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.

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.

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]

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]

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]

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

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.