Luke 19
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector
1Jesus entered Jerichoa and was passing through. 2A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-figb tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.c
5When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
7All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”d
8But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord,e “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything,f I will pay back four times the amount.”g
9Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.h 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”i
The Parable of the Ten Minas
19:12-27Ref — Mt 25:14-30
11While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of Godj was going to appear at once.k 12He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13So he called ten of his servantsl and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’
14“But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’
15“He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.
16“The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’
17“ ‘Well done, my good servant!’m his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’n
18“The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’
19“His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’
20“Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’o
22“His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words,p you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow?q 23Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’
24“Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’
25“ ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’
26“He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.r 27But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.’ ”
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
19:29-38pp — Mt 21:1-9; Mk 11:1-10
19:35-38pp — Jn 12:12-15
28After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.s 29As he approached Bethphage and Bethanyt at the hill called the Mount of Olives,u he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30“Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ”
32Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them.v 33As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
34They replied, “The Lord needs it.”
35They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36As he went along, people spread their cloaksw on the road.
37When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives,x the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”,y
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”z
39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”a
40“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”b
41As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over itc 42and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.d 44They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls.e They will not leave one stone on another,f because you did not recognize the time of God’s comingg to you.”
Jesus at the Temple
19:45,46pp — Mt 21:12-16; Mk 11:15-18; Jn 2:13-16
45When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. 46“It is written,” he said to them, “ ‘My house will be a house of prayer’;h but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”i
47Every day he was teaching at the temple.j But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him.k 48Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.
Luke 20
The Authority of Jesus Questioned
20:1-8pp — Mt 21:23-27; Mk 11:27-33
1One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courtsa and proclaiming the good news,b the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. 2“Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?”c
3He replied, “I will also ask you a question. Tell me: 4John’s baptismd—was it from heaven, or of human origin?”
5They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Why didn’t you believe him?’ 6But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ all the peoplee will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet.”f
7So they answered, “We don’t know where it was from.”
8Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”
The Parable of the Tenants
20:9-19pp — Mt 21:33-46; Mk 12:1-12
9He went on to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard,g rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time.h 10At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. 12He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.
13“Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love;i perhaps they will respect him.’
14“But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. ‘This is the heir,’ they said. ‘Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 15So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
“What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16He will come and kill those tenantsj and give the vineyard to others.”
When the people heard this, they said, “God forbid!”
17Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written:
“ ‘The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone’?k
18Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”l
19The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest himm immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.n
Paying Taxes to Caesar
20:20-26pp — Mt 22:15-22; Mk 12:13-17
20Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said,o so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor.p 21So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.q 22Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
23He saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24“Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
25He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s,r and to God what is God’s.”
26They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.
The Resurrection and Marriage
20:27-40pp — Mt 22:23-33; Mk 12:18-27
27Some of the Sadducees,s who say there is no resurrection,t came to Jesus with a question. 28“Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother.u 29Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. 30The second 31and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. 32Finally, the woman died too. 33Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?”
34Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to comev and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children,w since they are children of the resurrection. 37But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’,x 38He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”
39Some of the teachers of the law responded, “Well said, teacher!” 40And no one dared to ask him any more questions.y
Whose Son Is the Messiah?
20:41-47pp — Mt 22:41–23:7; Mk 12:35-40
41Then Jesus said to them, “Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David?z 42David himself declares in the Book of Psalms:
“ ‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
43until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.” ’,a
44David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”
Warning Against the Teachers of the Law
45While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46“Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.b 47They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”
Luke 21
The Widow’s Offering
21:1-4pp — Mk 12:41-44
1As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.a 2He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3“Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”b
The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times
21:5-36pp — Mt 24; Mk 13
21:12-17pp — Mt 10:17-22
5Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6“As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another;c every one of them will be thrown down.”
7“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”
8He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.d 9When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”
10Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.e 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.f
12“But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13And so you will bear testimony to me.g 14But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.h 15For I will give youi words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends,j and they will put some of you to death. 17Everyone will hate you because of me.k 18But not a hair of your head will perish.l 19Stand firm, and you will win life.m
20“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies,n you will know that its desolation is near. 21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city.o 22For this is the time of punishmentp in fulfillmentq of all that has been written. 23How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampledr on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.s 26People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.t 27At that time they will see the Son of Manu coming in a cloudv with power and great glory. 28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”w
29He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of Godx is near.
32“Truly I tell you, this generationy will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.z
34“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life,a and that day will close on you suddenlyb like a trap. 35For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be always on the watch, and prayc that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
37Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple,d and each evening he went oute to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives,f 38and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.g
Luke 22
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
22:1,2pp — Mt 26:2-5; Mk 14:1,2,10,11
1Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching,a 2and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus,b for they were afraid of the people. 3Then Satanc entered Judas, called Iscariot,d one of the Twelve. 4And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guarde and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5They were delighted and agreed to give him money.f 6He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.
The Last Supper
22:7-13pp — Mt 26:17-19; Mk 14:12-16
22:17-20pp — Mt 26:26-29; Mk 14:22-25; 1Co 11:23-25
22:21-23pp — Mt 26:21-24; Mk 14:18-21; Jn 13:21-30
22:25-27pp — Mt 20:25-28; Mk 10:42-45
22:33,34pp — Mt 26:33-35; Mk 14:29-31; Jn 13:37,38
7Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.g 8Jesus sent Peter and John,h saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”
9“Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.
10He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.”
13They left and found things just as Jesus had told them.i So they prepared the Passover.
14When the hour came, Jesus and his apostlesj reclined at the table.k 15And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.l 16For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”m
17After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it,n and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
20In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenanto in my blood, which is poured out for you. 21But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table.p 22The Son of Manq will go as it has been decreed.r But woe to that man who betrays him!” 23They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.
24A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.s 25Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest,t and the one who rules like the one who serves.u 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.v 28You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29And I confer on you a kingdom,w just as my Father conferred one on me, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdomx and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.y
31“Simon, Simon, Satan has askedz to sift all of you as wheat.a 32But I have prayed for you,b Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”c
33But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”d
34Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
35Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals,e did you lack anything?”
