Luke 23 reminds me of the question so often answered incorrectly; “Who crucified Jesus?” Our answer reveals much about our world view. Some accuse, some blame, and some try to ignore the event that changed the world. The chapter begins with politicians avoiding any responsibility. After His arrest, they “led Him off to Pilate”, charging Him with treason, “He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king”. After a brief interrogation, Pilate declared, “I find no basis for a charge against this man”. After learning Jesus was from Galilee, Pilate sent Him to Herod (who was in Jerusalem at the time). Herod was delighted because he hoped to see Jesus perform some entertaining tricks. Herod asked Jesus “many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer”. Herod represented the power and authority of Rome, but he managed the people through the Jewish power structure. The Chief Priest and teachers stood nearby “vehemently accusing” Jesus. Not getting what he wanted, “Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in an elegant robe, they sent Him back to Pilate”. Pilate’s ten year reign was full of indecision and over-reaction. After interviewing Jesus a second time, with the Chief Priests and Jewish leaders, he declared, “I have examined Him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against Him. Neither has Herod… Therefore, I will punish Him and then release Him”. But we see how a weak politician yields to public opinion; “the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” Barabbas had led a rebellion against Rome, while Jesus stood against hypocrisy and corruption of the local Jewish leaders. Friend, are you going along with the crowd?
“So Pilate decided to grant their demand”. Where were the followers of Jesus? Their leader had been arrested and beaten, so they were afraid and were likely in hiding. “As the soldiers led Him away… A large number of people followed Him, including women who mourned and wailed for Him”. Jesus told them, “do not weep for Me; weep for yourselves and for your children”. Within 40 years Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed by the Roman army and left in ruin. “When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals”. Crucifixion was a brutal Roman torture and execution. It was intentionally barbaric as a warning to others not to defy Rome. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”. The blood of the Lamb of God covered the horizontal and vertical beam of the cross forever creating a symbol of hope and forgiveness.
He was mocked and cursed, even ridiculed by His crime posted above His head, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS”. Beside Him were two common criminals, one still defiant, one repentant. This second man called out, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom”. His answer reminds us that everything necessary for salvation was completed on the cross. We simply need to believe. “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise”. At about noon, “Darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon… And the curtain of the temple was torn in two”. The separation between God and Man was removed as the once and for all atonement was completed, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit”. The Roman Centurion standing guard praised God saying, “Surely this was a righteous man”. They took His body, wrapped it in linen and hurriedly placed it in a tomb because, “Sabbath was about to begin”. So who crucified Jesus? I confess, it was me. He willingly took the punishment for my sin to make a way for me to be reconciled to God. My friend, you too can have the same eternal assurance. Do you have enough faith to ask?