Luke 23 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

1 Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate.
2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.”
3 So Pilate asked him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.”
4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.”
5 But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”
6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean.
7 And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time.
8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him.
9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him.
11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate.
12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.
13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him.
15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him.
16 I will therefore punish and release him.”
17 Now he was obliged to release one man to them at the festival.
18 But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”—
19 (He had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder.)
20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus,
21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!”
22 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed.
24 And Pilate decided that their demand should be granted.
25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.
26 And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus.
27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him.
28 But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’
30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’
31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him.
33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.
34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!”
36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine
37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”
38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour,
45 while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.
47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!”
48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts.
49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.
50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man,
51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God.
52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid.
54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning.
55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid.
56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

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The True Meaning of Luke 23

The Gospel of Luke was written by Luke, a physician and companion of the apostle Paul. Luke’s account, as a Gentile convert to Christianity, provides a unique perspective on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. We witness the final hours of Jesus’ earthly life in this chapter as he is condemned, crucified, and laid to rest. The events described here are pivotal, as they fulfill the prophecies found throughout the Old Testament and pave the way for the salvation of humanity. We will see the religious and political powers conspire against Jesus, leading to his unjust execution, but also the profound impact of his death and resurrection.

The chapter opens with Jesus being brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who struggles to find a valid reason to condemn him. Despite Pilate’s attempts to release Jesus, the crowd demands his crucifixion. This echoes the prophecy in Isaiah 53, where the Suffering Servant is “despised and rejected by men. The psalmist foretold that the Messiah would be “numbered with the transgressors” (Psalm 22:12-13) as Jesus is led to Golgotha.

Luke 23:1-5

The passage in Luke 23:1-5 describes the chief priests, scribes, and elders bringing Jesus before Pontius Pilate. There are several key sections in this passage that are important to dissect to understand the significance of this event in the broader context of the Bible.

Firstly, the section begins with the Jewish religious leaders bringing Jesus before Pilate, the Roman governor. This action signifies a turning point in the narrative of Jesus’ life, as it shows the collision of religious and secular powers. The religious leaders sought to condemn Jesus based on religious laws, but lacking the authority to carry out the death sentence, they had to have Pilate approve it. This event highlights the fulfillment of Jesus’ own prophecy that he would be handed over to the Gentiles for crucifixion (Luke 18:32).

Secondly, it is important to note the specific accusations brought against Jesus by the religious leaders. They accused him of misleading the nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and claiming to be the Messiah, a king. These accusations were carefully crafted to present Jesus as a threat to both the Roman authorities and the Jewish religious establishment. The charge of forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar could have been viewed as sedition, a serious offense against the Roman Empire.

It is crucial to recognize Pilate’s role in this passage. Pilate, as the Roman governor, held the power to sentence Jesus to death. He questions Jesus about the accusations laid against him and ultimately finds no basis for a charge against him that would warrant the death penalty. However, due to the pressure from the crowd and the fear of an uprising, Pilate attempts to pass the responsibility of the decision to Herod Antipas (Luke 23:7-12).

This passage serves as a reminder of the complexity of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. It illustrates the political maneuvering and manipulation that took place to condemn an innocent man. Despite Pilate acknowledging Jesus’ innocence, he eventually gives in to the demands of the crowd and condemns Jesus to death by crucifixion. This narrative of unjust condemnation echoes themes of persecution of the righteous found throughout the Bible, such as the suffering of Job (Job 1:8) or the persecution of the prophets (Matthew 5:12). Luke 23:1-5 sheds light on the unjust trial and condemnation of Jesus, showcasing the clash between religious and secular powers. This passage serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity, enduring an unjust death to fulfill the purpose of salvation. Through his crucifixion, Jesus demonstrated ultimate love and forgiveness, setting an example for believers to follow in the face of persecution and injustice.

Luke 23:6-12

Pilate and King Herod have a unique interaction concerning Jesus in Luke 23:6-12. Let’s break down this passage into important sections to provide a more detailed commentary.

First and foremost, in verse 6, the mention of Herod is significant. King Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great who ruled during the time of Jesus. Herod ruled over Galilee and Perea, regions in ancient Palestine. He was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and eventually beheaded due to a promise he made after his stepdaughter’s dance (Matthew 14:1-12). This Herod would have been familiar with Jesus and His reputation as a miracle worker.

The encounter between Jesus and Herod was brief, as described in verse 8, Herod was hoping to see Jesus perform some sort of miraculous sign. Jesus, however, did not entertain Herod with miracles or respond to his questions, which left Herod feeling mocked according to verse 9. This passage highlights Jesus’ steadfastness and dedication to His mission despite the mockery and mistreatment He faced.