“Nothing,” they answered.
36He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’;f and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”
38The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.”
“That’s enough!” he replied.
Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
22:40-46pp — Mt 26:36-46; Mk 14:32-42
39Jesus went out as usualg to the Mount of Olives,h and his disciples followed him. 40On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”i 41He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt downj and prayed, 42“Father, if you are willing, take this cupk from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”l 43An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.m 44And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
45When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46“Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”n
Jesus Arrested
22:47-53pp — Mt 26:47-56; Mk 14:43-50; Jn 18:3-11
47While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
49When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?”o 50And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
51But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.
52Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard,p and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? 53Every day I was with you in the temple courts,q and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hourr—when darkness reigns.”s
Peter Disowns Jesus
22:55-62pp — Mt 26:69-75; Mk 14:66-72; Jn 18:16-18,25-27
54Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest.t Peter followed at a distance.u 55And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.”
57But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.
58A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”
“Man, I am not!” Peter replied.
59About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”v
60Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61The Lordw turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.”x 62And he went outside and wept bitterly.
The Guards Mock Jesus
22:63-65pp — Mt 26:67,68; Mk 14:65; Jn 18:22,23
63The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. 64They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” 65And they said many other insulting things to him.y
Jesus Before Pilate and Herod
22:67-71pp — Mt 26:63-66; Mk 14:61-63; Jn 18:19-21
23:2,3pp — Mt 27:11-14; Mk 15:2-5; Jn 18:29-37
23:18-25pp — Mt 27:15-26; Mk 15:6-15; Jn 18:39–19:16
66At daybreak the councilz of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together,a and Jesus was led before them. 67“If you are the Messiah,” they said, “tell us.”
Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, 68and if I asked you, you would not answer.b 69But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”c
70They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?”d
He replied, “You say that I am.”e
71Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.”
Luke 23
1Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate.a 2And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation.b He opposes payment of taxes to Caesarc and claims to be Messiah, a king.”d
3So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
“You have said so,” Jesus replied.
4Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”e
5But they insisted, “He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galileef and has come all the way here.”
6On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean.g 7When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod,h who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
8When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him.i From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. 9He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.j 10The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. 11Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe,k they sent him back to Pilate. 12That day Herod and Pilate became friendsl—before this they had been enemies.
13Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him.m 15Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16Therefore, I will punish himn and then release him.” [17]
18But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!”o 19(Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
20Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
22For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”p
23But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.
The Crucifixion of Jesus
23:33-43pp — Mt 27:33-44; Mk 15:22-32; Jn 19:17-24
26As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene,q who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.r 27A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and waileds for him. 28Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.t 29For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’u 30Then
“ ‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!”
and to the hills, “Cover us!” ’,v
31For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”w
32Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.x 33When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34Jesus said, “Father,y forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”,z And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.a
35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him.b They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”c
36The soldiers also came up and mocked him.d They offered him wine vinegare 37and said, “If you are the king of the Jews,f save yourself.”
38There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.g
39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”h
40But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”i
42Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”j
43Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”k
The Death of Jesus
23:44-49pp — Mt 27:45-56; Mk 15:33-41; Jn 19:29-30
44It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon,l 45for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the templem was torn in two.n 46Jesus called out with a loud voice,o “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”,p When he had said this, he breathed his last.q
47The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised Godr and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 48When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breastss and went away. 49But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee,t stood at a distance,u watching these things.
The Burial of Jesus
23:50-56pp — Mt 27:57-61; Mk 15:42-47; Jn 19:38-42
50Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God.v 52Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 53Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54It was Preparation Day,w and the Sabbath was about to begin.
55The women who had come with Jesus from Galileex followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes.y But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.z
Luke 24
Jesus Has Risen
24:1-10pp — Mt 28:1-8; Mk 16:1-8; Jn 20:1-8
1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepareda and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.b 4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightningc stood beside them. 5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:d 7‘The Son of Mane must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ”f 8Then they remembered his words.g Chart: Resurrection Appearances
9When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with themh who told this to the apostles.i 11But they did not believej the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves,k and he went away,l wondering to himself what had happened.
On the Road to Emmaus
13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.m 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;n 16but they were kept from recognizing him.o
17He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas,p asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19“What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,”q they replied. “He was a prophet,r powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulerss handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.t And what is more, it is the third dayu since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us.v They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”w
25He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”x 27And beginning with Mosesy and all the Prophets,z he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.a
28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke itb and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him,c and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within usd while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scripturese to us?”
33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, “It is true! The Lordf has risen and has appeared to Simon.”g 35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.h
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
36While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”i
37They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.j 38He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see;k a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
40When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43and he took it and ate it in their presence.l
44He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you:m Everything must be fulfilledn that is written about me in the Law of Moses,o the Prophetsp and the Psalms.”q
45Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will sufferr and rise from the dead on the third day,s 47and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his namet to all nations,u beginning at Jerusalem.v 48You are witnessesw of these things. 49I am going to send you what my Father has promised;x but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
The Ascension of Jesus
50When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany,y he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.z 52Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53And they stayed continually at the temple,a praising God.
1 19:13 A mina was about three months’ wages.
1 22:19,20 Some manuscripts do not have given for you . . . poured out for you.
3 22:43,44 Many early manuscripts do not have verses 43 and 44.
3 23:34 Some early manuscripts do not have this sentence.
4 23:42 Some manuscripts come with your kingly power
1 24:13 Or about 11 kilometers
19:1–10 This account is a fitting climax to the travel narrative, which focuses on God’s love for the lost (cf. Lk 15). Zacchaeus is a chief tax collector, the worst of collaborators in Jewish eyes, and so the ultimate lost person.
19:2 chief tax collector. A position referred to only here in the Bible, probably designating one in charge of a district, with other tax collectors under him. The region was prosperous at this time, so it is no wonder that Zacchaeus had grown rich. See notes on 3:12; Mt 5:46; Mk 2:14–16.
