Read Luke 23

Highlights:

The mock trials, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Don't miss a word of this soul-stirring description of how Jesus carried all our shame and sin that He might save us. Praise the Lord for His great love! (Luke 24:46-47).

Some of the women who were followers of Jesus watched as He died on the cross, and then watched as the body of their beloved Lord was hastily laid in the rock-hewn tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. That day was the preparation. . . . And the women. . . . returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment (Luke 23:54-56). Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning (24:1), on their way to the tomb, these women were greatly concerned about Who shall roll . . . away the stone from the door of the sepulchre (tomb)? . . . the stone . . . was very great (large) (Mark 16:3-4). They soon discovered that their concern had been satisfied by an angel.

Matthew recorded the terror experienced by the Roman guards who watched the sealed tomb, when the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and . . . rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it (Matt. 28:2,4). When the women came to the tomb to complete the burial procedures, they entered in, and . . . . behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And. . . . said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is . . . risen: remember how He spake unto you . . . Saying, The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again (Luke 24:3-7). Excitedly, the women rushed to the disciples to relate their thrilling discovery.

These women had no thought of deserting their Lord in death, even though a hostile crowd had crucified Him. Neither the women, nor the apostles, were expecting such a glorious experience on that resurrection morning. God always has better things in store for us than we think possible, That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man . . . And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen (Eph. 3:16,19-21).

Thought for Today:

And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (I John 3:3).

Word Studies:

23:5 Jewry the Judean region; 23:19 for . . . sedition for having started a riot; 23:23 instant insistent or persistent; 23:29 paps breasts; 23:32 malefactors criminals, ones who do evil; 24:29 far spent almost over.

Cross References:

For Luke 23:30: See Hos. 10:8. Luke 23:34: See Ps. 22:18.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Dr. Cindy Lynn Perry, Missionary in Nepal, India • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. John Barrow (GA) • Country: Gambia (1 million) in West Africa • Major languages: English and Mandinka • Religious freedom • 87% Muslim; 10% animism and ancestral spirit worship; 2% Roman Catholic; .7% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Know that God answers prayer (Ps. 118:5).

Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33