What is the meaning of Luke 23:15? Neither has Herod Pilate is speaking to the chief priests and rulers (Luke 23:13–14), and he now points to Herod’s judgment: • Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, had questioned Jesus but “found nothing worthy of death” (Luke 23:7–11). • This double verdict of innocence—first Pilate, then Herod—echoes earlier moments when rulers could not find legitimate charges against Jesus (Luke 20:20–26; John 18:38). • The repeated declarations underline the spotless character of Christ, fulfilling prophecies such as Isaiah 53:9 and preparing the way for His sacrificial role as the unblemished Lamb (1 Peter 1:19). For He sent Him back to us Herod’s act of returning Jesus is itself a statement: • By sending Jesus back, Herod tacitly acknowledges there is no capital offense; otherwise he could have judged Him on the spot (Luke 23:11). • The transfer also keeps jurisdiction with Pilate, fulfilling Jesus’ prediction that He would be handed over to both Jewish and Gentile authorities (Luke 18:32). • Pilate’s reference—“He sent Him back to us”—reinforces the message from John 19:4: “I find no basis for a charge against Him”. Together, these leaders testify unwittingly to Christ’s innocence. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death Pilate shifts from legal language to an appeal to common sense: • “As you can see” invites the crowd to acknowledge the lack of evidence (Luke 23:22). • The phrase “nothing deserving of death” fulfills the law’s demand that only clear, capital guilt warrants execution (Deuteronomy 17:6). • Yet the crowd rejects this plain truth, mirroring the prophetic portrait of the righteous sufferer who is condemned despite innocence (Psalm 69:4; 1 Peter 2:22–23). • Pilate’s words highlight the irony that the only sinless man will soon bear the penalty of sinners (2 Corinthians 5:21). Summary Luke 23:15 shows Pilate stacking Herod’s findings atop his own: two governing authorities agree that Jesus is guilt-free. Their joint verdict magnifies the injustice of the coming crucifixion and underscores the purity of the Savior, perfectly fitting Him to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. |
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