19:4 sycamore-fig tree. A sturdy tree from 30 to 40 feet high, with a short trunk and spreading branches, capable of holding a grown man. See note on Am 7:14.
19:8 Generous, charitable giving and restitution for dishonest dealings characterize a person who has experienced God’s salvation. four times. The full repayment required under the law in case of theft (see Ex 22:1; 2Sa 12:6 and note).
19:9 son of Abraham. A true Jew—not only of the lineage of Abraham but one who also walks “in the footsteps” of Abraham’s faith (Ro 4:12). Jesus recognized the tax collector as such, though Jewish society excluded him.
19:10 The key verse in Luke’s Gospel. Son of Man. A Messianic title (see Introduction: Plan; see also note on Mk 8:31). to seek and to save. An important summary of Jesus’ purpose—to bring salvation, meaning eternal life (18:18), and the kingdom of God (18:25). See note on 15:32.
19:11 kingdom . . . was going to appear. They expected the Messiah to appear in power and glory and to set up his earthly kingdom, defeating all their political and military enemies. The kingdom began with Jesus’ humble kingship and sacrificial death. It will be consummated at his return in power and glory.
19:12 have himself appointed king. A rather unusual procedure, but the claimants to Herod’s throne (see chart) did just that whenever they went to Rome to be appointed rulers over the Jews. Similarly, Jesus was soon to depart and in the future is to return as King. During his absence his servants are entrusted with their master’s affairs (for a similar parable, see Mt 25:14–30).
19:13 ten minas. See NIV text note.
19:14 sent a delegation. Such an incident had occurred over 30 years earlier in the case of Archelaus (Josephus, Wars, 2.6.1; Antiquities, 17.9.3), as well as in a number of other instances. This aspect of the story may have been included to warn the Jews against rejecting Jesus as King. Archelaus’s fortress could still be seen outside Jericho, so Jesus was in the perfect location to tell a parable using this imagery.
19:17 Well done, my good servant! The words all believers should aspire to hear God say to them on judgment day. After challenging one man to give up all of his riches (18:22) and praising another for voluntarily giving up more than half (19:8–9), Jesus now tells a story in which the exemplary characters invest their master’s riches and make more. But the sting in the tale is that the master will still ask for an account of all that he has loaned to his servants.
19:22 You knew . . . that I am a hard man . . . ? The master did not admit to the statement of the servant but repeated it in a question. If this was the opinion of the servant, he should have acted accordingly. Actually the master was generous (vv. 17–19).
19:26 more will be given . . . what they have will be taken away. See 8:18; 17:33 and notes; Mt 13:12. Those who seek spiritual gain in the gospel, for themselves and others, will become richer, and those who neglect or squander what is given them will become impoverished, losing even what they have.
19:27 those enemies of mine . . . kill them. Perhaps a reference to Jerusalem’s destruction in ad 70. The punishment of those who rebelled and actively opposed the king (see v. 14 and note) was much more severe than that of the negligent servant.
19:29 Bethphage. A village near the road going from Jericho to Jerusalem. Bethany. Another village about two miles southeast of Jerusalem (Jn 11:18) and the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Mount of Olives. A ridge a little more than a mile long (see note on Mk 11:1). For the Mount of Olives, Bethany and Bethphage in relationship to Jerusalem, see map.
19:30 village. Probably Bethphage. colt. In other accounts a donkey colt (Jn 12:15) is specified and the mother of the colt (Mt 21:7; see note there) with it. Luke uses a Greek word that the Septuagint (the pre-Christian Greek translation of the OT) frequently employed to translate the Hebrew for “donkey.” Jesus chooses to enter Jerusalem this time mounted on a donkey to claim publicly that he was the chosen Son of David to sit on David’s throne (see note on 1Ki 1:33), the one about whom the prophets had spoken (Zec 9:9; see note there). which no one has ever ridden. And thus available for sacred use (see note on Mk 11:2).
19:31 The Lord. Either God or, more likely, Jesus himself, here claiming his own unique status as Israel’s Lord.
19:37 praise God. See 1:64 and note. all the miracles. Reference to the miracles that Jesus had been performing in Galilee and on his way to Jerusalem.
19:41 he wept. Jesus exhibits fully human emotions when confronting situations that merited tears.
19:42 peace. That the Messiah would bring. hidden. Cf. 18:34.
19:43 your enemies will build an embankment. See 21:20 and note; fulfilled when the Romans took Jerusalem in ad 70, using an embankment to besiege the city. The description is reminiscent of OT predictions of an earlier destruction of Jerusalem (Isa 29:3; 37:33; Eze 4:1–3).
19:44 the time of God’s coming to you. God came to the Jews in the person of Jesus the Messiah, but they failed to recognize him and rejected him (see Jn 1:10–11; cf. Lk 20:13–16).
19:45 Mark (11:11–17) makes clear that this clearing of the temple occurred the day after Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as King, i.e., on Monday of Passion Week. John records a clearing of the temple at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry (Jn 2:13–25), but the Synoptics (Mt 21:12–13; Mk 11:15–17) speak only of a clearing at the close of Jesus’ ministry (see notes on Mt 21:12–17; Jn 2:14–17). temple courts. The outer court (of the Gentiles), where animals for sacrifice were sold at unfair prices (see note on Mk 11:15).
20:1 The events of 20:1—21:36 all occurred on Tuesday of Passion Week—a long day filled with controversy. One day. Not specified, but Mark’s parallel accounts (Mk 11:19–20,27–33) indicate that this day (Tuesday) followed the clearing of the temple (Monday), which followed the “Triumphal” Entry (Sunday). See map. chief priests. See 19:47 and note. teachers of the law. See 5:30 and note on 5:17. elders. See note on Mt 15:2. Each of these groups was represented in the Jewish council, the Sanhedrin (22:66).
