Luke 23:27 KJV

And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.

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Luke 23:27 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Luke 23:27

Verse Overview: Luke 23:27 reads, "And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him." This verse is situated in the narrative of Jesus' passion, emphasizing the sorrow of a multitude who witnessed the events surrounding His crucifixion.

Contextual Analysis

The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its implications. Luke 23 narrates the final hours of Jesus before His crucifixion, where He is led to Golgotha. This moment juxtaposes the derision of His enemies with the mourning from His followers.

Insights from Commentators

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Commentary provides valuable insights into the emotional state of the people following Jesus. He emphasizes the compassion and grief exhibited by the women, identifying them as symbolic of the faithful following of Christ amidst His sufferings.

Henry notes that the lamentation signifies a recognition of the severity of sin and its ramifications. The mourning of the women reflects a deeper understanding of the spiritual consequences of Christ's mission and the sacrifice He is about to make.

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible expounds on the nature of the crowd. Barnes identifies the "great company of people" as representing various strata of society—including those who were touched by Jesus' ministry and those drawn by sheer curiosity.

Barnes further explains that their lamentation was not merely a display of sorrow, but a profound recognition of the injustice being enacted. This gathering highlights the contrast between the spiritual reality of Christ’s suffering and the organic response of His followers.

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary adds another layer by considering the cultural implications of mourning. Clarke points out that public expressions of grief were common in Jewish tradition, and the women’s mourning was in line with customary practices.

Clarke emphasizes that these women likely understood the significance of Jesus' death more than others, as they had experienced His ministry firsthand. Their sorrow serves as a poignant response to both His suffering and the sacrificial nature of His mission.

Theological Implications

Luke 23:27 serves as a profound reminder of the collective nature of sin and the communal nature of redemption. The presence of the crowd, particularly the women who mourned, illustrates how Christ's work impacts individuals and communities alike.

This scene foreshadows the theological themes of repentance and mourning found throughout Scripture. Just as the women lamented Messiah’s suffering, believers today are called to recognize the cost of sin and the necessary sorrow that accompanies true repentance.

Practical Applications

  • Emotional Authenticity: Pastors and scholars should encourage the acknowledgment of grief and sorrow in the lives of believers, paralleling it with the significance of Christ’s passion.
  • Community Mourning: As a body, the church must be willing to mourn for its sins and the sins of the world, drawing inspiration from the women's response to Jesus’ suffering.
  • Understanding Sacrifice: The recognition of Jesus' suffering as a pivotal moment calls for deeper teaching on the implications of His sacrifice for both individual lives and the collective body of Christ.

Conclusion

Luke 23:27 encapsulates not only the physical journey of Christ but also the emotional and spiritual journey of those who followed Him. The lamentation of the women stands as a testament to the profound impact of Jesus' mission and a call for ongoing reflection on the components of sorrow, repentance, and the anticipation of resurrection.