Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.
And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilean.
And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.
And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
Luke 22 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, chronicling the events leading up to His crucifixion. This chapter is often divided into two main sections: Luke 22:1-38, which focuses on the Last Supper, and Luke 22:39-71, which depicts the events in the Garden of Gethsemane and Jesus' trials before the Jewish leaders. This chapter reveals not only the unfolding of God's plan of salvation but also the complex interplay of human frailty and divine sovereignty. Let's delve into this significant chapter to unpack its rich layers of meaning.
The Conspiracy and Judas' Betrayal (Luke 22:1-6)
As the Feast of Unleavened Bread, also known as Passover, drew near, the religious leaders were increasingly agitated (Luke 22:1). They sought a way to eliminate Jesus, but they feared a public uproar due to His popularity (Luke 22:2). The power Jesus demonstrated by raising Lazarus and his authority in teaching left them desperate. In this climate of fear and animosity, Satan entered Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, and prompted him to betray Jesus (Luke 22:3). Judas offered his services to the chief priests and scribes for a sum of money, and they rejoiced at this opportunity to seize Jesus discreetly, away from the crowds (Luke 22:4-6). This act, while driven by Judas's own greed and influenced by Satan, was also part of God's predetermined plan.
Preparing the Passover (Luke 22:7-13)
On the day the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed, Jesus instructed Peter and John to prepare the Passover meal (Luke 22:7-8). Demonstrating His supernatural knowledge, Jesus provided specific instructions: they would meet a man carrying a jar of water, a task typically performed by women, and they were to follow him to a house (Luke 22:10). They were to ask the owner for the room where Jesus could eat the Passover with His disciples. The owner, likely a follower of Jesus, would show them a furnished upper room, ready for their use (Luke 22:11-12). Just as Jesus foretold, everything unfolded perfectly (Luke 22:13), showcasing His divine awareness and control over events.
The Last Supper: A New Covenant (Luke 22:14-20)
As the hour arrived, Jesus and His disciples gathered for the Passover meal. This was no ordinary meal; it marked the transition from the old covenant to the new. Jesus declared His deep desire to eat this Passover with them before His suffering, signifying that He would not partake of it again until it was fulfilled in the Kingdom of God (Luke 22:15-16). Taking the cup, He gave thanks and shared it, saying that He would not drink of the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom of God came (Luke 22:17-18).
Then, taking bread, He gave thanks and broke it, giving it to them and saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). Similarly, after the supper, He took the cup, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood" (Luke 22:20). In this act, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, or Communion, a sacred meal that the church continues to observe in remembrance of His sacrifice. The bread symbolizes His broken body, and the cup represents the new covenant established through His shed blood, poured out for the forgiveness of sins. This meal serves as a powerful reminder of Christ's atoning sacrifice, our unified relationship with Him, and His ongoing spiritual presence in our lives.
Foretelling Betrayal and a Kingdom Perspective (Luke 22:21-30)
Amidst this intimate setting, Jesus revealed a startling truth: one of them, one who was sharing the meal with Him, would betray Him (Luke 22:21). This announcement caused great distress and confusion among the disciples, who began to question each other about who it could be (Luke 22:23). Jesus acknowledged that the Son of Man would indeed go as it had been determined, according to God's plan, but woe was to the one who betrayed Him (Luke 22:22). This highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility; while Christ's death was foreordained, Judas was still accountable for his treacherous actions.
Adding to the tension, the disciples began to argue about which of them was considered the greatest (Luke 22:24). Jesus rebuked them, contrasting worldly leadership with true greatness in the Kingdom of God. Gentile kings lorded it over their subjects, but among Christ's followers, the greatest should be like the youngest, and the leader as one who serves (Luke 22:25-26). Jesus reminded them that He, the Master, came to serve, not to be served (Luke 22:27). He promised them a place in His kingdom, where they would eat and drink at His table and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel, rewarding them for their faithfulness in His trials (Luke 22:28-30).
Warning to Peter (Luke 22:31-38)
Jesus then turned His attention to Peter, issuing a grave warning: "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat" (Luke 22:31). Satan desired to test all the disciples, but Peter, as a prominent leader, was particularly vulnerable. However, Jesus interceded for Peter, praying that his faith would not fail (Luke 22:32). He assured Peter that when he had turned back, he was to strengthen his brothers. Peter, confident in his loyalty, declared his readiness to go to prison and even to death with Jesus (Luke 22:33). But Jesus foretold that before the rooster crowed, Peter would deny knowing Him three times (Luke 22:34).