20:2 Who gave you this authority? They had asked this of John the Baptist (Jn 1:19–25) and of Jesus early in his ministry (Jn 2:18–22). Here, as in John 2, the reference is to the clearing of the temple, which not only defied the authority of the Jewish leaders but also hurt their monetary profits. The leaders may also have been looking for a way to discredit Jesus in the eyes of the people or raise suspicion of him as a threat to the authority of Rome.
20:4 John’s baptism . . . from heaven, or of human origin? By replying with a question, Jesus put the burden on his opponents—indicating only two alternatives: The work of John was either divinely inspired or humanly devised. By refusing to answer, they placed themselves in an awkward position. from heaven. See note on Mk 11:30.
20:10 he sent a servant. This parable (v. 9) is reminiscent of Isa 5:1–7 (see note on Isa 5:1). The servants who were sent to the tenants represent the prophets God sent in former times who were rejected (see Ne 9:26; Jer 7:25 and note; 25:4–7; Mt 23:34; Ac 7:52; Heb 11:36–38). give him some of the fruit. In accordance with a kind of sharecropping agreement, a fixed amount was due the landowner. At the proper time he would expect to receive his share.
20:13 my son, whom I love. The specific reference to the beloved son makes clearer the intended application of the son in the parable to the Son, Jesus Christ (see 3:22; Mt 17:5 and notes).
20:18 will be broken to pieces. As a pot dashed against a stone is broken, and as one lying beneath a falling stone is crushed, so those who reject Jesus the Messiah will be doomed (see Isa 8:14 and note; cf. Da 2:34–35, 44; Lk 2:34).
20:20 authority of the governor. Fearing to take action themselves, the Jewish religious leaders hoped to draw from Jesus some statement that would bring action from the Roman officials and remove him from his contact with the people.
20:22 pay taxes to Caesar. See note on Mk 12:14. To agree to the taxes demanded by Caesar would disappoint the people, but to advise no payment would disturb the Roman officials. The questioners hoped to trap Jesus with this dilemma (see note on Mt 22:15–17).
20:24 denarius. A Roman coin worth about a day’s wages (see note on Mt 22:19).
20:27 Sadducees. An aristocratic, politically powerful group. They controlled the high priesthood at this time and held the majority of the seats in the Sanhedrin. They did not believe in the resurrection or an afterlife, and they rejected the oral tradition taught by the Pharisees (Josephus, Antiquities, 13.10.6). See notes on Ezr 7:2; Mt 2:4; 3:7; 22:23; Mk 12:18; Ac 4:1; see also article and chart.
20:36 like the angels. The resurrection order cannot be assumed to follow present earthly lines. In the new age there will be no marriage, no procreation and no death (see note on Mk 12:25). children of the resurrection. Those who are to take part in the resurrection of the righteous (cf. Mk 12:18; Ac 4:1; 23:6 and notes).
20:37 account of the burning bush. Since Scripture chapters and verses were not used at the time of Christ, the passage was identified in this way, referring to Moses’ experience with the burning bush (see Ex 3:2–6 and notes).
20:39 Well said, teacher! Even though there was great animosity against Jesus, the teachers of the law sided with Jesus against the Sadducees on the matter of resurrection.
20:44 David calls him ‘Lord.’ Jesus’ argument with the Jewish religious leaders is that since the Messiah is a descendant of David, how can this honored king refer to his offspring as Lord? Unless Jesus’ opponents were ready to admit that Jesus as Messiah was also the divine Son of God, they could not answer his question. See notes on Ps 110:1; Mt 22:44; Mk 12:36.
20:47 devour widows’ houses. They take advantage of this defenseless group by fraud and schemes for selfish gain. punished most severely. Cf. 12:46–48 and note. The higher the esteem received from others, the more severe the demands of true justice; the more hypocrisy (Mt 23:1–36), the greater the condemnation.
21:1 temple treasury. In the court of women, east of Herod’s temple, there were 13 boxes shaped like trumpets and positioned to receive the donations of the worshipers (see note on Mk 12:41).
21:5–36 In his Olivet Discourse Jesus weaves together signs and warnings surrounding the destruction of the temple and the coming of the end times. See note on Mk 13:1–37.
21:6 not one stone . . . left. Fulfilled in ad 70 when the Romans took Jerusalem and burned the temple (Mt 24:2; see note there).
21:7 when . . . ? Mark reports that this question was asked by four disciples: Peter, James, John and Andrew (Mk 13:3). Matthew gives the question in a fuller form, including an inquiry for the sign of Jesus’ coming and the end of the age (Mt 24:3; see note there). what will be the sign . . . ? What would be the indication that these things are about to happen?
21:8 I am he. Claiming to be the Messiah. The time. The end time.
21:9 the end will not come right away. Refers to the end of the age (Mt 24:3). All the events listed in vv. 8–18 are characteristic of the entire present age, not just signs of the end of the age.
21:11 signs from heaven. See v. 25. For prophetic descriptions of celestial signs accompanying the day of the Lord, see note on Mk 13:24–25.
21:12 hand you over to synagogues. Synagogues were used not only for worship and school but also for community administration and for confinement of accused persons while awaiting trial (see note on Mk 13:9; cf. Mt 23:34).
21:18 Although persecution and death may come, God is in control, and the ultimate outcome will be eternal victory. not a hair of your head will perish. In view of v. 16, this cannot refer to physical safety. The figure indicates that there will be no real—i.e., spiritual and eternal—loss.
21:20 surrounded by armies. See 19:43 and note. The sign that the end was near (cf. v. 7 and note) would be the surrounding of Jerusalem with armies. This is exactly what happened in ad 70. Associated with this event would be the “abomination that causes desolation” (Mt 24:15; see note there).
21:21 flee to the mountains. When an army surrounds a city, it is natural to seek protection inside the walls, but Jesus directs his followers to seek the safety of the mountains because the city was doomed to destruction (see note on Mt 24:16).