Pilate’s involvement in sending Jesus to Herod can also be seen as a political move in verse 7. Pilate, the Roman governor, found himself in a difficult position regarding Jesus’ case. He may have been trying to shift the responsibility onto someone else by sending Jesus to Herod. Pilate’s actions demonstrate the human tendency to avoid making difficult decisions and trying to please the crowd rather than seeking true justice.

Herod and his soldiers mocking Jesus by dressing Him in elegant clothing in verse 11 is a further display of the contempt and ridicule that Jesus faced during His trial. This act of mockery fulfills the prophecy in Psalm 22:18, which says, “They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. This passage in Luke 23:6-12 reveals the rejection and mistreatment Jesus faced from both religious and political leaders. It serves as a reminder of the unjust suffering that Jesus willingly endured for the salvation of all humanity. It also highlights the contrast between earthly power and the true power of God, which Jesus displayed through His humility and refusal to engage in worldly displays of power or prestige. This episode emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and underscores the importance of standing firm in faith despite facing ridicule and persecution.

Luke 23:13-25

The passage in Luke 23:13-25 narrates the interaction between Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, and the crowd that had gathered to demand the crucifixion of Jesus. Let’s break down this passage into key sections for a closer analysis:

  1. Pilate is brought into the picture in these verses. Pilate, as the representative of Roman authority in Judea, is faced with the dilemma of what to do with Jesus, whom the religious leaders had brought before him with charges of stirring up the people. Pilate questions Jesus but finds no basis for the accusations against him. Pilate, being aware of Jesus’ innocence, attempts to release him, suggesting that he will punish Jesus and release him. This reveals Pilate’s attempt to appease the crowd without bringing unwarranted harm to Jesus.

Commentary: Here, we see the theme of injustice playing out. Pilate’s recognition of Jesus’ innocence underscores the wrongful accusations and inequity present in the trial. Despite his acknowledgment, Pilate’s people-pleasing tendencies and fear of unrest lead to a decision that goes against his conscience. This highlights the weakness of earthly authorities and the prevalence of moral compromise in the face of societal pressures.

  1. Verse 18-23: The crowd, instigated by the chief priests and elders, vehemently rejects Pilate’s suggestion to release Jesus and demands the release of Barabbas instead, a noted prisoner who had been involved in a recent insurrection. The crowd’s clamor grows louder, ultimately pressuring Pilate to give in to their demands. Pilate then decides to release Barabbas and hand Jesus over to be crucified.

Commentary: This section underscores the fickle nature of public opinion and the influence of manipulation and peer pressure. The crowd, swayed by the religious leaders, chooses a known criminal over an innocent man. This stark moral contrast serves as a powerful reminder of humanity’s tendency to make flawed choices when driven by emotions and external influences. It also reflects the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 53:3, where it was foretold that Jesus would be despised and rejected by men.

  1. Verse 24-25: Pilate succumbs to the demands of the crowd and grants their request to have Jesus crucified. Pilate, symbolizing the unjust Roman legal system, washes his hands to symbolize his perceived innocence in the matter, thus attempting to absolve himself of responsibility for Jesus’ fate. The crowd, in a disturbing display of callousness, accepts full responsibility for Jesus’ death, declaring, “His blood be on us and on our children.”

Commentary: This moment is pivotal in the narrative of Jesus’ crucifixion, highlighting the collective culpability of humanity in the crucifixion of Christ. The crowd’s chilling declaration illustrates the gravity of their actions and the broader theological significance of Jesus’ sacrificial death for the redemption of all. This scene foreshadows the atonement provided through Christ’s blood, as mentioned in Hebrews 9:22, emphasizing the necessity of Christ’s death for the remission of sins. We confront profound truths about justice, human nature, and the redemptive plan of God in examining this passage. It serves as a stark reminder of the fallen nature of humanity, the imperfect nature of earthly powers, and the unparalleled sacrifice made by Jesus for the salvation of all. The events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion in Luke 23 lay bare the depths of human depravity and the heights of divine love and mercy, offering timeless lessons on faith, redemption, and the enduring power of God’s grace.

Luke 23:26-31

The passage in Luke 23:26-31 describes the moment when they lead Jesus away to be crucified. Let’s break down this verse into important sections for deeper interpretation:

  1. The soldiers led him away, seized Simon from Cyrene, put the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus.”

Here, we see Simon from Cyrene being singled out and compelled to carry the cross for Jesus. Simon’s unexpected involvement in this pivotal moment is significant. We, as Christians, are called to take up our own cross and follow Jesus, symbolized by forcing Simon to bear the cross. This act may also symbolize the idea of sharing in Christ’s suffering, as Simon literally takes on part of Jesus’ burden. This involvement of Simon, a bystander who then becomes a part of Jesus’ journey to the crucifixion, shows how God’s plans often involve unexpected individuals to play crucial roles.

