GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
THE PASSION ACCORDING TO LUKE
The Trial of Jesus: Lk 22,66-23,25
Following our earlier explorations, we are reading this part of the passion story as the trial of Jesus. We saw that overall together the four hearings form one trial.
The Hearing before the Sanhedrin: 22,66-71
The scene opens in 22,66 with the new day when Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin. We noted in the overview how different this hearing is to Mark (Mk 15,1). Apart from being daytime (Mk 15,1) and the denials of Peter which we have seen already, how else does this hearing differ from Mark (Mk 14,53-65)? See as well Acts 6,13. This hearing takes place in daytime; what might have been the problem with a night hearing?
Who is listed in verse 66 as involved in this hearing? What are the implications? See 22,6; 23,50-51.
The first question asked of Jesus comes in 22,67a. Who asks the question (see Mk 14,60-61)?
How does Jesus reply in verses 67b-69? Look at Jeremiah 38,15. Note how Luke has changed Mk 14,62 and consider the consequences. See Ps 110,1 and Daniel 7,13.
Consider the next question and answer in verse 70 considering Mk 14,61. See 1,32. See also 3,15 and 3,22 and also 9,20 and 9,55.
How does Jesus' reply carry echoes of Exodus 3,14?
Is the final statement in 22,71 a valid conclusion?
At this point, have a look at my response.
The First Hearing before Pilate: 23,1-7
Notice how Pilate is introduced in 23,1. He has already appeared in this Gospel with a proper introduction in 3,1 and are told more about him in 13,1.
It's best to read the accusation in verse 2 as one charge with two parts. How have the two parts been adapted to the expectations of a Roman Governor? For the distortions of the first, see 20,25.
We see in verse 3 how Pilate understands the charge. His question is the same in all four Gospels while Jesus' reply is the same in the Synoptics. How are we to understand Jesus' reply to Pilate?
Why does Pilate reach his conclusion in verse 4? How has the audience changed? How does this serve Luke's purposes? You may have to compare translations for this.
In verse 5 we have the reaction. How is it ironic? See 19,47-48 or 21,38.
Verses 6 & 7 then give Pilate's response. It is sometimes suggested that Pilate is trying to get rid of a problem. Might there be a better reason for sending a man to his local ruler?
Why does this first hearing end at 23,7? Verse 6, even verse 5 are commonly seen as ending this part of the Passion.
The Hearing before Herod: 23,8-12
Herod has been introduced in verse 7. This would have been Herod Antipas who was son of the Herod who reigned when Jesus was born (1,5). He is introduced in 3,1 (note the different designations in 1,5 and 3,1). He has already appeared in the Gospel (9,7-9).
Why might Herod have been in Jerusalem for the festival?
In verse 10, we are reminded of Jesus' accusers.
Then in verse 11, Herod and his men mock Jesus and put a splendid cloak on him. Does this suggest guilt or innocence, especially with regard to verse 12 (see 23,14-15)?
At this stage, we need to look at my response before reading the second hearing before Pilate.
The Second Hearing before Pilate: 23,13-25
Read up to verse 16. What conclusion is reached by that verse?
Who are summoned to Pilate in verse 13? Look at the those mentioned in verse 4. What is different here?
In verse 14 we see Pilate giving his verdict. What can we say about the language Pilate uses? Note too how he stresses that Herod has reached the same conclusion.
Look at different translations for verse 16 to see what Pilate does to Jesus.
So far so good. Verse 17 seems to be a copiest's addition in some manuscripts which is taken from Mk 15,6. How would retaining this verse affect the story as it unfolds?
From verse 18, we can see how it all unravels for Pilate. Following on from the comments about verse 17, note how Mark (Mk 15,7) and Luke treat Barabbas differently. Verse 19 then gives the background to Barabbas.
Verses 20-21 continue the confrontation between Pilate and the crowd. What is the initiative in the crowds demands?
Pilate we see trying once again in verse 23 only to be opposed in verse 24.
Why does Pilate give in to the crowd in verse 24?.
Note that Luke has rewritten Mk 15,15 in verse 25. How is the verse phrased and what is the emphasis? Look back to see who are "they" in this verse.
Conclusion: Lk 22,54-23,25
We have now followed Jesus from his arrest (22,54) to his condemnation (23,25). Consider in conclusion how all this has unfolded as a judicial process.
Then look again at my response
We can now continue our reading of the Passion as we see Jesus following the way of the cross, 23,26-43.