21:24 times of the Gentiles. The Gentiles would have both spiritual opportunities (see Mt 24:14 and note; Mk 13:10; cf. Lk 20:16; Ro 11:25 and note) and domination of Jerusalem, as happened for more than 1,900 years after Jerusalem fell in ad 70. These times would end, however, when God’s purposes for that Gentile domination were completed.
21:28 lift up your heads. Do not be downcast at the appearance of these signs, but look up in joy, hope and trust (cf. Ps 24:7). redemption. Final, completed redemption (see Ro 8:23; Heb 9:28 and notes).
21:29 Look at the fig tree. The coming of spring is announced by the greening of the trees (cf. Mt 24:32–35; Mk 11:13 and note; 13:28–31). In a similar way, one can anticipate the coming of the kingdom when its signs are seen. But “kingdom” is used in different ways (see note on 4:43). The reference in v. 31 is to the future fullness of the kingdom.
21:32 this generation. If reference here is to the destruction of Jerusalem that occurred about 40 years after Jesus spoke these words, “generation” is used in its ordinary sense of a normal life span. “All these things” would then have been fulfilled in the ad 70 destruction of Jerusalem. On the other hand, if reference here is to the second coming of Christ, “generation” might refer to a future generation alive at the beginning of “these things.”
21:34 that day. When Christ returns and the future aspect of God’s kingdom is inaugurated (cf. v. 31). close on you suddenly. Does not mean that Christ’s second coming will be completely unannounced, since there will be introductory signs (vv. 28,31; cf. 1Th 5:1–3).
21:35 whole earth. The second coming of Christ will involve the whole of humankind, whereas the fall of Jerusalem did not.
21:36 that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man. Cf. 1Jn 2:28.
21:37 Each day. Each day during the final week of his life, from his “Triumphal” Entry to the time of the Passover (Sunday-Thursday). Mount of Olives. At Bethany (see notes on 19:29; Mt 21:17).
22:1 Festival of Unleavened Bread . . . Passover. “Passover” was used in two different ways: (1) a specific meal begun at twilight on the 14th of Nisan (Lev 23:4–5) and (2) the week following the Passover meal (Eze 45:21), otherwise known as the Festival of Unleavened Bread, a week in which no leaven was allowed (see Ex 12:15 and note; 13:3–7; see also notes on Mk 14:1; Jn 2:13). By NT times the two names for the week-long festival were virtually interchangeable.
22:2 the chief priests and the teachers of the law. See 20:1 and note.
22:3 Satan entered Judas. In the Gospels this expression is used on two separate occasions: (1) before Judas went to the chief priests and offered to betray Jesus (here) and (2) during the Last Supper (Jn 13:27; see note there). Thus the Gospel writers depict Satan’s control over Judas (see Jn 13:2; see also notes on Jn 17:12; 1Co 15:2). called Iscariot. See Jn 6:71 and note.
22:4 officers of the temple guard. Jews, selected mostly from the Levites.
22:7 Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. On the afternoon of the 14th of Nisan in the court of the priests—before the 15th of Nisan began at sundown (Thursday of Passion Week).
22:10 man carrying a jar. It would have been unusual to see a man carrying a jar of water, since this was considered women’s work. Apparently Jesus had made previous arrangements with the owner of the house.
22:11 The Teacher asks. This form of address may have been chosen because the owner was a follower already known to Jesus.
22:13 as Jesus had told them. It may be that Jesus had made previous arrangements with the man in order to make sure that the Passover meal would not be interrupted. Since Jesus did not identify ahead of time just where he would observe Passover, Judas was unable to inform the enemy, who might have interrupted this important occasion.
22:14–30 It appears that Luke does not attempt to be strictly chronological in his account of the Last Supper. He records the most important part of the occasion first—the sharing of the bread and the cup. Then he tells of Jesus’ comments about his betrayer and about the argument over who would be greatest, though both of these subjects seem to have been introduced earlier. John’s Gospel (13:26–30), e.g., indicates that Judas had already left the room before the bread and cup of the Lord’s Supper were shared, but Luke does not tell when he left.
22:16 until it finds fulfillment. Jesus yearned to keep this Passover with his disciples because it was the last occasion before he himself was to be slain as the perfect “Passover lamb” (1Co 5:7; see note there) and thus fulfill this sacrifice for all time. Jesus would eat no more Passover meals until the coming of the future kingdom. After this he will renew fellowship with those who through the ages have commemorated the Lord’s Supper. Finally, the fellowship will be consummated in the great Messianic “wedding supper” to come (Rev 19:9).
22:17 After taking the cup. Either the first of the four cups shared during regular observance of the Passover meal or the third cup, which was associated with the theme of redemption.
22:18 until the kingdom of God comes. See notes on v. 16; 4:43.
22:19 is. Represents or signifies. given for you. Anticipating his substitutionary sacrifice on the cross. in remembrance of me. Just as the Passover was a constant reminder and proclamation of God’s redemption of Israel from bondage in Egypt, so the keeping of Christ’s command would be a remembering and proclaiming of the deliverance of believers from the bondage of sin through Christ’s atoning work on the cross.
22:20 after the supper. Mentioned only here and in 1Co 11:25; see note on 1Co 11:23–26. took the cup. See note on Mk 14:24. new covenant. Promised through the prophet Jeremiah (see 31:31–34 and notes)—the fuller administration of God’s saving grace, founded on and sealed by the death of Jesus (“in my blood”). See note on 1Co 11:25.
22:25 Benefactors. A title assumed by or conferred on rulers in Egypt, Syria and Rome as a display of honor, but frequently not representing actual service rendered.
22:26 like the one who serves. Jesus urges and exemplifies servant leadership—a trait that was as uncommon then as it is now (see Mk 10:45; Php 2:5,7 and notes).
22:27 I am among you as one who serves. See Jn 13:5 and note.
22:29 confer on you a kingdom. The following context (v. 30) indicates that this kingdom is a reference to the future kingdom when it comes in all its fullness (see notes on 4:43; Mt 3:2). eat and drink at my table. The Messianic banquet (Isa 25:6–9).
