes his last. The centurion: certainly this man was innocent. All the crowds return to their homes beating their breasts...
Typological Role Antitype
The darkness from noon to three (v.44) fulfills Amos 8:9 ('I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight') and Exodus 10:21-23 (the plague of darkness over Egypt) — the judgment-darkness falls on the cross...
Fulfillment: Amos 8:9; Exodus 26:33; Leviticus 16:2; Psalm 31:5
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over all the land until the ninth hour.
45 The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn down the middle.
46 Then Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” And when He had said this, He breathed His last.
47 When the centurion saw what had happened, he gave glory to God, saying, “Surely this was a righteous man.”
48 And when all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts.
49 But all those who knew Jesus, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching these things.
Laid in a New Tomb
Joseph buries Jesus honorably, and the women witness the tomb before Sabbath rest.
Luke 23:50–56
Christ rests in the tomb, preparing for resurrection victory.
Biblical Theology
The righteous Servant buried in fulfillment of prophecy, resting before vindication.
Theological Movement
Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the council who had not consented to their decision, asks Pilate for the body. He wraps it in linen and lays it in a new tomb. The women from Galilee follow, see the tomb, prepare spices, and rest on the Sabbath...
Typological Role Antitype
Joseph of Arimathea's good and righteous character, looking for the kingdom (v.50-51), echoes Simeon's looking for the consolation of Israel (2:25) and Anna's looking for the redemption of Jerusalem (2:38) — the faithful remnant who awaited fulfillment now pro...
Fulfillment: Isaiah 53:9; Genesis 23:19; Exodus 20:10; 2 Kings 21:26
50 Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man,
51 who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea and was waiting for the kingdom of God.
52 He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.
53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had yet been laid.
54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was beginning.
55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how His body was placed.
56 Then they returned to prepare spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath, according to the commandment.