The Crucifixion and Resurrection in Luke Flashcards
The Passion
references to the passion are referring to the last few days of Jesus’ life- his arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection
The Gospels on the Passion and Death of Jesus
• although the Passion narrative of all four gospels are similar in many ways, there are also significant differences among them
• in many respects the synoptics agree with each other (since Matthew and Luke are almost certainly based on Mark), while John’s account is quite different, especially in matters of chronology
• in other respects, while Matthew and Mark are nearly identical, Luke may differ from them and be much closer to John
None of the Gospels seem to tell the full story
Overall Emphases in each Gospel with regards to the passion and death
• Mark: the suffering of Jesus, how he was tragically rejected, unfairly condemned, viciously beaten, horribly insulted, and cruelly mistreated by multiple groups
• Matthew: the kingship of Jesus, how the de-facto ruling powers (especially Pilate and Caiaphas) conspired to get rid of someone they saw as a political threat
• Luke: the innocence of Jesus, how Pilate said he did not deserve death, and others also recognised his innocence
• John: the exaltation of Jesus, how he remains in charge, driving the action, completing God’s will and being glorified
The crucifixion narrative (general)
• the crucifixion narrative in Luke reflects many of the themes and symbols elsewhere in the Gospel- especially highlighting the innocence of Jesus
• Luke 23:26: “they led him away.” shows Luke lays responsibility on the religious authorities, not Pilate
• Luke also adds extra detail to the scene such as the place of the execution, a hill outside of Jerusalem called the ‘Skull’ (Golgotha or Calvary)
• the crowds mocked him and make fun of the fact he will not save himself
The road to Golgotha
• those being crucified were forced to walk through the streets and face abuse and humiliation
• normally prisoners would carry the cross-beam on their shoulders, in Luke Simon of Cyrene was forced to carry it for Jesus (23:26)
• Jesus passed some women mourners and said “…do not weep for me, weep for yourselves and you children” (23:28)
• references Hosea: “…they will say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’”- the sins of the people have reached their climax in Jesus’ crucifixion and punishment will follow
• may have been referring to the destruction of the temple as Luke may have been written after
Jesus with the criminals
• Jesus was crucified along with ‘two other men, both criminals’ (23:32
• this language is important because it again distinguishes Jesus as innocent- not a criminal
• fulfils the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9 and 12: “He was assigned a grave with the wicked…numbered with the transgressors”
• Jesus is presented as an innocent martyr
• his famous last words of forgiveness of those who’d killed him: “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34)
• Jesus’ forgiveness in the face of death is a primary theme of the Gospel
OT references and Symbolism in the Crucifixion narrative
OT references in crucifixion narrative:
• Isaiah 53:9-12: “He was assigned a grave with the wicked…numbered with the transgressors”
• Hosea : “…they will say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’”
Symbolism in crucifixion narrative:
• the criminals beside Jesus are used to distinguish his innocence from their guilt
• the public insulting him reflects unbelief
Crucifixion background
• was a particularly violent and cruel form of execution
• any Jew dying in this way was denied entry into heaven: “…anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse” (Deuteronomy 21:23)
• when nailed to the cross Jesus is offered wine vinegar as a painkiller- possibly symbolic of the
‘sour wine of Judaism’ as opposed to the ‘rich wine which is the blood of Christ’- wine is often symbolic, wine vinegar is gone-off wine
• it was custom for Roman soldiers to draw lots for the possessions of the crucified- this was done for Jesus’ clothes
The sign on the cross
• the sign above him, which is the charge he was crucified for read: ‘This is the King of the Jews’ (Luke 23:38)
• this was an ironic taunt by Pilate to those who wanted Jesus dead
Psalm 22:16-18
“a band of evil men has circled me, they have pierced my hands and feet…They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing”
The Criminals and salvation
• one of them sneered at Jesus (Luke 23:35)
• after this, he says: “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong…Jesus, remember me when you come into you kingdom” (Luke 23:41-43)
• Morna Hooker: “Jesus’ response is an indication of the salvation and forgiveness which he offers to those who repent” (Not ashamed of the Gospel 2004)
• highlights the Gospel’s theme of seeking and saving the lost- even on the cross he continues to reach out to those who come to him
