Luke 23:35-43
Chapter 23
35
The people stood by, watching. As for the rulers, they jeered at him, saying to one another:
“Let the man who saved others now save himself, for he is the Messiah, the chosen one of God!”
36
The soldiers also mocked him and, when they drew near to offer him bitter wine,
37
they said:
“So you are the King of the Jews? Save yourself!”
38
Above Jesus, there was an inscription in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, which read, “This is the King of the Jews.”
39
One of the criminals hanging with Jesus insulted him, saying:
“So you are the Messiah? Save yourself, and us as well!”
40
But the other rebuked him, saying:
“Have you no fear of God, you who received the same sentence as he did?
41
For us, it is just: this is payment for what we have done. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42
And he said:
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
43
Jesus replied:
“In truth I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Commentaries
Crucifixion and Death of Jesus.
The account of the Passion in Luke’s Gospel is the most restrained of the four Gospels. Luke avoids describing the humiliating details of Jesus’ mistreatment, such as the slaps, whippings, and crown of thorns. This reflects his human sensitivity and deep respect for Jesus, which prevents him from portraying these events the way Mark and Matthew do. Luke’s primary focus is to emphasize the injustice inflicted on Jesus, highlighting the intolerance and stubbornness of a nation that refuses to accept that God is fully revealed in him. This is shown in Jesus’ words on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (34). Moreover, Luke considers Jesus’ approach during this crucial moment to be even more significant: when he could evoke pity and compassion, he instead offers comfort and encouragement to those mourning him (28-31); when others would respond with violence to mockery and insults, Jesus responds with forgiveness; treated as a criminal and among criminals, Jesus welcomes the repentant thief and promises him his companionship in the kingdom. In short, for Luke, the cross is the most significant moment of Jesus’ life. It is here that Jesus’ kingship is revealed and confirmed for everyone: a just king who forgives, welcomes, and shares his kingdom with those willing to accept it.