The chapter of Luke 23 describes the events leading up to and including the crucifixion and burial of Jesus1 . It begins with the assembly bringing Jesus to Pilate and accusing him of subverting the nation, opposing taxes to Caesar, and claiming to be the Messiah, a king1 . Pilate questions Jesus but finds no basis for the charges and initially seeks to release him1 . However, upon learning Jesus was from Galilee, Pilate sends him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem1 . Herod was pleased to see Jesus, hoping to witness a sign, but Jesus offered no response to his many questions and was ridiculed by Herod and his soldiers before being sent back to Pilate1 .Pilate reiterates that he and Herod find no grounds for the charges against Jesus and proposes to punish and release him1 . However, the crowd insists on the release of Barabbas, a man imprisoned for insurrection and murder, and vehemently demands Jesus' crucifixion1 . Yielding to their demands, Pilate releases Barabbas and surrenders Jesus to their will1 .As Jesus is led away, Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry the cross behind him1 . Jesus addresses a large crowd of mourners, particularly women, telling them to weep for themselves and their children due to future hardships1 . Two criminals are also led out to be executed with him, and they are crucified at a place called the Skull, one on his right and one on his left1 . Jesus prays, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing," and his clothes are divided by casting lots1 . The people and rulers mock him, challenging him to save himself if he is the Messiah1 . A written notice above him declares, "this is the king of the jews"1 . One of the crucified criminals insults Jesus, but the other rebukes him, acknowledges their just punishment, and asks Jesus to remember him in his kingdom. Jesus responds, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise"1 .Around noon, darkness covers the land until three in the afternoon, and the temple curtain is torn1 . Jesus calls out, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit," and then dies1 . A centurion witnessing this praises God and declares Jesus a righteous man1 . Many who had gathered mourn the events1 . Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Council who had not agreed with their decision, asks Pilate for Jesus' body, wraps it in linen, and lays it in a tomb cut in the rock1 . The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee observe the burial and then prepare spices and perfumes before resting on the Sabbath according to the commandment1 .
