Luke Series Chapter 23 (EP 171)

Summary

The Bryce Crawford Podcast

Episode: Luke Series Chapter 23 (EP 171)
Date: December 23, 2025
Host: Bryce Crawford
Theme: A study and reflection on Luke Chapter 23, focusing on the trial, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus Christ.

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Episode Overview

This episode is part of Bryce Crawford’s ongoing Luke Series, with a deep dive into Chapter 23, which details the final hours, trial, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus. The discussion is candid, lively, and aimed at encouraging listeners to read scripture for themselves, not just rely on explanations or podcasts. Bryce is joined by recurring guest “Elf Dylan,” and there is a lighthearted, festive tone as the episode starts, quickly pivoting to an impassioned exploration of one of the most pivotal chapters in the Christian faith.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Light-hearted Christmas Start & Gift Exchange (02:20–03:20)

• The show opens with Bryce and Elf Dylan exchanging gifts, setting a warm, humorous tone.
  • Dylan gifts Bryce a book called “Get Fit While You Sit: Chair Exercises.”
    • “What you trying to say, Dylan? We've been sitting for a long time recording these.” — Bryce [03:05]
  • The segment is playful and underlines the camaraderie between the hosts.

2. Introduction to Luke Chapter 23 (03:26–04:48)

• Bryce starts reading and breaking down Luke 23, where Jesus is brought before Pilate.
• The false accusations against Jesus are highlighted.
  • “Notice how they said...forgive tribute to Caesar. That obviously did not happen. We just read that a couple chapters ago. So they're accusing him of nothing.” — Bryce [03:40]
• Jesus’ understated but powerful response is discussed:
  • “Pilate asked him, are you king of the Jews?...‘You’ve said so.’ What a gangster, bro.” — Dylan [03:49]
  • Bryce agrees, admiring Jesus’ composure: “Oh, Jesus was a gangster.” [03:55]

3. Pilate and Herod's Roles (04:48–05:14)

• Pilate finds Jesus innocent, as does Herod.
• The dynamic between Herod and Pilate is explored:
  • Their former enmity turns into friendship over the handling of Jesus’ trial.

4. Barabbas vs. Jesus — The Great Exchange (05:09–05:42)

• Bryce explains the Passover tradition of prisoner release and contrasts Jesus with Barabbas:
  • “On the stage you got two dudes...Barabbas, leader of a rebellion [...] and then you have Jesus, who was king of the Jews...Pilate and Herod didn't find any fault or reason to kill him.” — Bryce [05:14]

5. Crucify Him! — The Shift in the Crowd (05:42–05:57)

• The crowd, who had recently welcomed Jesus, now turns on him:
  • “The same people that worshiped him a week prior...are now shouting, ‘crucify him.’” — Dylan [05:45]

6. Jesus’ Journey to the Cross (06:20–07:20)

• Simon of Cyrene helps carry the cross due to Jesus’ weakened state.
• Jesus addresses the women mourning for him, warning them of what is to come:
  • Direct quotation from the passage is read and briefly interpreted.

7. The Crucifixion — Mockery, Compassion, and Forgiveness (07:20–08:48)

• The soldiers and rulers mock Jesus, echoing Satan’s temptations:
  • “Isn't it interesting how through people, Satan is tempting Jesus?...In Islam, Jesus wasn’t crucified but got down off the cross...Isn't that crazy how Islam is a doctrine...born of a demon and Satan?” — Bryce [07:43]
    • Notable for its bold, controversial claim, reflecting Bryce’s strong apologetics.
• The two criminals are discussed:
  • One mocks Jesus; the other humbly accepts his fate.
    • “The other criminal, knowing his sin, rebuked the selfish criminal...‘We are receiving the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’” — Dylan [08:33]
    • The repentant thief’s plea and Jesus’ famous promise:
      • “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [08:48]

8. The Death of Jesus — Darkness, the Temple Veil, and a Roman’s Confession (08:44–09:44)

• Darkness and the tearing of the curtain signal the cosmic significance:
  • “Then Jesus...said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’...the centurion...praised God, saying, ‘Certainly this man was innocent.’” [09:44]

9. Burial and Sabbath Observance (09:44–10:29)

• Joseph of Arimathea’s role in burying Jesus.
• The women observe the burial and prepare to come back after the Sabbath.
  • “We just witnessed and read about the gruesome crucifixion of Jesus Christ. And tomorrow...we’re gonna read about the victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ.” — Bryce [10:18]

10. Encouragement for Listeners (10:29–10:38)

• Bryce underscores the importance of direct engagement with scripture:
  • “The ultimate heart is so that you go and read this word daily. You don't rely on the podcast. You rely on the word of God and the Holy Spirit.” — Bryce [10:34]