  1. Verses 27-28: “A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. Jesus turned and said to them, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. Jesus addresses the women who are mourning for Him as He carries the cross in these verses. Despite His own impending suffering, Jesus expresses compassion for the women and their future hardships. His words serve as a poignant reminder that while human empathy is important, it is equally vital to focus on the spiritual well-being and salvation of oneself and future generations. Jesus’s concern for the spiritual state of these women and their offspring underscores his divine mission to bring salvation to all humanity, emphasizing the importance of spiritual matters over worldly sorrows.

  2. Verses 29-31: “For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then they will say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry? Jesus foretells the impending destruction of Jerusalem in these verses as a consequence of the rejection and crucifixion of the Son of God. This prophecy of the impending judgment and calamity upon Jerusalem serves as a warning for the people to repent and turn towards God before it’s too late. The metaphor of the “green tree” and the “dry tree” conveys the idea that if such suffering falls on the innocent (represented by Jesus, the green tree), then the guilty (rebellious Israel, the dry tree) will face even greater judgment. It emphasizes the urgency of recognizing and accepting Jesus as the Son of God before it is too late. Believers can find profound lessons in this passage from Luke 23. From Simon’s unexpected involvement in Jesus’s crucifixion to Jesus’s compassionate words to the mourning women and prophecies of impending judgment, we learn about the themes of sacrifice, compassion, repentance, and the consequences of rejecting God’s mercy. These verses remind us of the central message of the Gospel: the need for repentance, acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice, and the urgency of heeding God’s call before it’s too late.

Luke 23:32-38

Jesus is led to be crucified along with two other criminals in Luke 23:32-38. The Roman soldiers bring Jesus to Golgotha, the place of the Skull, to be executed. This section is incredibly significant as it marks the climax of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Here, we witness Jesus facing the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity, fulfilling God’s plan for salvation. Soldiers, religious leaders, and even one of the criminals mock Jesus as He hangs on the cross. They challenge Him to save Himself if He truly is the chosen one, the Messiah. This taunting and disrespect towards Jesus, the Son of God, reflects the extent of human sinfulness and ignorance. It is a stark reminder of how blind people can be to the truth even when it is right in front of them.

Despite the mockery and agony, Jesus responds with love and forgiveness. He prays to God, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” This act of mercy and compassion exemplifies the core of Jesus’ teachings – to love even in the face of hatred and to forgive even when wronged. It is a powerful reminder of the limitless grace and forgiveness that God offers to all who seek it.

The presence of the two criminals being crucified alongside Jesus is also noteworthy. One of them joins in mocking Jesus, while the other defends Him, acknowledging his own guilt and Jesus’ innocence. This second criminal, traditionally known as the repentant or penitent thief, demonstrates faith and humility in his final moments. He acknowledges Jesus as Lord and asks to be remembered when Jesus comes into His kingdom. Jesus assures him of his place in Paradise in response, showing that even in the darkest hour, redemption and salvation are available to all who turn to Him in faith.

This account in Luke 23:32-38 highlights the profound love, compassion, and forgiveness of Jesus, even in the face of unimaginable suffering and rejection. It underscores the transformative power of faith and repentance, as exemplified by the repentant thief. This section serves as a powerful reminder of the extent of God’s love for humanity and the redemptive power of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, offering hope and salvation to all who believe in Him. It is a message of grace, mercy, and forgiveness that transcends time and speaks to the eternal truth of God’s unconditional love for His creation.

Luke 23:39-43

A significant interaction takes place at the crucifixion of Jesus in Luke 23:39-43. The passage reads, “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’”

This interaction between the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus illustrates a powerful message of redemption, grace, and the unconditional love of God. One criminal chooses to mock Jesus, demanding that He save them if He truly is the Messiah. This attitude reflects a lack of understanding and humility, as the criminal fails to see the bigger picture of Jesus’ sacrificial mission. The other criminal displays repentance and faith in contrast. He acknowledges his sinfulness, recognizes Jesus’ innocence, and humbly asks to be remembered by Jesus in His kingdom.

The response of Jesus to this repentant criminal is profound and encapsulates the essence of salvation. Jesus assures the repentant criminal that he will be with Him in paradise that very day. This demonstrates that no sin is too great to be forgiven by God if there is genuine repentance and faith. It also highlights the concept of salvation by grace through faith, as the criminal did not have an opportunity to perform any good deeds to earn his salvation but simply believed in Jesus.

This passage echoes the broader theme of salvation, forgiveness, and the inclusivity of God’s kingdom throughout the Bible. Jesus consistently reached out to sinners, outcasts, and those who society deemed unworthy, offering them hope and a chance for redemption. The story of the repentant criminal serves as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to turn to God in repentance and faith, no matter how dire our circumstances may seem. “It is written in the book of Romans 10:9, ‘If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.’”” This verse underscores the importance of faith and confession in receiving salvation, as demonstrated by the repentant criminal on the cross. His simple yet heartfelt plea to Jesus serves as a timeless example of how genuine repentance and faith lead to salvation and reconciliation with God.