22:30 sit on thrones. As they shared in Jesus’ trials, so they will share in his rule (see 2Ti 2:12 and note). judging. Leading or ruling (see NIV text note on Jdg 2:16). twelve tribes of Israel. See Mt 19:28.
22:31 sift all of you. Satan wanted to test the disciples, hoping to bring them to spiritual ruin.
22:36 a purse . . . a bag. Cf. previous instructions (9:3; 10:4). Until now they had been dependent on generous hospitality, but future opposition would require them to be prepared to pay their own way. buy one. An extreme figure of speech (hyperbole) used to warn them of the perilous times about to come. They would need defense and protection, as Paul did when he appealed to Caesar (Ac 25:11; see note there) as the one who “bears the sword” (Ro 13:4).
22:37 numbered with the transgressors. Jesus was soon to be arrested as a criminal, in fulfillment of prophetic Scripture (see Isa 53:12; see also 24:44 and note), and his disciples would also be in danger for being his followers.
22:38 “ . . . two swords.” “That’s enough!” Sensing that the disciples had taken him too literally, Jesus ironically closes the discussion with a curt “That’s enough!” Not long after this, Peter was rebuked for using a sword (v. 50).
22:39 Mount of Olives. See 19:29 and note. Matthew specifies Gethsemane (Mt 26:36; see note there) and John, a garden (Jn 18:1). The place apparently was located on the lower slopes of the Mount of Olives.
22:40 temptation. Here refers to severe trial of the kind referred to in vv. 28–38, which might lead to a faltering of their faith.
22:43 angel. Matthew and Mark also tell of angels ministering to Jesus at the close of his fasting and temptations (Mt 4:11; Mk 1:13).
22:44 drops of blood. Probably perspiration in large drops like blood, or possibly the actual mingling of blood and sweat as in cases of extreme anguish, strain or sensitivity. Only Luke, the doctor, records this.
22:47 crowd came up. They were sent by the chief priests, elders (Mt 26:47) and teachers of the law (Mk 14:43; see note there), and they carried swords and clubs. Included was a detachment of soldiers with officials of the Jews (v. 52; Jn 18:3). to kiss him. This signal had been prearranged to identify Jesus to the authorities in the darkness (Mt 26:48). Presumably Jesus was about the same height and weight as several of his disciples and was wearing similar clothing. The kiss proved unnecessary because Jesus identified himself (Jn 18:5), but Judas acted out his plan anyway.
22:50 servant of the high priest. John identifies him as Malchus and Simon Peter as the one who struck the blow (see Jn 18:10 and note).
22:51 healed him. Found only in Luke. Jesus rectified the wrong done by his follower. No faith on the part of Malchus was involved, but to allow such action would have been contrary to Jesus’ own teaching.
22:53 your hour. The time appointed for Jesus’ enemies to apprehend him, the time when the forces of darkness (the powers of evil) would do their worst to defeat God’s plan.
22:59 he is a Galilean. Recognized by his accent (see Mt 26:73 and note).
22:61 The Lord . . . looked straight at Peter. Peter was outside in the enclosed courtyard, and perhaps Jesus was being taken from the trial by Caiaphas to the Sanhedrin when Jesus caught Peter’s eye. the word the Lord had spoken to him. See v. 34.
22:66 At daybreak. Only after daylight could a legal trial take place for the whole council (Sanhedrin) to pass the death sentence (see note on Mk 14:53—15:15; see also chart).
22:67 If you are the Messiah. This demand is related to a question asked later: “Are you then the Son of God?” (v. 70).
22:69 Son of Man. See note on Mk 8:31. seated at the right hand of . . . God. Jesus anticipates his ascension and glorification (see 24:50–53 and note on 24:51).
22:71 We have heard it. The reaction to Jesus’ reply makes clear that his answer was an affirmative, but indicting his questioners in the process. Mark has simply, “I am” (Mk 14:62). Jesus’ claim to have a position of authority at the right hand of God (v. 69) is taken as blasphemy by the council (v. 66).
23:1 whole assembly. The body of the Sanhedrin (see Mt 26:59; 27:1 and note; Mk 14:55 and note), which had met at the earliest hint of dawn (see 22:66 and note). led him off to Pilate. See note on Lk 3:1. Pilate. See note on Mk 15:1. The Roman governor had his main headquarters in Caesarea, but he was in Jerusalem during Passover to prevent trouble from the large number of Jews assembled for the occasion.
23:2 subverting our nation. Large crowds followed Jesus, and the fear was that this would appear to Rome as insurrection. opposes payment of taxes. Suggests that Jesus’ teaching on this question was cryptic on this topic (see 20:25–26 and notes on Mt 22:21–22). claims to be Messiah, a king. Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, but not a political or military king, the kind Rome would be anxious to eliminate.
23:3 You have said so. Jesus somewhat indirectly (but directly in Mk 14:62) affirms that he is a king, but then explains that his kingdom is not the kind that characterizes this world (see Jn 18:33–38 and notes).
23:5 Judea. May here refer to the whole of the land of the Jews (including Galilee) or to the southern section only, where the region of Judea proper was governed by Pilate (see note on 4:44).
23:7 Herod’s jurisdiction. This Herod is Antipas, who ruled Galilee and Perea (see chart; see also note on 3:1). Although Pilate and Herod were rivals, Pilate did not want to handle this case; so he sent Jesus to Herod (cf. v. 12). in Jerusalem. Herod’s main headquarters was in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee; but, like Pilate, he had come to Jerusalem because of the crowds at Passover.
23:8 wanting to see him. Herod may have been curious about what sort of person Jesus was. He may also have been concerned about Jesus’ popularity (see 9:9 and note), perhaps evidenced by the report of some Pharisees that Herod desired to kill him (see 13:31 and note). It is unlikely that the two had ever met. And there is no record that Jesus ever preached in Tiberias, where Herod’s residence was located. Luke is the only Gospel writer who mentions this appearance before Herod Antipas (both here and in Ac 4:27–28).
