What does Luke 23:33 Mean?

Study Notes

And when
For order of events at the crucifixion, See Scofield " Matthew 27:33 "

The first note refers to the events of the night preceding; the second, the day of the event.

sat down with the twelve

The order of events on the night of the Passover supper appears to have been:

(1) The taking by our Lord and the disciples of their places at the table;

(2) the contention who should be greatest;

(3) the feet washing;

(4) the identification Judas as the traitor;

(5) the withdrawal of Judas;

(6) the institution of the supper;

(7) the words of Jesus while still in the room Matthew 26:26-29 ; Luke 22:35-38 ; John 13:3-35 ; Matthew 14:1-31

(8) the words of Jesus between the room and the garden Matthew 26:31-35 ; Mark 14:26-31 ; John 15:16 ; John 15:17 it seems probable that the high-priestly prayer John 17:1-26 was uttered after they reached the garden;

(9) the agony in the garden;

(10) the betrayal and arrest;

(11) Jesus before Caiaphas; Peter's denial.

Verse Meaning

Luke alone called the site of Jesus" crucifixion "the place called the skull" (Gr. kranion) rather than referring to it by its Aramaic name, Golgotha, and then translating it. This was undoubtedly an accommodation to his Gentile readers. The name of the place was obviously appropriate to the occasion. [source][source]

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"This name was probably taken from the fact that this was the place where people were killed in public execution rather than from the skull-like appearance on the side of the hill on which He was crucified." ^[1] [source]

Jesus" central position among the three symbolized His centrality in the event and His proximity to all sinners. [source][source]

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Context Summary

Simon's two sons are believed to have become Christians. See Mark 15:21, Romans 16:13. Perhaps this strange interruption in his ordinary experiences led to the whole household becoming Christian. Jesus and he bore the cross together. So later, Symeon of Cambridge, who was much reviled for his evangelical principles, loved to think that he and Christ were suffering together.

Ever more thoughtful for others than for Himself, the Lord seemed to forget His griefs that He might address warnings and entreaties to these poor women, Luke 23:28. He was the young green tree in the forest glade, consumed in the awful heat of divine burnings, while they and theirs were the dry wood, which would soon crackle in the overthrow of their city.

On the cross our Lord became immediately the high priest, pleading for the great world and for His own; and He has never ceased since. See Hebrews 7:25. Sins of ignorance are placed in a different category from those of presumption; See 1 Timothy 1:13, 1 John 5:16. The answer to that prayer, Luke 23:34, was given on the day of Pentecost. [source]

Chapter Summary: Luke 23

¹  Jesus is accused before Pilate, and sent to Herod
⁸  Herod mocks him
¹²  Herod and Pilate become friends
¹³  Barabbas is desired of the people,
²⁴  and is released by Pilate, and Jesus is given to be crucified
²⁶  He tells the women, that lament him, the destruction of Jerusalem;
³⁴  prays for his enemies
³⁹  Two criminals are crucified with him
⁴⁶  His death
⁵⁰  His burial