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Notable Quotes

• “What a gangster, bro.” — Dylan, on Jesus’ response to Pilate [03:51]
• “If this is the fate of the innocent, then imagine what happens to the guilty.” — Dylan [06:06]
• “Isn't it interesting how through people, Satan is tempting Jesus?...In Islam, Jesus wasn't crucified, but got down off the cross and was substituted out. Isn't that crazy how Islam is a doctrine of religion born of a demon and Satan...” — Bryce [07:43]
• “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” — Jesus, quoted by Bryce [08:48]
• “Certainly this man was innocent.” — The centurion, quoted by Bryce [09:44]
• “The ultimate heart is so that you go and read this word daily. You don't rely on the podcast. You rely on the word of God and the Holy Spirit.” — Bryce [10:34]

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Memorable Moments

• The playful gift exchange with “Elf Dylan” sets a holiday atmosphere before diving into deep spiritual content. [02:30–03:20]
• The honest, sometimes raw, reactions to Jesus’ trial and execution, coloring the biblical narrative with present-day language and emotion.
• Bryce’s apologetic take regarding Islam and Christianity’s competing claims on Jesus’ death — strong language that may challenge or provoke listeners. [07:43]
• The explicit encouragement at the end for listeners to engage with the Bible directly rather than just relying on secondary sources or podcasts. [10:34]

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Timeline / Timestamps

• [02:20] - Episode proper: Holiday banter and gift exchange with Elf Dylan
• [03:26] - Beginning of Luke 23 study
• [03:51] - Jesus' “You've said so” response; hosts’ reactions
• [05:14] - The choice between Barabbas and Jesus
• [05:45] - The crowd’s betrayal of Jesus
• [06:20] - Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross
• [07:20] - Crucifixion, mocking, Jesus' words of forgiveness
• [07:43] - Discussion on Satan’s temptation and contrasting with Islam
• [08:48] - The penitent thief; “today you will be with me in paradise”
• [09:44] - Jesus' death, the centurion’s confession
• [09:50] - The burial by Joseph of Arimathea and the women’s vigil
• [10:29] - Bryce’s closing encouragement to read the Bible directly

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Summary

This episode of The Bryce Crawford Podcast presents a heartfelt, scripture-saturated examination of Luke Chapter 23. After holiday banter, Bryce, joined by Elf Dylan, immerses listeners in the pivotal scenes of Jesus’ false accusation, endurance, crucifixion, and burial. With passion, Bryce highlights themes of innocence, injustice, humility, and ultimate sacrifice, drawing direct parallels and applications for today’s believers. The show closes with an exhortation: don’t just listen—read and rely on the word of God yourself, trusting the Holy Spirit for deeper understanding.

Transcript

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Because I believe that God is Preparing a word specifically for each city we visit. So go to jasontreet.org tour, get your tickets, and we'll see you guys in 2026 for the live podcast tour.

[C]

What's going on, guys? Welcome back to another episode of the Bryce Crawford podcast. I'm Bryce, and today we are on.

[G]

Luke, chapter 23 of the Luke series, second to last episode. But before we get into it, we need elf Dylan in the room.

[C]

Elf Dylan. Elf. Merry Christmas, Bryce. And you know what?

[G]

I feel a little disrespected because you're wearing the socks you just gave me in the last episode.

[C]

They match perfectly, though.

[G]

You know what? They look very good on you. Thank you, Alfdyl. We're down to two gifts. Which one you want to give to us today?

[C]

I think we saved the big one for last.

[G]

You know what? You're right. Thank you so much for this.

[C]

This is a good one too.

[G]

Is it? Ooh, feels like a. Feels like a. Like a book. Foreign.

[C]

A book called get fit while you sit. Chair exercises to help you stretch and strengthen your body. What you trying to say, Dylan? We've been sitting for a long time recording these. I'm just saying you might be able to put that to you.

[G]

You know what? You're right.

[C]

Oh, posture, soldier stretch. Hand and finger stretch.

[G]

Gentle spine twist.

[C]

Even leg exercises.

[G]

Man, I've been needing something like this.

[C]

They had it all, you know.

[G]

Thank you so much for thinking about me. I appreciate you. You can put that on the to read list.

[C]

Thank you, Dylan.

[G]

I appreciate you.

[C]

Well, as always, we're getting into the word of God today in chapter 23, verse 1. Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, we found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar. Now notice how they said forgiving to for give tribute to Caesar. That obviously did not happen. We just read that a couple chapters ago. So they're accusing him of nothing and.

[G]

Saying that he himself is Christ the king.

[C]

And Pilate asked him, are you king of the Jews?

[G]

And he answered them, you've said, so what a gangster, bro.

[C]

Oh, Jesus was a gangster.

[G]

Then Pilate said to the chief priests in the crowds, I find no guilt in this man. But they were urgent saying, he stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee, even to this place. When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod Who? Who was himself in Jerusalem at the time? When Herod saw Jesus, he was very.