23:16 I will punish him. Although Pilate found Jesus “not guilty” as charged, he was willing to have him illegally beaten in order to satisfy the chief priests and the people and to warn against any possible trouble in the future. Scourging, though not intended to kill, was sometimes fatal (see note on Mk 15:15).
23:18 Barabbas. Means “son of the father” (see Mt 27:16; Jn 18:40 and notes). The “son of the father” is released instead of the true Son of the Father. Pilate offered a choice between Jesus and an obviously evil, dangerous criminal.
23:19 insurrection . . . murder. This particular uprising is otherwise unknown, but, coupled with murder, it shows the gravity of his deeds (see Jn 18:40 and note).
23:25 surrendered Jesus. Pilate had already handed Jesus over to the soldiers for scourging before he was convicted (Jn 19:1–5). He now handed him over for crucifixion.
23:26 Simon. His sons, Rufus and Alexander (see Mk 15:21 and note), must have been known in Christian circles at a later time, and perhaps were associated with the church at Rome (cf. Ro 16:13). Cyrene. A leading city (= modern Tripoli) of Libya, west of Egypt (see note on Ac 6:9). put the cross on him. See note on Mk 15:21.
23:28 weep for yourselves and for your children. Because of the terrible suffering to befall Jerusalem about 40 years later, when the Romans would besiege the city and utterly destroy the temple.
23:29 Blessed are the childless women. It would be better not to have children than to have them experience such suffering. Cf. Jer 16:1–4; 1Co 7:25–35.
23:30 Fall on us! People would seek escape through destruction in death rather than endure continuing suffering and judgment (cf. Hos 10:8; Rev 6:16 and notes).
23:31 tree is green . . . dry. Some interpret the green tree as innocent Jesus, and the dry as guilty Jerusalem. Others interpret the green tree as the current time of relative peace with Rome, and the dry as the coming time of Jerusalem’s destruction.
23:33 the Skull. Latin Calvaria, hence the name “Calvary” (see note on Mk 15:22). crucified. See note on Mk 15:24.
23:34 forgive them. Even as Jesus endures the agony of the nails pounded through his flesh, he prays for forgiveness for his executioners and the authorities behind them (but see NIV text note; cf. also Ac 7:60 [Stephen]). they do not know what they are doing. Cf. Ac 3:17 and note. divided up his clothes. Any possessions an executed person had with him were taken by the executioners. Unwittingly the soldiers (cf. Jn 19:23–24) were fulfilling the words of Ps 22:18 (but see introduction to Ps 22 and notes on Ps 22:17,20–21).
23:36 wine vinegar. A sour wine, the drink of laborers and common soldiers. Jesus refused a sedative drink (see Mt 27:34; Mk 15:23 and notes) but later was given the vinegar drink when he cried out in thirst (see Jn 19:28–30 and notes). Luke shows that it was offered in mockery.
23:38 written notice. Indicated the crime for which a person was dying. This was Pilate’s way of mocking the Jewish leaders, as well as announcing what Jesus had been accused of. KING OF THE JEWS. See note on Mk 15:26.
23:39 One of the criminals. Only Luke reports this incident.
23:43 paradise. In the Septuagint (the pre-Christian Greek translation of the OT) the word designated a garden (Ge 2:8–10; cf. note on 2:8) or forest (see Ne 2:8 and note), but in the NT (used only here and in 2Co 12:4; Rev 2:7 [see note there]) it refers to the place of bliss and rest between death and resurrection (cf. Lk 16:22; 2Co 12:2).
23:44 about noon . . . three in the afternoon. That is, “about the sixth hour . . . the ninth hour.” Jesus had been put on the cross at 9:00 am (Mk 15:25). Cf. Jn 19:14 and note there.
23:45 curtain of the temple. The curtain between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. was torn. Its tearing symbolized Christ’s opening the way directly to God (see Heb 9:3, 8; 10:19–22 and notes on 10:19–20).
23:47 praised God. See 1:64 and note; either for having seen God publicly vindicate Jesus by mighty signs from heaven, or out of fear (Mt 27:54) to appease the heavenly Judge and thus ward off a divine penalty for having carried out an unjust judgment. this was a righteous man. Or “this man was the Righteous One.” While Matthew and Mark report the centurion’s words as “this man was the Son (or son) of God,” Luke emphasizes Jesus’ innocence by calling him “the Righteous One,” which alludes to Isa 53:11 and points to Jesus as the servant of the Lord who dies for his people. Luke places a greater emphasis on Jesus as an innocent sufferer than the other Gospel writers do (23:4,14,15,22,41,47; Ac 3:14; 13:28).
23:48 beat their breasts. A sign of anguish, grief or contrition (cf. 18:13).
23:50 Joseph, a member of the Council. Either Joseph was not present at the meeting of the Sanhedrin (22:66), or he did not support the vote to have Jesus killed (v. 51). Mk 14:64 refers to “all” the Sanhedrin condemning Jesus, but this may suggest a decision of the whole body, not of every individual.
23:51 Arimathea. See note on Mt 27:57. waiting for the kingdom of God. See 2:25 and note.
23:52 The remains of an executed criminal often were left unburied or at best put in a dishonored place in a pauper’s field. A near relative, such as a mother, might ask for the body, but it was a courageous gesture for Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin, to ask for Jesus’ body.
23:53 in which no one had yet been laid. Rock-hewn tombs were usually made to accommodate several bodies. This one, though finished, had not yet been used. See notes on 19:30; Mk 15:46.
23:54 Preparation Day. Friday, the day before the Sabbath, when preparation was made for keeping the Sabbath. “Preparation Day” could be used for Passover preparation, but since in this instance it is followed by the Sabbath, it indicates Friday (see note on Mt 27:62).
23:55 women. See v. 49 and note; cf. 8:2–3 and notes. They saw where Jesus was buried and would not mistake the location when they returned.
