Luke 22

Judas agrees to betray Jesus  1
The place for the last supper provided  7
Jesus gives the disciples the drink and the bread  14
Betrayal announced; discussed by the disciples  21
Argument about who would be the greatest  24
Peter warned of being sifted  31
The Lord had provided for their needs, but it would be different now  35
Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives  39
Arrested and showed the evil of the plan  47
Peter denies knowing Jesus  54
The soldiers mock Him  63
Taken to Pilate 66
Text
Comments
Betrayal plans. Luke 22:1-6; Matt. 26:1-5, 14-16; Mark 14:1, 2, 10 ,11; John 12:10, 11.
.1 ¶ Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
 2  And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
 3  Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
 4  And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
 5  And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
 6  And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
  3 - Then entered Satan He had already influenced Judas who was now taking a major step in evil by going to the Jewish leaders. The final step is seen when he left the Passover feast jn1330.
  4 - Captains Apparently those in charge of the temple guards. They would have been included in taking Jesus by force not realizing that they were powerless without His consent.
Preparations for the Passover. Luke 22:7-13; Matt. 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16.
.7 ¶ Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
 8  And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
 9  And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
 10  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.
 11  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?
 12  And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
 13  And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
  7 - Day of unleavened bread This sounds different from the rule in the OT. See on mt2617.
  9 - Where A place was ready. I expect Jesus knew this man's heart and that he would feel honored. We miss many blessings by our own selfishness.
  10 - A man bearing This was, no doubt, considered women's work. It would be a unique mark of identification for the disciples. Do you suppose the man's wife or servant was not feeling well? We aren't told.
Passover celebrated. Luke 22:14-16; Matt. 26:20; Mark 14:17.
.14  And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
 15  And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
 16  For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
  - -
The Lord's Supper. Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20.
 17  And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
.18  For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
 19  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.
.20  Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
  18 - Fruit of the vine Jesus did not call it wine. While on the vine the wine (grape juice) is pure. See how Isaiah described it is6508.
  18 - Until the kingdom of God shall come See re1907.
The betrayer. Luke 22:21-23; Matt. 26:21-25; Mark 14:18-21; John 13:21-30.
.21 ¶ But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
.22  And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
 23  And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
Verses 22-52 are quoted in connection with a discussion of the scape goat. To see the whole discussion r20x. Or to see only the section with the verses quoted, r20x-sat
With the rest of the disciples, Judas partook of the bread and wine symbolizing the body and blood of Christ. This was the last time that Judas would be present with the twelve; but that the scripture might be fulfilled, he left the sacramental table, Christ's last gift to his disciples, to complete his work of betrayal. O why did not Judas at that solemn service recognize in its true light the awful work he had pledged himself to perform? Why did he not throw himself penitent at the feet of Jesus? He had not yet passed the boundary of God's mercy and love. But when his decision was made to carry out his purpose, when he left the presence of his Lord and fellow disciples, that barrier was passed. (Review, June 22, 1897.) 
Who is greatest? Washing feet. Luke 22:24-30; John 13:1-20.
.24  And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
 25  And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
 26  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.
 27  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.
 28  Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
.29  And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
 30  That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
  26 - As he that doth serve A lesson the disciples would soon forget and that the Lord Himself would demonstrate jn1303ff.
  27 - He that serveth He washed their feet jn1303ff.
  28 - Continued with me Jesus had been under unrelenting pressure from the enemy.
  29,30 - Kingdom ... judge See on re0321.
Warning to Peter and other disciples. Matt. 26:31-35; Mark 14:27-31. Compare John 13:36-38.
.31  And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
 32  But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
.33  And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
 34  And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
  32 - When ... converted ... strengthen jn2115-19.
  34 - Thrice Or "three times." v 54-65.
.35  And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
 36  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.
.37  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.
 38  And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
  36 - Sword How can this advice be harmonized with v50 and mt0539? I believe Jesus was giving advice He wanted them not to take (compare lu1608). Peter had just promised faithfulness that he was not in a mood to fulfill v31. It was with this very spirit and likely one of the swords mentioned in v38 that Peter would attack the high priest's servant. Later the disciples could understand that Jesus was helping them know their own hearts.
  37 - Written ... accomplished This statement, too, would help the disciples understand that, as when they lacked nothing v35, they would ultimately need to depend totally on Christ.
Retirement to Gethsemane and Prayer. Luke 22:39; Matt. 26:30.
.39 ¶ And he came out, and went, as he was wont [as he often did], to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.   Having a special place of prayer is a good plan.
Prayer commitment in Gethsemane. Luke 22:40-53; Matt. 26:36-56; Mark 14:32; John 18:1-12.
 40  And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
.41  And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
.42  Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
.43  And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
 44  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.
 45  And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
 46  And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
  40 - Pray This is a key verse. The three closest disciples, along with the others did fall under temptation. In spite of Peters firm determination v33, he fell directly into the trap Satan had set for him. We may have the power to avoid sin but we must want it enough to spend serious time seeking the Lord.
.47 ¶ 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.
48  But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
 49  When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
.50  And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
 51  And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
.52  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?
.53  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.

  53 - This is your hour From this point (Thursday evening) until the resurrection, our Lord submitted to all the cruelty and insult the devil and his agents could pour out. This He predicted mt1240. He did it for us! Compare ez2620., jon0206.
Night trial before the Sanhedrin. Luke 22:54-65; Matt. 26:57-75; Mark 14:53-72; John 18:25-27.
.54 ¶ Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
 55  And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
.56  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.
 57  And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
.58  And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
 59  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 Galilaean.
 60  And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
 61  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.
 62  And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.


  55 - Fire See jn1818.
  61 - Thrice It is interesting that Pilate declared Jesus innocent three times and finally chose his job instead of freeing Him.
  62 - Peter wept He had denied his Lord three times as predicted jn2115. He was too confident of his own strength to be faithful. A lesson for us, too. We need to keep a strong contact with Christ and to fellowship with His people.
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.63 ¶ And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
 64  And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
 65  And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.
  64 - Prophesy Jesus could easily have done this and, in other ways, liberated Himself. He was suffering for you and me. It was His submission to darkness v53.
Trial before the Sanhedrin. Luke 22:66-71; Matt. 27:1; Mark 15:1.
.66  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,
 67  Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
 68  And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
 69  Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
 70  Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
 71  And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
  68 - Ask That is to discuss the matter with open minds.
  70 - Ye say that I am Or "yes."

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