Luke 23

Luke 23 continues from the end of chapter 22 with Jesus before Pilate, the Roman official.  Not finding enough to condemn Jesus, he sends Him to Herod.  Herod has the same view and again sends Jesus back to Pilate.  Through all this, the Jewish priests are continually calling out for His death.  They finally convince Pilate to release a true criminal in exchange for Jesus’ death.

The chapter continues to describe Jesus’ journey carrying the cross and have been beaten so much, that the Roman guards get another man to help Jesus carry the cross.  Women are following along, wailing for Jesus.  So all along we have people who are rejoicing in that Jesus will soon be put to death along with Jesus’ followers hurting for they are unable to do anything to stop it.  As Jesus is put on the cross, two other criminals are put up with Him.  The soldiers are mocking and temping Jesus to save Himself, but Jesus responds with “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Even to the end Jesus shows compassion and a heart broken for the sinful man.

One of the criminals understands his own sin, but also sees that Jesus does not deserve death.  Because of his belief, Jesus responds with “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus died on that cross as perfect man.  He ends it, calling to the Father and giving His spirit to Him.  With this, a centurion is able to see that Jesus was righteous and praised God. It is amazing, after the beating, rebuking, teasing and death, that a Roman soldier who was probably right there until the end, sees the light and is able to praise God! The chapter ends with the burial of Jesus in the tomb.

I know this was a quick synopsis of a chapter that all of us know about and probably have studied or heard a sermon on at least every year.  It the story of Jesus ended here, there would be no basis for our faith in Christ.  It is the next chapter of Jesus’ victory over death that gives us the full picture of why Jesus is our Savior.

The main thing I got out of reading this chapter in preparation this time is with the question of “Can I be like the centurion?”  Can I be in the mist of chaos and darkness all around and still praise God? A couple of years ago, Kelli and I had a miscarriage and have been unable to get pregnant again. Looking back, we were very confused, torn and hurt. It wasn’t instant like the centurion, but I can see how God taught me to still praise Him in all circumstances. As we prepared to become foster parents, we had to have a healthy understanding that God is in control. Fostering a child, God will be giving us time to care for someone who does not have the proper care in their family right now.  That could change and the child could be reunited with their family which would be wonderful!  But in doing so, it would definitely be hard to release the child from our care.  That is where God is stronger than us and is always in control and can heal the gap in our hearts. At that time is when we must be prepared to praise God in ALL circumstances, both in Him giving us Anna to care for and if she is to be reunited with her family, in that time too. To God be the Glory!

-Paul Biles, CFO

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