Luke 23

And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.

And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.

Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.

And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.

And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.

And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.

And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.

And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,

Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:

No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.

I will therefore chastise him, and release him.

(For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)

And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:

(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)

Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.

But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.

And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.

And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.

And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.

And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.

But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.

For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.

Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.

For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,

And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.

And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counseller; and he was a good man, and a just:

(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.

And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.

And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

What does Luke 23:26 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 23:26 depicts a scene during the Passion of Jesus Christ, where He is being led to his crucifixion.

The Roman soldiers conscript Simon, a man from Cyrene (located in modern-day Libya), to carry the cross of Jesus.

This occurs after Jesus has been severely beaten and is likely weakened, making the carrying of his own cross difficult.

The act of laying the cross upon Simon indicates that he was compelled to carry it behind Jesus, literally following in His steps towards the place of crucifixion.

This verse, while describing a literal event, also has deeper meanings.

It suggests themes of shared suffering, forced servitude, and the idea of taking up one's cross to follow Jesus, a concept that would become central to Christian discipleship.

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Historical Context

The incident takes place within the context of Roman-occupied Judea during the 1st century.

Crucifixion was a common Roman method of execution, reserved mostly for slaves, revolutionaries, and the lowest classes.

Individuals condemned to crucifixion were typically required to carry the crossbeam (patibulum) to the execution site.

Cyrene was a city in North Africa with a significant Jewish population, and many Jews traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, which is the time period when the crucifixion took place.

It is possible that Simon was in Jerusalem for this reason. The event reflects the Roman practice of impressment, where civilians were forced to carry out tasks for the military, such as carrying equipment.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives offer varied insights into this verse.

From a Christological viewpoint, the act of Simon carrying the cross can be seen as a representation of Jesus' sharing of humanity's burdens. In Catholic theology, Simon's act is often seen as a model for Christian discipleship, teaching that believers too are called to carry their crosses in life.

Some Protestant interpretations focus on the concept of "vicarious suffering", Simon carrying the cross is a symbol of Jesus' suffering on behalf of humanity.

Liberation theologians might interpret this episode as a reminder of the solidarity Christ shows with the oppressed and marginalized, as Simon, a foreigner, is forced into the Roman practice of carrying a burden.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire individuals to greater empathy and encourage the support of those who are suffering. It serves as a reminder to bear one another's burdens, as stated in Galatians 6:2.

Additionally, it can be used to reflect on the Christian calling to accept one's own struggles humbly and to follow Christ’s example of perseverance and faith through trials.

It also may encourage believers to consider the societal structures that impose burdens on others and to take action against injustice.

Cross-References

Matthew 16:24: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
Mark 15:21: "And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross."
Galatians 6:2: "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
John 19:17: "And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called [the place] of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase "they laid hold upon" translates to "ἐπιλαβόμενοι," which indicates a forceful seizing or taking hold of someone.

This suggests that Simon was not a willing participant but was conscripted into service.

The word "σταυρός" (stauros) is translated as "cross," pertaining to the heavy wooden beam that Simon was compelled to carry. "ὀπίσω" (opisō) translates to "after" or "behind," indicating that Simon was to follow directly after Jesus in the procession to the crucifixion site.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various cultures, myths and stories often speak of gods or heroes bearing burdens as a part of their trials.

Examples might include Sisyphus in Greek mythology, who was condemned to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity, or Atlas, who carried the weight of the sky.

Religious interpretations elsewhere involve figures who take on suffering for the sake of others, paralleling Christian perspectives on Jesus' crucifixion.

Buddhism also contains themes of bearing one's own suffering and helping to alleviate the suffering of others as part of the Bodhisattva path.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern medical perspective, the act of carrying a heavy wooden cross after enduring physical torture, as Jesus did, would be an arduous task likely to cause further physical trauma.

Science can provide insight into the physiological effects of such stress and pain on the human body and how a weakened individual may not be able to endure such a task without assistance.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse offer a range of interpretations.

Many scholars highlight Simon of Cyrene's role as an example of discipleship, forced as it was, and his sharing in Christ's journey to the cross.

Some also explore the symbolism of the cross and its connotations of shame, sacrifice, and redemption in Christian theology.

There is also discussion on the historical and cultural context of Roman crucifixion practices and the inclusion of this small narrative detail as a means of grounding the crucifixion account in historical reality.

The identification of Simon as a Cyrenian may suggest that the Gospel author Luke intended to show the universal reach of Jesus' message, extending beyond the Jewish community to the broader Mediterranean world.

Luke 23

Luke 23

What does Luke 23:26 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 23:26 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?