23:56 spices and perfumes. Yards of cloth and large quantities of spices were used in preparing a body for burial. Seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes were already used on that first evening (see Jn 19:39 and note). More was purchased for the return of the women after the Sabbath (see note on Mk 16:1).
24:1 first day of the week. By Jewish time, Sunday began at sundown on Saturday. The women bought spices after sunset on Saturday (see Mk 16:1 and note) and were ready to set out early in the morning. When they started out, it was dark (see Jn 20:1 and note), and by the time they arrived at the tomb it was still early dawn (Mt 28:1; Mk 16:2).
24:2 the stone rolled away. A tomb’s entrance was ordinarily closed to keep vandals and animals from disturbing the bodies. See photo.
24:4 two men. They looked like men, but their clothes were remarkable (see 9:29; Ac 1:10 and note; 10:30 and note). Other reports referring to them call them angels (v. 23; see also Jn 20:12 and note). Although Matthew speaks of one angel, not two (Mt 28:2), and Mark of a young man in white (see Mk 16:5 and note), this is not strange because frequently only the spokesperson is noted and an accompanying figure is not mentioned. Words and posture (seated, Jn 20:12; standing, Lk 24:4) often change in the course of events, so these variations are not necessarily contradictory. They are merely evidence of at least partially independent accounts.
24:6 while . . . in Galilee. Jesus had predicted his death and resurrection on a number of occasions (see 9:22 and note), but the disciples failed to comprehend or accept what he was saying.
24:9 to the Eleven and to all the others. “Eleven” is sometimes used to refer to the group of apostles (Ac 1:26; 2:14) after the betrayal by Judas. Judas was dead at the time the apostles first met the risen Christ, but the group could still be called the Twelve (Jn 20:24). The “others” included disciples who, for the most part, came from Galilee.
24:10 Mary Magdalene. See note on 8:2. She is named first in most of the lists of women (see Mt 27:56; Mk 15:40 and note; but cf. Jn 19:25) and was the first to see the risen Christ (Jn 20:13–18; see chart). Joanna. See 8:3. She is named only by Luke as a witness of the empty tomb (Mark is the only one who adds Salome at this time, Mk 16:1; see note on Mk 15:40). Mary the mother of James. See Mk 16:1. She is the “other Mary” of Mt 28:1 (see note there).
24:12 Peter . . . ran. John’s Gospel (20:3–9) includes another disciple, John himself. strips of linen lying by themselves. Jesus’ graveclothes were undisturbed (see Jn 20:5–7 and note on 20:7).
24:13 two of them. One was named Cleopas (v. 18). Emmaus. See map.
24:15 Jesus . . . came up and walked . . . with them. See chart.
24:16 kept from recognizing him. Either by special, divine intervention, or because his appearance was sufficiently different that these two in their grief could not imagine it was Jesus they were seeing. In either case, their eyes would be divinely opened (v. 31).
24:19 prophet. They had respect for Jesus as a man of God, but after his death they apparently were reluctant to call him the Messiah.
24:21 to redeem Israel. What they probably meant by this was “to set the Jewish nation free from bondage to Rome and so usher in the kingdom of God” (see 1:68; 2:38; 21:28,31 and note on 21:28; cf. Titus 2:14; 1Pe 1:18 and notes). the third day. A reference either to the Jewish belief that after the third day the soul left the body or to Jesus’ remark that he would be resurrected on the third day (9:22).
24:23 vision of angels. See note on v. 4.
24:24 some of our companions. See v. 12 and note.
24:27 Moses and all the Prophets. A way of designating the whole of the OT Scriptures (see v. 44 and note; 16:16,29).
24:28 as if he were going farther. If they had not invited him in, he apparently would have continued on by himself.
24:31 their eyes were opened. Cf. v. 16; more than a matter of simple recognition; they understood that Jesus was indeed raised bodily from the grave.
24:33 the Eleven and those with them. See note on v. 9.
24:36 Jesus himself stood among them. Behind locked doors (Jn 20:19; see chart), indicating that his body was of a different order. It was his glorified resurrection body. Peace be with you. The traditional greeting, now given new significance by the resurrection.
24:39 my hands and my feet. Indicating that Jesus’ feet as well as his hands had been nailed to the cross (see note on Mk 15:24; cf. Jn 20:20,27 and note on 20:20).
24:42 a piece of broiled fish. Demonstrating that he continued to have a physical body that could consume food.
24:44 Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms. The three parts of the Hebrew OT (Psalms was the most prominent book of the third section, called the Writings), indicating that the suffering, death (by execution) and resurrection of the Messiah were foreseen and foreshadowed in the OT Scriptures. Such a global claim sprang from the understanding that God, through the Messiah, came to bring about the full and final redemption of his people (e.g., 1:68) and the full and final restoration of all things (e.g., Ac 3:21). See notes on v. 46; Mt 16:21; Ac 2:23; 1Pe 1:11.
24:45 opened their minds. By explaining the OT Scriptures (cf. v. 27).
24:49 what my Father has promised. See Joel 2:28–32 and notes. The reference is to the coming power of the Spirit, fulfilled in Ac 2:4 (see also Ac 2:17–22 and notes).
24:51 taken up into heaven. Different from his previous disappearances (4:30; 24:3; Jn 8:59). Forty days after his resurrection (Ac 1:3), they saw him ascend into a cloud (see Ac 1:9; see also Ac 1:11–12 and notes).
24:52 great joy. This Gospel begins and ends with joy (see note on 1:14)!
24:53 at the temple. During the period of time immediately following Christ’s ascension, the believers met continually at the temple (Ac 2:46; 3:1; 5:21,42), where many rooms were available for meetings (see note on 2:37). praising God. The Gospel of Luke begins (1:64; see note there) and ends (here) with praise to God in his temple. This Gospel also begins with the aged Zechariah’s doubt (1:18) and unbelief (1:20) and ends with the disciples’ worship of the risen and ascended Lord “with great joy” (v. 52; see 1:14 and note). Luke has fittingly prepared the way for what follows in his second volume (see Ac 1:1 and note).