Luke’s version of the passion and death of Jesus is carefully crafted in several ways to emphasize several themes. First, Jesus’ innocence is clearly proclaimed, even by Herod and Pilate. Luke makes it clear that it was the religious leadership that was ultimately responsible for Jesus’ death
Liturgy of the Palms: Luke
19:28-40
Luke’s
story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem reads much like the same story in the
other Gospels, although Luke has edited it to strengthen some of his favorite
themes. There are no palms or branches
in Luke’s story, probably because they had a nationalistic implication, and
Luke wants us to understand that Jesus arrives in Jerusalem as a king, but not
solely as the king of the Jews. He adds
both the word “king” to the quote from Psalm 118:26 in verse 38 and the addition
of words heard from the angels in the birth story (2:14). Jesus’ disciples will
not be silenced; the stones would shout out, recalling John the Baptist’s
saying in 3:8 that “God is able to from these stones to raise up children to
Abraham.
19:28 After he had said this, [Jesus] went on ahead, going up to
Jerusalem. 29 When he had come near
Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of
the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into
the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt
that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying
it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 So
those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners
asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They
said, “The Lord needs it.” 35 Then
they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set
Jesus on it. 36 As he rode along,
people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. 37
As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives,
the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud
voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in
the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to
him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” 40
He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would
shout out.”
1st Reading: Isaiah
50:4-9a
What follows is a portion of the third of the “Servant Songs”
in the latter portion of the Book of Isaiah. Christians have tended to
associate the servant with Jesus, although originally it probably referred to a
renewed Israel. The determination of the servant to move forward even in the
face of violence and disgrace very much parallels the Jesus of Luke’s Gospel
“setting his face to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51).
All of this action is driven by “the Lord God.”
50:4 The Lord God has given me the tongue of a
teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by
morning he wakens— wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. 5 The Lord God
has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. 6 I gave my back to those who struck me, and
my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult
and spitting. 7 The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been
disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not
be put to shame; 8 he who
vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who
are my adversaries? Let them confront me. 9a It
is the Lord God who helps me; who
will declare me guilty?
Psalm 31:9-16
9 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; *
my eye is consumed with sorrow, and also my throat and my
belly.
10 For my life is wasted
with grief, and my years with sighing; *
my strength fails me because of affliction,
and my bones are consumed.
11 I have become a
reproach to all my enemies
and even to my neighbors,
a dismay to those of my acquaintance; *
when they see me in the street they avoid me.
12 I am forgotten like a
dead man, out of mind; *
I am as useless as a broken pot.
13 For I have heard the
whispering of the crowd; fear is all around; *
they put their heads together against me; they plot to take
my life.
14 But as for me, I have
trusted in you, O Lord. *
I have said, “You are my God.
15 My times are in your
hand; *
rescue me from the hand of my enemies,
and from those who persecute me.
16 Make your face to
shine upon your servant, *
and in your loving-kindness save me.”
2nd Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
Paul quotes to the Philippians what
was most likely an early Christian hymn.
Jesus shows us how to live in his own self-emptying (kenosis in Greek) in order to fulfill God’s purpose for him. Jesus’ obedience was ultimate—the giving of
his own life on behalf of others. This
weakness, however, is exalted by God.
2:5 Let the same mind be
in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6 who,
though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something
to be exploited, 7 but emptied
himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being
found in human form, 8 he humbled
himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and
gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and
under the earth, 11 and every tongue
should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The Passion Gospel:
Luke 22:14—23:56
Luke’s
version of the passion and death of Jesus is carefully crafted in several ways
to emphasize several themes. First, Jesus’ innocence is clearly proclaimed,
even by Herod and Pilate. Luke makes it clear that it was the religious
leadership that was ultimately responsible for Jesus’ death. Second, Luke is
gentler on both the disciples and the crowd. Yes, there is betrayal, but there
is also forgiveness and a portion of the crowd (and even the religious
leadership) who remain sympathetic to Jesus. Third, the whole story is played
out as the plan of God, following the prophecy of the suffering servant, as
well as the paschal sacrifice. Luke’s most major change is in the scene on the
cross, where Jesus remains calm and in control, accepting his fate and
bestowing forgiveness. Overall, verse
22:37 is a kind of summary of Luke’s understanding of what is going on
here: “For I tell you that this
scripture must find its fulfillment in me, ‘He was reckoned among the lawless.’
For that which is written about me has a fulfillment” (translation of Luke
Timothy Johnson).
