Luke 23: Jesus Dies for Us

Jesus is brought before Pilate and Herod. Though Pilate finds no guilt in Him, the crowd demands His crucifixion. On the cross Jesus prays for His enemies to be forgiven and promises a repentant criminal that he will be with Him in Paradise. Darkness covers the land, Jesus gives His spirit into the Father's hands, and He is laid in a tomb.

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Read Luke 23

World English Bible · 56 verses

¹ The whole company of them rose up and brought him before Pilate.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
² They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man perverting the nation, forbidding paying taxes to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³ Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “So you say.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴ Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵ But they insisted, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee even to this place.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶ But when Pilate heard Galilee mentioned, he asked if the man was a Galilean.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁷ When he found out that he was in Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁸ Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had wanted to see him for a long time, because he had heard many things about him. He hoped to see some miracle done by him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁹ He questioned him with many words, but he gave no answers.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁰ The chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹¹ Herod with his soldiers humiliated him and mocked him. Dressing him in luxurious clothing, they sent him back to Pilate.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹² Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before that they were enemies with each other.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹³ Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁴ and said to them, “You brought this man to me as one that perverts the people, and behold, having examined him before you, I found no basis for a charge against this man concerning those things of which you accuse him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁵ Neither has Herod, for I sent you to him, and see, nothing worthy of death has been done by him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁶ I will therefore chastise him and release him.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁷ Now he had to release one prisoner to them at the feast.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁸ But they all cried out together, saying, “Away with this man! Release to us Barabbas!”—This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁹ one who was thrown into prison for a certain revolt in the city, and for murder.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁰ Then Pilate spoke to them again, wanting to release Jesus,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²¹ but they shouted, saying, “Crucify! Crucify him!”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²² He said to them the third time, “Why? What evil has this man done? I have found no capital crime in him. I will therefore chastise him and release him.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²³ But they were urgent with loud voices, asking that he might be crucified. Their voices and the voices of the chief priests prevailed.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁴ Pilate decreed that what they asked for should be done.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁵ He released him who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus up to their will.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁶ When they led him away, they grabbed one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and laid the cross on him to carry it after Jesus.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁷ A great multitude of the people followed him, including women who also mourned and lamented him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁸ But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁹ For behold, the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁰ Then they will begin to tell the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and tell the hills, ‘Cover us.’This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³¹ For if they do these things in the green tree, what will be done in the dry?”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³² There were also others, two criminals, led with him to be put to death.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³³ When they came to the place that is called “The Skull”, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁴ Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁵ The people stood watching. The rulers with them also scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen one!”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁶ The soldiers also mocked him, coming to him and offering him vinegar,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁷ and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁸ An inscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁹ One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁰ But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Don’t you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴¹ And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴² He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴³ Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁴ It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁵ The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁶ Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁷ When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous man.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁸ All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their chests.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁹ All his acquaintances and the women who followed with him from Galilee stood at a distance, watching these things.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁰ Behold, there was a man named Joseph, who was a member of the council, a good and righteous manThis verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵¹ (he had not consented to their counsel and deed), from Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who was also waiting for God’s Kingdom.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵² This man went to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵³ He took it down and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that was cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁴ It was the day of the Preparation, and the Sabbath was drawing near.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁵ The women who had come with him out of Galilee followed after, and saw the tomb and how his body was laid.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁶ They returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org

Worksheets

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Open Preschool on its own page

Luke 23 · Preschool

Jesus Loves Us So Much

Name Date

Color the picture. Jesus gave His life because He loves us!

Can you find these in the picture? Circle each one!

Bible Verse

He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

Luke 23:42 (WEB)

Prayer

Thank You, God, for making me!

Take It Home

Read the verse aloud. Say gently: Jesus died for us, and He rose again!

Open Grade 4 on its own page

Luke 23 · Grade 4

Father, Forgive Them

Name Date

Read and Think

Jesus was brought before Pilate, accused of misleading the nation. Pilate found Him innocent. Herod hoped to see a miracle, but Jesus said nothing, and Herod's soldiers mocked Him. Pilate tried three times to release Jesus. The crowd chose Barabbas, a man in prison for rebellion and murder. Jesus, the innocent One, took the place of the guilty.