Jesus then shifted the focus to the changing circumstances they would face. He reminded them of the time He sent them out without purse, bag, or sandals, and they lacked nothing (Luke 22:35). Now, however, He instructed them to take a purse, bag, and even a sword, emphasizing the increasing hostility they would encounter (Luke 22:36). He stated that the Scripture must be fulfilled in Him: "And he was numbered with the transgressors" (Luke 22:37). When the disciples indicated they had two swords, Jesus simply replied, "It is enough" (Luke 22:38), suggesting that the swords were not meant for literal warfare but symbolized the difficult times ahead.
Gethsemane: The Agony of Choice (Luke 22:39-46)
Leaving the city, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives, as was His custom, and His disciples followed Him (Luke 22:39). There, He urged them to pray that they would not enter into temptation (Luke 22:40). Withdrawing from them, He knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). In His humanity, Jesus recoiled from the immense suffering He was about to endure, but He ultimately submitted to the Father's will. In response to His fervent prayer, an angel from heaven appeared to strengthen Him (Luke 22:43). His anguish was so profound that His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground (Luke 22:44). Returning to His disciples, He found them sleeping, exhausted from sorrow (Luke 22:45). He rebuked them for their lack of vigilance and urged them to rise and pray, lest they enter into temptation (Luke 22:46).
Betrayal and Arrest (Luke 22:47-53)
While Jesus was still speaking, a crowd appeared, led by Judas, one of the Twelve. Judas approached Jesus and kissed Him, a prearranged signal to identify Him to the authorities (Luke 22:47). Jesus responded with a poignant question: "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" (Luke 22:48). Seeing what was about to happen, the disciples asked if they should strike with the sword (Luke 22:49). Before Jesus could answer, one of them, Peter, struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear (Luke 22:50). But Jesus rebuked them, saying, "No more of this!" (Luke 22:51). He then touched the servant's ear and healed him. Turning to the chief priests, officers of the temple guard, and elders who had come for Him, Jesus questioned why they came out with swords and clubs as if He were a criminal (Luke 22:52). He pointed out that He had been with them daily in the temple, and they did not lay a hand on Him. But, He added, "This is your hour, and the power of darkness" (Luke 22:53).
Peter's Denial (Luke 22:54-62)
After Jesus was arrested, they led Him away and brought Him to the high priest's house. Peter followed at a distance (Luke 22:54). As he sat in the courtyard, a servant girl recognized him and accused him of being with Jesus (Luke 22:55-56). But Peter denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know him" (Luke 22:57). A little later, another man saw him and said, "You also are one of them." Peter again denied it, saying, "Man, I am not" (Luke 22:58). About an hour later, still another insisted, "Surely this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean" (Luke 22:59). Peter replied, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about" (Luke 22:60). Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter (Luke 22:61). Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times" (Luke 22:61). And he went outside and wept bitterly (Luke 22:62).
Mocking and Trial Before the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:63-71)
While Jesus was held captive, the men who were guarding Him began to mock and beat Him (Luke 22:63). They blindfolded Him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?" (Luke 22:64). They heaped many other insults upon Him (Luke 22:65).
At daybreak, the council of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought Jesus before their council (Luke 22:66). They questioned Him, demanding, "If you are the Christ, tell us" (Luke 22:67). Jesus replied that if He told them, they would not believe, and if He asked them, they would not answer (Luke 22:67-68). But He declared, "From now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God" (Luke 22:69). They then asked, "Are you the Son of God, then?" (Luke 22:70). Jesus answered, "You say that I am" (Luke 22:70). They concluded that they needed no further testimony, for they had heard it themselves from His own mouth (Luke 22:71).
Luke 22 paints a vivid picture of the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. It highlights the betrayal of Judas, the institution of the Lord's Supper, the disciples' lack of understanding, Jesus' agony in Gethsemane, Peter's denial, and the mockery and trial before the Sanhedrin. This chapter reveals the depth of Jesus' love and sacrifice, the frailty of human nature, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of our salvation and the importance of remaining faithful to Christ, even in the face of adversity.
Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.
And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilean.
And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.
And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
Luke 22 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, chronicling the events leading up to His crucifixion. This chapter is often divided into two main sections: Luke 22:1-38, which focuses on the Last Supper, and Luke 22:39-71, which depicts the events in the Garden of Gethsemane and Jesus' trials before the Jewish leaders. This chapter reveals not only the unfolding of God's plan of salvation but also the complex interplay of human frailty and divine sovereignty. Let's delve into this significant chapter to unpack its rich layers of meaning.
The Conspiracy and Judas' Betrayal (Luke 22:1-6)
As the Feast of Unleavened Bread, also known as Passover, drew near, the religious leaders were increasingly agitated (Luke 22:1). They sought a way to eliminate Jesus, but they feared a public uproar due to His popularity (Luke 22:2). The power Jesus demonstrated by raising Lazarus and his authority in teaching left them desperate. In this climate of fear and animosity, Satan entered Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, and prompted him to betray Jesus (Luke 22:3). Judas offered his services to the chief priests and scribes for a sum of money, and they rejoiced at this opportunity to seize Jesus discreetly, away from the crowds (Luke 22:4-6). This act, while driven by Judas's own greed and influenced by Satan, was also part of God's predetermined plan.
Preparing the Passover (Luke 22:7-13)
On the day the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed, Jesus instructed Peter and John to prepare the Passover meal (Luke 22:7-8). Demonstrating His supernatural knowledge, Jesus provided specific instructions: they would meet a man carrying a jar of water, a task typically performed by women, and they were to follow him to a house (Luke 22:10). They were to ask the owner for the room where Jesus could eat the Passover with His disciples. The owner, likely a follower of Jesus, would show them a furnished upper room, ready for their use (Luke 22:11-12). Just as Jesus foretold, everything unfolded perfectly (Luke 22:13), showcasing His divine awareness and control over events.
The Last Supper: A New Covenant (Luke 22:14-20)
As the hour arrived, Jesus and His disciples gathered for the Passover meal. This was no ordinary meal; it marked the transition from the old covenant to the new. Jesus declared His deep desire to eat this Passover with them before His suffering, signifying that He would not partake of it again until it was fulfilled in the Kingdom of God (Luke 22:15-16). Taking the cup, He gave thanks and shared it, saying that He would not drink of the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom of God came (Luke 22:17-18).
Then, taking bread, He gave thanks and broke it, giving it to them and saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). Similarly, after the supper, He took the cup, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood" (Luke 22:20). In this act, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, or Communion, a sacred meal that the church continues to observe in remembrance of His sacrifice. The bread symbolizes His broken body, and the cup represents the new covenant established through His shed blood, poured out for the forgiveness of sins. This meal serves as a powerful reminder of Christ's atoning sacrifice, our unified relationship with Him, and His ongoing spiritual presence in our lives.
Foretelling Betrayal and a Kingdom Perspective (Luke 22:21-30)
Amidst this intimate setting, Jesus revealed a startling truth: one of them, one who was sharing the meal with Him, would betray Him (Luke 22:21). This announcement caused great distress and confusion among the disciples, who began to question each other about who it could be (Luke 22:23). Jesus acknowledged that the Son of Man would indeed go as it had been determined, according to God's plan, but woe was to the one who betrayed Him (Luke 22:22). This highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility; while Christ's death was foreordained, Judas was still accountable for his treacherous actions.
Adding to the tension, the disciples began to argue about which of them was considered the greatest (Luke 22:24). Jesus rebuked them, contrasting worldly leadership with true greatness in the Kingdom of God. Gentile kings lorded it over their subjects, but among Christ's followers, the greatest should be like the youngest, and the leader as one who serves (Luke 22:25-26). Jesus reminded them that He, the Master, came to serve, not to be served (Luke 22:27). He promised them a place in His kingdom, where they would eat and drink at His table and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel, rewarding them for their faithfulness in His trials (Luke 22:28-30).
Warning to Peter (Luke 22:31-38)
Jesus then turned His attention to Peter, issuing a grave warning: "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat" (Luke 22:31). Satan desired to test all the disciples, but Peter, as a prominent leader, was particularly vulnerable. However, Jesus interceded for Peter, praying that his faith would not fail (Luke 22:32). He assured Peter that when he had turned back, he was to strengthen his brothers. Peter, confident in his loyalty, declared his readiness to go to prison and even to death with Jesus (Luke 22:33). But Jesus foretold that before the rooster crowed, Peter would deny knowing Him three times (Luke 22:34).