22:14 When the hour [for the Passover meal] came, [Jesus] took his
place at the table, and the apostles with him. 15
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 until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks
he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I tell you that from now on I will not
drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he
had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body,
which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And he did the same with the cup after
supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my
blood. 21 But see, the one who
betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. 22 For the Son of Man is going as it has been
determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!” 23 Then they began to ask one another which
one of them it could be who would do this. 24 A
dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the
greatest. 25 But he said to them, “The
kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are
called benefactors. 26 But not so
with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the
leader like 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 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,
just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, 30
so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you
will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 31 Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to
sift all of you like wheat, 32 but
I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you
have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 And
he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock
will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.” 35 He said to them, “When I sent you out
without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “No, not a
thing.” 36 He said to them, “But
now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who
has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. 37
For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he
was counted among the lawless’; and indeed what is written about me is being
fulfilled.” 38 They said, “Lord,
look, here are two swords.” He replied, “It is enough.” 39 He came out and went, as was his custom, to
the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. 40 When he reached the place, he said to them,
“Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” 41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s
throw, knelt down, and prayed, 42 “Father,
if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be
done.” 43 [Then an angel from
heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. 44
In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like
great drops of blood falling down on the ground.] 45
When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found
them sleeping because of grief, 46 and
he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come
into the time of trial.” 47 While
he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of
the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, is it with a
kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?” 49 When
those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, “Lord, should we
strike with the sword?” 50 Then one
of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he
touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then
Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the
elders who had come for him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I
were a bandit? 53 When I was with
you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your
hour, and the power of darkness!” 54 Then
they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house.
But Peter was following at a distance. 55 When
they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together,
Peter sat among them. 56 Then a
servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, “This man
also was with him.” 57 But he
denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58
A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, “You also are one
of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 59 Then
about an hour later still another kept insisting, “Surely this man also was with
him; for he is a Galilean.” 60 But
Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” At that moment,
while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. 61
The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the
word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you
will deny me three times.” 62 And
he went out and wept bitterly. 63 Now
the men who were holding Jesus began to mock him and beat him; 64 they also blindfolded him and kept asking
him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” 65 They
kept heaping many other insults on him. 66 When
day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and
scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. 67 They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell
us.” He replied, “If I tell you, you will not believe; 68 and if I question you, you will not answer.
69 But from now on the Son of Man
will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 All of them asked, “Are you, then, the Son
of God?” He said to them, “You say that I am.” 71
Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard
it ourselves from his own lips!”
23:1 Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before
Pilate. 2 They began to accuse him,
saying, “We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to
the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.” 3 Then Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of
the Jews?” He answered, “You say so.” 4 Then
Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for an
accusation against this man.” 5 But
they were insistent and said, “He stirs up the people by teaching throughout
all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place.” 6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the
man was a Galilean. 7 And when he
learned that he was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who
was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8 When
Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a
long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform
some sign. 9 He questioned him at
some length, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 The
chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 Even Herod with his soldiers treated him
with contempt and mocked him; then he put an elegant robe on him, and sent him
back to Pilate. 12 That same day
Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been
enemies. 13 Pilate then called
together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man
as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your
presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him.
15 Neither has Herod, for he sent
him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16 I will therefore have him flogged and
release him.” 18 Then they all
shouted out together, “Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!” 19 (This was a man who had been put in prison
for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) 20 Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed
them again; 21 but they kept
shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 22 A
third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no
ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then
release him.” 23 But they kept
urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their
voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate gave
his verdict that their demand should be granted. 25
He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in
prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished. 26 As they led him away, they seized a man,
Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on
him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A
great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were
beating their breasts and wailing for him. 28 But
Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but
weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For
the days are surely coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the
wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the
mountains, ‘Fall on us’; and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do this when the wood is green,
what will happen when it is dry?” 32 Two
others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 When they came to the place that is called
The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and
one on his left. 34 [Then Jesus
said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”] And
they cast lots to divide his clothing. 35 And
the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He
saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen
one!” 36 The soldiers also mocked
him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 37 and
saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him,
“This is the King of the Jews.” 39 One
of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you
not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But
the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the
same sentence of condemnation? 41 And
we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for
our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your
kingdom.” 43 He replied, “Truly I
tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” 44
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until
three in the afternoon, 45 while
the sun's light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said,
“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his
last.
47 When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God
and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.” 48 And
when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had
taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. 49 But all his acquaintances, including the
women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these
things. 50 Now there was a good and
righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, 51 had not agreed to their plan and action. He
came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the
kingdom of God. 52 This man went to
Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then
he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where
no one had ever been laid. 54 It
was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. 55 The women who had come with him from
Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56 Then they returned, and prepared spices and
ointments. On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
The readings are taken from The New Revised Standard
Version of the Bible © 1989 by The Division of Christian Education of The
National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. The translation of the Psalm is from The
Book of Common Prayer. Commentary on the readings is by The Rev. Michael W.
Hopkins, © 2019, Epiphany Esources, www.epiphanyesources.com. All rights reserved. Permission granted to copy for group
study with attribution. Bulletin inserts
are available. Visit our website for more information.
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