On the way to the cross, Jesus told weeping women not to weep for Him but for their own children. At Calvary, He was crucified between two criminals. Even in pain, Jesus prayed for those who hurt Him. Rulers and soldiers mocked Him and told Him to save Himself. But He stayed on the cross to save us.

One criminal turned to Jesus in faith, and Jesus promised him Paradise that very day. Darkness covered the land, and the temple curtain was torn. With a loud voice, Jesus entrusted His spirit to the Father and died. A centurion said He was surely righteous. Joseph of Arimathea, a good man, buried Jesus in a tomb. Women who followed Jesus saw where He was laid and prepared spices. On the Sabbath they rested. But this was not the end. On the third day Jesus rose again! (Luke 24)

Show What You Know

How did Barabbas's release show what Jesus came to do?
What did Jesus do for the people who hurt Him?
Why did Jesus stay on the cross instead of saving Himself?
What did the centurion say about Jesus?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

JesusgoodcrossPilateParadise

was brought before Pilate, accused of misleading the nation.
found Him innocent.
On the way to the , Jesus told weeping women not to weep for Him but for their own children.
One criminal turned to Jesus in faith, and Jesus promised him that very day.
Joseph of Arimathea, a man, buried Jesus in a tomb.

Think About It

Jesus forgave the people who hurt Him. Who do you need to forgive?
The criminal turned to Jesus at the very end and was welcomed. What does that teach you about God's grace?

Memory Verse

“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.”

Luke 23:34 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for this Bible story. Help me to . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

How can you be kind to someone who hurt you?
What does Jesus' love on the cross mean to you?
Jesus died for us, and on the third day He rose again. How does that give you hope?

Open Grade 5 on its own page

Luke 23 · Grade 5

The Innocent One Dies for the Guilty

Name Date

Read and Think

Luke 23 carefully shows that Jesus was innocent. Pilate said three times that Jesus had done nothing deserving death (23:4, 14, 22). Herod also found nothing worthy of death. Yet the crowd demanded Barabbas, a rebel and murderer, and cried, Crucify! Crucify him! Pilate gave Jesus over to their will. The guilty man went free, while the innocent Son of God took his place. This is a picture of what Jesus does for every sinner who trusts Him.

Simon of Cyrene carried the cross behind Jesus. Jesus spoke tenderly to the women who mourned Him. At the place called The Skull, He was crucified between two criminals. His first words were a prayer: Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing. Soldiers divided His clothes. Psalm 22 had described this (see John 19:24). Over Him a sign read, This is the King of the Jews.

One criminal insulted Him, but the other feared God, admitted his guilt, and asked Jesus to remember him in His Kingdom. Jesus answered, Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise. From noon until three, darkness covered the land. The temple curtain tore. Many Christians see this as showing that the way to God was opening. Jesus cried out, Father, into your hands I commit my spirit, and breathed His last. A centurion glorified God. Joseph of Arimathea, who had not agreed with the council, buried Jesus in a new tomb, and the women watched. But this was not the end. On the third day Jesus rose again! (Luke 24)

Show What You Know

How does Luke show that Jesus was innocent?
What does the exchange of Barabbas for Jesus picture?
Which psalm had described soldiers dividing His clothes?
What did the second criminal do that showed faith?
What did the torn temple curtain show?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

JesusPilateGodKingcross

Luke 23 carefully shows that was innocent.
said three times that Jesus had done nothing deserving death (23:4, 14, 22).
The guilty man went free, while the innocent Son of took his place.
Simon of Cyrene carried the behind Jesus.
Over Him a sign read, This is the of the Jews.

Think About It

Jesus' first words on the cross were a prayer for His enemies. How does that change how you see people who hurt you?
How would you explain to a friend why Jesus, who was innocent, died on the cross?

Memory Verse

Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Luke 23:43 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for this Bible story. Help me to . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

Jesus prayed, Father, forgive them. What does this show about His love?
How does God's undeserved mercy change how you treat others?
Who could you tell about Jesus this week?

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Luke 23: Jesus Dies for Us

Read Luke 23

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Jesus Loves Us So Much

Prayer

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Jesus Loves Me

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Jesus Dies for Us

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Jesus on the Cross

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Today in Paradise

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Father, Forgive Them

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The Innocent One Dies for the Guilty

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