Luke 23:1-12

Luke 23:1-12

1. Let us observe what false accusations were laid to our Lord Jesus Christ's charge.
2. Let us observe the strange and mingled motives which influence the hearts of unconverted great men.
3. Let us observe how easily and readily unconverted men can agree in disliking Christ.

"Lying and slander are two favorite weapons of the devil...When he finds that he cannot stop God's work, his next device is to blacken the character of God's servants and to destroy the value of their testimony."

"Let us learn from Herod's case to pity great men. With all their greatness and apparent splendor, they are often thoroughly miserable within. Silks and satins and official robes often cover hearts which are utter strangers to peace. That man does not understand what he is wishing for who wishes to be a rich man."

"The true Christian must not count the enmity of the world to be a strange thing...If he expects that by any concession he can win the favor of man, then he will be greatly deceived."

Questions:

1. We see in this passage that our Lord Jesus was slandered, and we must not be surprised if we are slandered as well. Unlike our Lord, we may be accused rightly, but in times where there is no grounding, can we keep silent and patiently wait for the Lord?
2. Ryle points out the misery of rich men, and exhorts us to pity and pray for them. He highlights how foolish it is in light of these things to wish to be like them. Do we pity and pray for the rich? Does this not help us in the fight against the desires for riches?
3. Ryle speaks to the uniting of two enemies, Herod and Pilate, because of their common hatred for Christ. He declares this is no different today against many groups that hate one another but unite against the gospel and the true church. Brothers and sisters, do we love the favor of man or the favor of God? Do we seek to make the gospel palatable to the world, forgetting that even our Lord Jesus was hated by the world for speaking the truth? May we be those who are not surprised by opposition and continue to speak the truth in love.