Luke 23:44-49

A poignant moment is described in the Gospel during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in Luke 23:44-49. The verses read, “It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last. The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, ‘Surely this was a righteous man.’ When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. Several significant events unfold in this passage. First, there is darkness over the land from noon to three in the afternoon, signifying the gravity of the moment and perhaps reflecting the cosmic upheaval at the death of Jesus, the Son of God. This darkness could also symbolize the sin and brokenness of humanity that Jesus, the Light of the World, was about to conquer through His sacrificial death.

The tearing of the temple curtain is a powerful symbol of the end of the Old Covenant and the barriers between God and humanity being broken down through Christ’s sacrifice. The curtain in the Old Testament separated the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence dwelt, from the rest of the temple. With Jesus’ sacrifice, all people now have access to God directly through faith in Christ, as emphasized in Hebrews 10:19-20.

When Jesus declares, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,” he demonstrates complete trust and submission to the Father’s will, even in the face of death. This moment echoes Psalm 31:5, showing Jesus’ fulfillment of Scripture and his unwavering faith in God.

The response of the centurion, a Roman soldier likely unfamiliar with Jewish customs and beliefs, is remarkable. He recognizes Jesus’ innocence and divine nature, acknowledging Him as a righteous man. This confession from a Gentile outsider highlights the universal impact of Christ’s death, reaching beyond the boundaries of ethnicity or religion.

The varied responses of the people present at the crucifixion reflect the range of reactions to Jesus throughout his ministry. Some react with sorrow and repentance, beating their breasts in remorse, while others simply walk away, perhaps unaffected or unmoved by the significance of the moment. The women who had faithfully followed Jesus from Galilee stand witness to his death, their steadfast presence underscoring the loyalty and devotion of Jesus’ followers even in the midst of great suffering. This passage from Luke 23:44-49 captures the profound events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion, revealing themes of darkness and light, sacrifice and redemption, faith and disbelief. It invites us to reflect on our own responses to Christ’s sacrifice, whether we stand at a distance, beat our breasts in repentance, or like the centurion, recognize Jesus as the Son of God. It reminds us of the universal significance of Christ’s death and the transformative power of his resurrection for all who believe.

Luke 23:50-56

Joseph of Arimathea is involved in the burial of Jesus in Luke 23:50-56. The verses describe Joseph as a prominent member of the Jewish council who had not consented to their decision to condemn Jesus. This portrayal of Joseph as a dissenter among the council members sheds light on the fact that not everyone in positions of power at that time agreed with the unjust treatment of Jesus. Joseph’s actions in asking Pilate for Jesus’ body and taking it down from the cross demonstrate his compassion and respect for Jesus, despite the potential backlash he could face from his fellow council members.

Joseph’s act of providing his own tomb for Jesus’ burial is significant on many levels. Joseph was honoring Jesus in a very personal and sacrificial way by offering his own final resting place. This act of generosity also fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9, which speaks of the Messiah being buried in a rich man’s tomb. Through Joseph’s actions, we see God’s sovereignty at work, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies through the willing obedience of individuals like Joseph.

The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee are also mentioned in these verses. Their devoted presence at the crucifixion and burial of Jesus contrasts with the absence of many of Jesus’ male disciples at that moment. This highlights the faithfulness and courage of these women, who remained steadfast in their support for Jesus even in the face of great danger and sorrow. Their role in bearing witness to Jesus’ crucifixion and burial underscores the significant role that women played in Jesus’ ministry and the early church, challenging societal norms of the time. The account of Joseph of Arimathea and the women at the tomb in Luke 23:50-56 reminds us of the varied responses to Jesus’ death and the profound impact it had on those who witnessed it. It challenges us to consider our own response to Jesus’ sacrifice and how we can honor Him in our lives, even in the face of opposition or difficult circumstances. Just as Joseph and the women displayed courage, compassion, and devotion, we are called to emulate their example and stand firm in our faith, knowing that God’s purposes will ultimately prevail.

After Luke 23

We witnessed the unjust trial and crucifixion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in this chapter. Despite the cruelty and betrayal He faced, Jesus showed immense love and forgiveness to all, even those who persecuted Him. As we reflect on the sacrifice He made for our sins, let us remember the words He spoke on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” We are filled with anticipation and hope as we turn the page to the next chapter. For we know that the story does not end at the cross, but with the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. We should hold onto this promise of redemption and look forward to the joy and victory that await us in the next chapter of God’s divine plan.