[C]

Glad, for he had long desired to see him because he had heard about.

[G]

Him and he was hoping to see some sign done by him.

[C]

So he questioned him at some length.

[G]

But he made no answer. Jesus stayed silent. The chief priests and the scribes stood by vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers, treated him with contempt and mocked him. Think about this. Herod heard all of these things, and Jesus stayed silent, for he knew the mission was greater than miracles. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day. For before this, they had been in enmity with each other.

[C]

Pilate then called together the chief priests.

[G]

And the rulers and the people and.

[C]

Said to them, you brought me this.

[G]

Man as one who is misleading people.

[C]

And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty.

[G]

Of any of your charges.

[C]

Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him.

[G]

I will therefore punish and release him.

[C]

But they all cried out, away with this man and release to us Barabbas. See, every year the Jews had a.

[G]

Tradition that on Passover, they were rece. They would release one prisoner from Rome. And so on the stage you got two dudes, you got Barabbas, who was literally the leader of a rebellion and insurrection against the government of Rome. Rome hated this guy. He was a murderer and a thief, and Rome hated him. He's trying to overthrow Rome. And then you have Jesus, who was king of the Jews, that Pilate and Herod didn't find any fault or reason to kill him.

[C]

In verse 20, Pilate addressed him once.

[G]

More, desiring to release Jesus. But they kept shouting, crucify him.

[C]

Crucify him. The same people that worshiped him a week prior, laying their clothes and their palm leaves down at him, are now shouting, crucify him.

[G]

And release the rebel and the crook.

[C]

A third time he said to them, why, what evil has he done?

[G]

I have found no guilt in him deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him. But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 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. If this is the fate of the innocent, then imagine what happens to the guilty if this is the punishment for the Innocent, perfect, righteous Jesus. Then imagine the punishment for those guilty of sin who do not receive the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Verse 26. And they led him away. They seized him. They seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross to carry it behind Jesus. Jesus had been beaten so badly, they said, hey, you need to help this guy carry his cross. And there followed him a great multitude of people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. But Jesus turned to them. But turning to them, Jesus said, daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore the breasts that never nurse. Then they will begin to say to the mountains fall on us, and to the hills cover us. For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry? Two others who were criminals were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to this place.

[C]

That is called the Skull, there they crucified him and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they cast lots to divide his garments, mocking him. 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. The soldiers mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, saying, if you.

[G]

Are the king of Jews, save yourself.

[C]

Isn't it interesting how through people, Satan is tempting Jesus? If you're really God, get down off the cross and save yourself. Whereas in Islam, Jesus wasn't crucified, but got down off the cross and was substituted out. Isn't that crazy how Islam is a doctrine of religion born of a demon and Satan, where the very thing Jesus was tempted in historically and through the biblical narrative is the outcome in Islam. It's crazy. And then we keep reading. There was also an inscription over him, mocking him. This is the. This is the kingdom of the Jews that was there to mock him. One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.

[G]

But the other rebuked him, saying, do you not fear God since you were under the same sentence of condemnation?

[C]

He said the other criminal, knowing his.

[G]

Sin, knowing his wrongdoing, rebuked the selfish criminal and saying, do you not realize that you're receiving the same punishment the innocent son of God is? And we indeed justly, for we are.

[C]

Receiving the due reward for our deeds.

[G]

But this man has done nothing wrong.

[C]

And that criminal.

[G]

It says in verse 42, he said to Jesus, jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. This man was so humble and recognizing his sin, said, look, I'm not even worthy to be with you. Would you just remember me? And he said to him, truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise. Verse 44. It was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 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. Now, when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, certainly this man was innocent. And all the crowds that had assembled for the spectacle when they saw what was taking place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things. And there was a man named Joseph from the Jewish town of Arimathea. Joseph of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man who had not consented to their decision in action. And he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked.

[C]

For the body of Jesus.

[G]

Where's the body? We need to give him a proper burial. 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 been laid. It was the day of preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The woman who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. When they returned and prepared spices and ointments on the Sabbath, they rested according to the commandment we just witnessed and read about the gruesome crucifixion of Jesus Christ. And tomorrow to end this in the series, we're gonna. We're gonna read about the victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. Guys, I pray that Luke 23 was an encouragement to you guys. And we'll see you guys tomorrow for Luke chapter 24.

[C]

Hey, thank you guys so much for watching the Luke series.

[G]

I pray that this thing is a.

[C]

Blessing to you and the ultimate heart.

[G]

Is so that you go and read this word daily.

[C]

You don't rely on the podcast.

[G]

You rely on the word of God and the Holy Spirit. Thank you guys so much for watching.

[C]

If you like the episodes, subscribe follow us on and we'll see you guys.

[G]

In the next episode.

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