8.14

The Passion of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke

Theme: Jesus Is Innocent

Pilate declares three times that Jesus is innocent (23:4, 14, 22).

A thief on a cross says that Jesus has done nothing wrong (23:41).

A centurion says, “Certainly this man was innocent” (23:47).

Theme: Jesus’s Death Is His Destiny

Jesus predicts his passion three times and says that it is “necessary” for him to die (9:22, 44; 18:31).

Jesus says at the Last Supper, “The Son of Man is going as it has been determined” (22:22).

Jesus views his death as the will of the Father (22:42).

Jesus views his passion as the fulfillment of Scripture (18:31; 22:37; 24:25–27; 24:44–46).

After his resurrection, Jesus explains three times that his passion was “necessary” (24:7, 26, 44).

Theme: Jesus’s Death Confirms His Life

Jesus is God’s great benefactor to all, in death as in life.

• He brings healing (22:51).
• He brings forgiveness (23:34).
• He brings salvation (23:43).

Jesus’s death causes people to praise God and to repent (23:47–48).

Theme: Jesus’s Death Provides a Model for Discipleship

In the events leading up to his death, Jesus explains the nature of discipleship (22:24–27), prepares his disciples for trials ahead (22:35–38), and models for them the necessary perseverance in prayer (22:39–46).

Jesus’s trial becomes the model for the trials of Paul (Acts 16:19–24; 18:12–17; 23:23–30) and his death a model for that of Stephen (Acts 7:59–60).