We'll be in Luke 23 through the weekend. This chapter is dark, and it's depressing because of what's going on and just the awfulness of everything that is happening to Jesus. Because of that, I have a tendency to just read it as a factual or informative account of Jesus' trial and crucifixion. It certainly is that, but I know it's in the Bible to provide us with much more than facts.
So besides the facts, what else does Luke 23 have for you and me? I went back and read the entire chapter a couple of times this morning. Honestly, I was surprised at just how much was there waiting for me to consider (Herod's actions and response really got me thinking, for example).
So would you pass on to us what you find as you're in Luke 23 this week? Was there a particular verse or action that moved you, got you thinking or even changed your thinking? Send in a blog and share your thoughts. Reading other people's comments gets us thinking even more--and that's a good thing! Tami W.
Sometimes it's hard to understand how Jesus Christ, the creator of the world, could allow mankind to do the terrible things they did to him without stopping them. Oh how he must love us to allow himself to be sacrificed for us, so that we could have eternal life.
Even in the Old Testament, when an animal was sacrificed for one's sins, the animal was not treated badly or disrespected as Jesus was. The person would put their hand on the animal to identify with them dying for his/her sins. Jesus died without mankind's appreciation for what he was doing.
Was it not another rich chapter of God's Word? There was so much to consider and comment on, but since you mentioned Herod...
Did you notice that Jesus spoke to Pilate and answered his questions, but Herod was another matter: v.9, "but He answered him nothing." This is the same Herod (Antipas) that had John the Baptist put to death and the one that wanted to put Jesus to death also (ch 13:31-33). Do you think that Jesus didn't bother to even speak to this man because He knew that Herod was beyond the point of no return? Herod, along with his soldiers treated Him with contempt and mocked Him.
Something else...I've always thought about Jesus's death in a manner that applied to EVERYONE..."For God so loved the WORLD..." Jesus died for the sins of ALL MANKIND...What a buffer to keep me from wrapping my mind around the fact that Jesus hung on that cross because of ME. I did it. I was the reason He died. Please pray with me that I can cement this in my heart and humble myself enough to realize that I am no better than the worst of us. It should be so easy to forgive others if I would only see that I never deserved forgiveness myself...but I am forgiven. And THIS is where I should emphasize the WORLD, EVERYONE and ALL MANKIND. He loved US enough to die so WE could have forgiveness. How I must grieve the Holy Spirit when I think less of others than myself.
To be one of His followers, and to watch Him die so unjustly, so painful and terrible a death, and to be "at a distance" away from Him in His time of agony - unable to provide comfort, solace or even just to know that I was there for Him. This must have been the most wrenching experiences imaginable.
I have read Luke 23 three times and each time I am overwhelmed with Jesus compassion and His calm deimner (sp). There is so much going on, people yelling, the disciples dismayed, if you will, and Pilate and Herod's actions. I can picture soldiers holding back the angry crowd as they pressing forward, yelling and screaming, yet, Jesus fogives them for all they have done, from beginning to end.
What stands out to me also are the two, the thief and Centurion, who realize who Jesus is. Why only these two? Were there more and they were just not mentioned? What exactly did they see that changed their heart? The thief must have heard about Jesus, then heard the angry crowd. The Centurion also heard about Him and the charges, but, came to believe after seeing Christ surrounder Himself into the Hands of the Father. Could have been the peace He had? His calmness and willingness to forgive?
I am really in AWE of Jesus! I just can't find the words to explain what I am feeling. Other than AWE struck!
What a beautiful and wonderful Savior we serve.
Hello!
Very Interesting post! Thank you for such interesting resource!
PS: Sorry for my bad english, I'v just started to learn this language ;)
See you!
Your, Raiul