JESUS HAS RISEN

Luke 24:1-12 / Keywords 24:6

He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:

Jesus Has Risen

24:1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In 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? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words.

9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

 

1. Death feels final. Death seems to be the end of life, hope, and relationships. But we learn in this passage that Jesus is more powerful than death.

 

2. As soon as the women could, they went to the tomb to pay their final respects. The tomb was open—but the body of the Lord Jesus was not there. Suddenly, two angels, whose clothes gleamed like lightning, stood by the women. They asked the women why they were looking for the living in the tombs. Then they said, “He is not here; he has risen!” (6). Jesus was not dead anymore. Jesus was alive! Jesus took our sins in his body and died in our place. Then Jesus destroyed sin and death by rising from the dead!

 

3. Jesus had repeatedly said he would be delivered over to sinners, be crucified, and then rise again on the third day. The women remembered Jesus’ words and went to tell the Eleven and others that Jesus was alive, but they did not believe. It seemed like nonsense. Peter ran to the tomb and saw that it was empty, but he did not understand. Peter and the others needed to remember Jesus’ words, too.

 

4. Jesus has risen from the dead. Because he lives, we, too, shall live eternally with him when we believe. Remember Jesus’ words and believe.

 

Prayer Lord Jesus, thank you for conquering sin and death through your resurrection!

One Word Jesus is alive!

JESUS’ DEATH

Luke 23:44-56 / Keywords 23:46

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

 

The Death of Jesus

23:44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”[e] When he had said this, he breathed his last.

47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

The Burial of Jesus

50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who 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. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then 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. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

Footnotes

e. Luke 23:46 Psalm 31:5

1. As Jesus hung, dying on a cross, the sun stopped shining. The physical world mourned the death of the Son of God as darkness covered the land from noon until three in the afternoon. The thick, heavy temple curtain, which symbolized sinful man’s separation from our Holy God, completely tore in two. Our sins separate us from God (Is 59:2), but Jesus took up all our sins in his body through his death (1 Pe 2:24). The tearing of the temple curtain meant Jesus’ work was complete. Finally, Jesus committed his spirit into Father’s hands and died.

 

2. Those who witnessed Jesus’ death had varied responses. A Roman centurion praised God and declared that Jesus was a righteous man. Most people who had gathered only beat their chests and went away after a while, treating the event as nothing more than a gruesome spectacle. But those who knew Jesus watched to the end. A Sanhedrin member named Joseph, who had not consented to Jesus’ execution, asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. He took down the body, wrapped it, and then placed the body in his own tomb.

 

3. Jesus died for our sins. Through Jesus, we are no longer separated from God. How will you respond to Jesus? Will you believe and receive his death for your sins?

 

Prayer Lord Jesus, thank you for dying for us. I receive your death for my sins.

One Word Jesus died for us

JESUS’ PRAYER OF FORGIVENESS

Luke 23:26-43 / Keywords 23:34a

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

 

The Crucifixion of Jesus

23:26 As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. 28 Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then

“‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!”

    and to the hills, “Cover us!”’[b]

31 For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When 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. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”[c] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”

36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”

38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.

39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[d]”

43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Footnotes

b. Luke 23:30 Hosea 10:8

c. Luke 23:34 Some early manuscripts do not have this sentence.

d. Luke 23:42 Some manuscripts come with your kingly power

1. Luke’s detailed crucifixion account gives us a glimpse into Jesus’ suffering at the hands of sinners. After a night of torture (22:63-23:25), Jesus was too weak to carry his cross. So, soldiers forced a pilgrim from Northern Africa to take up the heavy wooden cross. Crowds followed. Women mourned and wailed loudly. Though a slow and painful death awaited Jesus, he turned his attention to the women and warned them that they and their children would face terrible trials ahead (29-31).

 

2. Jesus was crucified between two criminals. He was publicly humiliated and guilty by association. People mocked Jesus for his ministry and his claims about himself (35-39). One of the criminals hurled insults at him. Jesus had every reason to be angry and bitter. He could have used his power to get justice or at least found comfort in a few people’s sympathy. But Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (34).

 

3. Jesus also prayed for us. In our sins and spiritual ignorance, we did not know what we were doing. But, like the other criminal, we can cry out to Jesus, “Jesus, remember me.” God will forgive our sins, and we can also be with Jesus in paradise.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for Jesus who prayed from the cross for my forgiveness.

One Word Jesus, remember me

JESUS STANDS TRIAL

Luke 23:1-25 / Keywords 1:2,3

And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king.” So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.

 

23:1 Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.”

3 So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

“You have said so,” Jesus replied.

4 Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

5 But they insisted, “He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.”

6 On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. 7 When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. 9 He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. 11 Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. 12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.

13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14 and 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. 15 Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16 Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” [17] [a]

18 But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” 19 (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)

20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21 But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

22 For 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.”

23 But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

Footnotes

a. Luke 23:17 Some manuscripts include here words similar to Matt. 27:15 and Mark 15:6.

1. When Jesus was brought to Pilate, the Roman governor, the religious leaders accused him using several mistruths. Finally, they said it was because he had claimed to the Messiah, a king. When asked by Pilate if Jesus was indeed the king of the Jews, Jesus replied resolutely, “Yes, it is as you say.” Jesus never denied his true identity. Pilate knew Jesus was speaking the truth and tried to set him free. He then sent him to Herod, who only wanted to see him perform a miracle. When asked several questions, Jesus remained silent. He did not defend himself in the face of accusation. Herod and his men ridiculed and mocked the Son of God and sent him back to Pilate for a final hearing.

