PASSION OF OUR LORD ACCORDING TO LUKE

1. As you know, the stories of Jesus arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection are told a bit differently in each of the 4 gospels. Of the 4, Luke approaches this as an historian, trying to write an orderly, believable account, so that our faith in Jesus might be solidly grounded. It’s a little ‘gentler’ account in some ways.

2. Luke’s unique “take” on Jesus death continue to carry through his overall themes of healing, forgiveness, and including outsiders and women. In Luke, every single authority declares Jesus’ innocent. And every step of the way, Luke sees scripture being fulfilled.
Here’s where we see this:
22:45 Disciples fall asleep in Gethsemane, but only once; not 3 x’s
22:51 At his arrest, where the ear of the high priest’s slave gets cut off, Jesus heals him.
23:6-12, Pilate, who finds Jesus innocent of charges, sends him to King Herod; Herod also finds Jesus innocent. Herod and Pilate become friends!
23:27 A great crowd of women follow and weep.
23:34 Jesus prays “Father, Forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
23:42 One other being crucified asks “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus announces “Today, you will be with me in paradise.”
23:46 Jesus says “Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit” and he breathes his last.
23:47 When Jesus dies, a centurion declares Jesus’ innocence!
23:52 Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish council, who had not agreed with their efforts to get rid of Jesus, asks for the body of Jesus. Women followers of Jesus are specifically mentioned as being at his death and his burial.

3. Luke has more opportunity than Matthew and Mark, to expand on his account, as he also writes the book of Acts, where Peter preaches about Jesus’ death and resurrection.

4. What part of the passion account is most ‘moving’ to you?
Which of Jesus’ words from the cross do you most need to hear?