Jesus then shifted the focus to the changing circumstances they would face. He reminded them of the time He sent them out without purse, bag, or sandals, and they lacked nothing (Luke 22:35). Now, however, He instructed them to take a purse, bag, and even a sword, emphasizing the increasing hostility they would encounter (Luke 22:36). He stated that the Scripture must be fulfilled in Him: "And he was numbered with the transgressors" (Luke 22:37). When the disciples indicated they had two swords, Jesus simply replied, "It is enough" (Luke 22:38), suggesting that the swords were not meant for literal warfare but symbolized the difficult times ahead.
Gethsemane: The Agony of Choice (Luke 22:39-46)
Leaving the city, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives, as was His custom, and His disciples followed Him (Luke 22:39). There, He urged them to pray that they would not enter into temptation (Luke 22:40). Withdrawing from them, He knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). In His humanity, Jesus recoiled from the immense suffering He was about to endure, but He ultimately submitted to the Father's will. In response to His fervent prayer, an angel from heaven appeared to strengthen Him (Luke 22:43). His anguish was so profound that His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground (Luke 22:44). Returning to His disciples, He found them sleeping, exhausted from sorrow (Luke 22:45). He rebuked them for their lack of vigilance and urged them to rise and pray, lest they enter into temptation (Luke 22:46).
Betrayal and Arrest (Luke 22:47-53)
While Jesus was still speaking, a crowd appeared, led by Judas, one of the Twelve. Judas approached Jesus and kissed Him, a prearranged signal to identify Him to the authorities (Luke 22:47). Jesus responded with a poignant question: "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" (Luke 22:48). Seeing what was about to happen, the disciples asked if they should strike with the sword (Luke 22:49). Before Jesus could answer, one of them, Peter, struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear (Luke 22:50). But Jesus rebuked them, saying, "No more of this!" (Luke 22:51). He then touched the servant's ear and healed him. Turning to the chief priests, officers of the temple guard, and elders who had come for Him, Jesus questioned why they came out with swords and clubs as if He were a criminal (Luke 22:52). He pointed out that He had been with them daily in the temple, and they did not lay a hand on Him. But, He added, "This is your hour, and the power of darkness" (Luke 22:53).
Peter's Denial (Luke 22:54-62)
After Jesus was arrested, they led Him away and brought Him to the high priest's house. Peter followed at a distance (Luke 22:54). As he sat in the courtyard, a servant girl recognized him and accused him of being with Jesus (Luke 22:55-56). But Peter denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know him" (Luke 22:57). A little later, another man saw him and said, "You also are one of them." Peter again denied it, saying, "Man, I am not" (Luke 22:58). About an hour later, still another insisted, "Surely this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean" (Luke 22:59). Peter replied, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about" (Luke 22:60). Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter (Luke 22:61). Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times" (Luke 22:61). And he went outside and wept bitterly (Luke 22:62).
Mocking and Trial Before the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:63-71)
While Jesus was held captive, the men who were guarding Him began to mock and beat Him (Luke 22:63). They blindfolded Him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?" (Luke 22:64). They heaped many other insults upon Him (Luke 22:65).
At daybreak, the council of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought Jesus before their council (Luke 22:66). They questioned Him, demanding, "If you are the Christ, tell us" (Luke 22:67). Jesus replied that if He told them, they would not believe, and if He asked them, they would not answer (Luke 22:67-68). But He declared, "From now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God" (Luke 22:69). They then asked, "Are you the Son of God, then?" (Luke 22:70). Jesus answered, "You say that I am" (Luke 22:70). They concluded that they needed no further testimony, for they had heard it themselves from His own mouth (Luke 22:71).
Luke 22 paints a vivid picture of the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. It highlights the betrayal of Judas, the institution of the Lord's Supper, the disciples' lack of understanding, Jesus' agony in Gethsemane, Peter's denial, and the mockery and trial before the Sanhedrin. This chapter reveals the depth of Jesus' love and sacrifice, the frailty of human nature, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of our salvation and the importance of remaining faithful to Christ, even in the face of adversity.