 

2. Pilate needed to make a decision. He would either listen to the accusing voices or to the truth. It would be a costly decision. When he tried to appease the crowd, they shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Finally, after attempting one more time to save Jesus, the shouts prevailed. Pilate released a man who was guilty of murder and handed the innocent Jesus over to be crucified. Jesus took our place so we could be released for the punishment we deserved. He gave his life to die for undeserving sinners on the cross.

 

Prayer Jesus, you gave your life so we could be free. May we never forget your sacrifice and what you did for us.

One Word Jesus died in our place

JESUS ON TRIAL 

Luke 22:47-71 / Keywords 22:69-70

But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.” They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied, “You are right in saying I am.”

 

Jesus Arrested

22:47 While 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, 48 but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

49 When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? 53 Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”

Peter Disowns Jesus

54 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55 And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.”

57 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.

58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”

“Man, I am not!” Peter replied.

59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”

60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord 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.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.

The Guards Mock Jesus

63 The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. 64 They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” 65 And they said many other insulting things to him.

Jesus Before Pilate and Herod

66 At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, 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, 68 and if I asked you, you would not answer. 69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”

70 They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?”

He replied, “You say that I am.”

71 Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.”

1. Judas approached Jesus with a crowd of men to arrest him. The hour had come. Jesus did not rebuke or shame him but gave him a final opportunity to change his mind and repent. The disciples reacted to betrayal by drawing their swords, but Jesus responded differently. He showed God’s way by not retaliating against his enemies. He healed the servant’s ear and was arrested and led away.

 

2. Peter followed the soldiers at a distance because fear had plagued his heart. When some people around him identified him as one of Jesus’ followers, he denied it. When he did so the third time, the rooster crowed, and—immediately—Peter remembered Jesus’ words. He broke down in tears in recognition of his sin and shortcomings. Moments of failure can be significant turning points in our lives to repent before God and to know our identities. We are sinners who need His grace, more than our own human strength, ability, merit, or zeal.

 

3. The following morning, Jesus was led to stand before the religious leaders. They knew in their hearts that Jesus was indeed from God, but their hearts were darkened as they were determined to kill him. When asked if he was the Son of God, Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am” (70). Unlike Peter, Jesus stood firm in his identity, not shaken by man, and was ready to go to the cross.

 

Prayer Thank you for going to the cross in spite of my failure and for taking my place. We acknowledge that you are the Son of God.

One Word Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God

JESUS’ PRAYER

Luke 22:24-46 / Keywords 22:27

For 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.

 

24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For 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. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?”

“Nothing,” they answered.

36 He 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. 37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’[b]; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”

38 The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.”

“That’s enough!” he replied.

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives

39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.[c]

45 When 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.”

Footnotes

b. Luke 22:37 Isaiah 53:12

c. Luke 22:44 Many early manuscripts do not have verses 43 and 44.

1. The disciples argued about who was the greatest, although the time of Jesus’ suffering had come. He patiently taught them that those who are great are those who serve. Jesus came as the Son of God, yet he was a humble servant who laid down his life for sinners. Although the disciples may have thought they were qualified to be the greatest, they indeed were not. In fact, Peter, the top disciple, would deny his beloved master not once, but three times. Jesus gave this warning to prepare his disciples and told Peter to pray.

 

2. On the night of his betrayal, Jesus did not seek human comfort or ease. Instead, he sought the will of his Father. He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” He was honest but prayed earnestly until his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. He was about to take the cup of unbearable suffering. Jesus set an example for us. He fully submitted himself to God and found strength through the place of prayer. May we not be like the sleeping disciples but be awake and earnest to pray.

 

Prayer Lord Jesus, you came into this world to die for sinners. Help me to pray until your will is done in my life.

One Word Not my will, but Yours be done

THE CUP OF THE NEW COVENANT

Luke 22:1-23 / Keywords 22:20

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

 

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

22:1 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

The Last Supper

7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”

9 “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.

10 He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.”

13 They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.[a] 21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22 The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” 23 They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.

Footnotes

a. Luke 22:20 Some manuscripts do not have given for you … poured out for you.

1. The Passover was a celebration when the Jews remembered how God had set the Israelites free from their slavery in Egypt. But instead of remembering God’s grace and salvation, the religious leaders were plotting for a way to get rid of Jesus. At the same time, Satan entered Judas, and because Judas loved money more than Jesus, he handed his beloved teacher over. We have to check our hearts to see if there is any darkness so we do not exchange Jesus for anything else in this world and quickly fall away.

 

2. In spite of knowing that he would be betrayed, Jesus instructed his disciples to prepare for the Passover. Then he sat down with them to eat. In fact, he eagerly desired to eat this meal with them. He took bread, broke it, and told them to take it in remembrance of him. The bread was his body, which was broken for all sinners. He then took the cup and gave thanks and gave it to his disciples. The cup represented his blood, which was poured out for us. He gave his life for sinners who would reject him and nail him to the cross. Jesus was the sinless and spotless Lamb of God who died for the forgiveness of our sins. His blood is the seal of the new covenant. May we take Jesus’ body and blood and remember what he has done.

 

Prayer Jesus, we thank you for your life and sacrifice for us. Please help me to remember that you gave your life for me.

One Word This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which has been poured out for you!