DECEMBER 23, 2021 LUKE 23             Jesus finally is taken by the Jewish authorities to Pilate, the Roman governor. Only the Romans can authorize the death penalty. Jesus, before Pilate, stands silent, except to confirm Pilate’s question (see vs 3).             Sentenced to death, Jesus is beaten, and forced to carry part of the instrument of death to the place of execution. Placed upon the cross between two thieves, Jesus dies.             After His death Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin who had acted to stop their illogical behavior, took the body of Jesus for burial. Some women began to prepare the body. Finally, at sundown (the beginning of Sabbath) the women leave the tomb. A rock is rolled in front of the tomb to insure that nothing happens to the body. Darkness falls. The disciples scatter. It’s eerily quiet.