Mar. 24, 2024

The Road to the Cross

Jesus’ Last 5 Encounters During His Last 9 Hours

Luke 23

Warren Wiersbe said...

“The trial and death of Jesus Christ revealed both the wicked heart of man and the gracious heart of GOD.  When men were doing their worst… GOD was giving HIS best.

1^st Encounter was Pontius Pilot the Roman Governor of Judea who was indecisive of Jesus.

Matt. 22:15-22 (NLT) ¹⁵ Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. ¹⁶ They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. ¹⁷ Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” ¹⁸ But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me? ¹⁹ Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin, ²⁰ he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” ²¹ “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” ²² His reply amazed them, and they went away.

Matthew 2:1-3 (NLT) Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ² “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” ³ King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 

Luke 23:3-7 (NLT) ³ So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus replied, “You have said it.” ⁴ Pilate turned to the leading priests and to the crowd and said, “I find nothing wrong with this man!” ⁵ Then they became insistent. “But he is causing riots by his teaching wherever he goes—all over Judea, from Galilee to Jerusalem!” ⁶ “Oh, is he a Galilean?” Pilate asked. ⁷ When they said that he was, Pilate sent him to Herod Antipas, because Galilee was under Herod’s jurisdiction, and Herod happened to be in Jerusalem at the time.

2^nd Encounter was Herod Antipas Ruler of Galilee who was selfishly interested in Jesus.

Luke 23:8-9 (NLT) ⁸ Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been hoping for a long time to see him perform a miracle. ⁹ He asked Jesus question after question, but Jesus refused to answer. 

Acts 4:11-12 (NLT) ¹¹ For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ ¹² There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

3^rd Encounter was the crowd who chose Barabbas over Jesus.

Luke 23:13-18 (NLT) ¹³ Then Pilate called together the leading priests and other religious leaders, along with the people, ¹⁴ and he announced his verdict. “You brought this man to me, accusing him of leading a revolt. I have examined him thoroughly on this point in your presence and find him innocent. ¹⁵ Herod came to the same conclusion and sent him back to us. Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty. ¹⁶ So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him.”  ¹⁸ Then a mighty roar rose from the crowd, and with one voice they shouted, “Kill him, and release Barabbas to us!”

4^th & 5^th Encounters was with two criminals.

One Accepted Jesus

One Rejected Jesus

Luke 23:32-33 (NLT) ³² Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. ³³ When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.

Luke 23:39-43 (NLT) ³⁹ One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” ⁴⁰ But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? ⁴¹ We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”⁴³ And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”