◄ Luke 22 ►
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Summary The Last Supper Luke 22 poignantly captures the depth of Jesus' love for humanity and His commitment to God's redemptive plan. Despite facing betrayal, denial, and a painful death, Jesus remains obedient, compassionate, and truthful. This chapter encourages us to face our weaknesses, like Peter, and to seek strength in prayer, like Jesus, reminding us that in our darkest moments, God's redemptive work is unfolding. The Plot to Kill Jesus (Luke 22:1-6) As Passover nears, the chief priests and scribes plot to kill Jesus. Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus for money. The Last Supper (Luke 22:7-23) During the Passover meal, Jesus establishes the New Covenant, symbolized by the bread and wine, representing His body and blood. He also reveals that one of the disciples will betray Him. Prediction of Peter's Denial (Luke 22:31-34) Jesus predicts Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows, despite Peter's assurance of faithfulness. Jesus Prays at the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39-46) Jesus prays fervently, showing His agony and submission to the Father's will, while His disciples struggle to stay awake. Jesus' Arrest (Luke 22:47-53) Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, leading to His arrest. Jesus heals the servant of the high priest, whose ear was cut off by one of the disciples. Peter Denies Jesus (Luke 22:54-62) As Jesus predicted, Peter denies knowing Him three times, culminating when the rooster crows. Peter weeps bitterly when he realizes what he has done. Jesus' Trial (Luke 22:63-71) Jesus is mocked, beaten, and put on trial before the council of elders, where He affirms His identity as the Christ, the Son of God. Luke 22 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel narrative, marking the shift from Jesus' public ministry to His passion. It begins with a dark plot to kill Jesus, progresses through the intimacy of the Last Supper and the prediction of Peter's denial, followed by Jesus' anguished prayer at the Mount of Olives, His arrest, and Peter's actual denial of Jesus. The chapter concludes with Jesus' trial before the council of elders. Teaching Points The Plot to Kill Jesus Luke 22:1-6 describes the chief priests and scribes seeking to kill Jesus, and Judas Iscariot's betrayal. This highlights the spiritual warfare and human sinfulness at play. The Last Supper In verses 7-23, Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper, symbolizing the New Covenant in His blood. This act fulfills Old Testament prophecy and establishes a new way for believers to remember His sacrifice. Servant Leadership Jesus teaches about true greatness in verses 24-30, emphasizing that leadership in His kingdom is marked by servanthood, not power. Jesus' Prayer on the Mount of Olives Verses 39-46 show Jesus' humanity and submission to the Father's will, as He prays for strength to endure the coming suffering. Peter's Denial Foretold and Fulfilled Jesus predicts Peter's denial in verses 31-34, and it is fulfilled in verses 54-62, illustrating human weakness and the need for divine grace. Jesus' Arrest and Trial The chapter concludes with Jesus' arrest and the beginning of His trial (verses 47-71), setting the stage for His ultimate sacrifice. Practical Applications Reflect on Betrayal and Forgiveness Consider how Jesus responded to betrayal with love and forgiveness, and apply this to your own relationships. Embrace Servanthood Seek opportunities to serve others selflessly, following Jesus' example of leadership through service. Commit to Prayer Like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, prioritize prayer in times of trial, seeking God's strength and guidance. Acknowledge Human Weakness Recognize your own weaknesses and rely on God's grace, as Peter's story reminds us of the need for repentance and restoration. People 1. Jesus Central figure in the chapter, Jesus is preparing for His impending crucifixion. He institutes the Lord's Supper and prays on the Mount of Olives. The name "Jesus" (Ἰησοῦς in Greek) is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation." 2. Judas Iscariot One of the twelve apostles, Judas agrees to betray Jesus to the chief priests and officers. His name "Judas" (Ἰούδας in Greek) is the Greek form of Judah, meaning "praised." 3. Peter Also known as Simon Peter, he is one of Jesus' closest disciples. He vows to remain loyal to Jesus but later denies Him three times. The name "Peter" (Πέτρος in Greek) means "rock." 4. John One of the twelve apostles, traditionally understood to be the "disciple whom Jesus loved." He is present at the Last Supper. 5. James Another of the twelve apostles, often mentioned alongside his brother John. His name "James" (Ἰάκωβος in Greek) is equivalent to Jacob, meaning "supplanter." 6. The Chief Priests and Scribes Religious leaders who conspire to arrest and kill Jesus. They are part of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. 7. The Disciples Refers collectively to the twelve apostles who follow Jesus and are present at the Last Supper. 8. The Servant of the High Priest During Jesus' arrest, Peter cuts off the ear of this servant, whom John identifies as Malchus in his Gospel. 9. The Crowd A group that comes to arrest Jesus, led by Judas. They are armed with swords and clubs. 10. The Officers of the Temple Guard They assist in the arrest of Jesus and are part of the group that comes with Judas. 11. Pilate Although not directly mentioned in Luke 22, he is the Roman governor to whom Jesus is brought after His arrest, as seen in the following chapter. 12. Herod Also not directly mentioned in Luke 22, Herod Antipas is the ruler of Galilee who plays a role in Jesus' trial, as described later. Places 1. Jerusalem Jerusalem is the central location for the events in Luke 22. It is where the Passover is to be celebrated, and it holds significant religious importance as the city of David and the site of the Temple. The Greek term used is "Ἱεροσόλυμα" (Hierosolyma). 2. Mount of Olives After the Last Supper, Jesus and His disciples go to the Mount of Olives. This location is significant as a place of prayer and prophecy. The Greek term is "Ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν" (Oros tōn Elaiōn). 3. Upper Room While not explicitly named in Luke 22, the "upper room" is traditionally understood as the place where Jesus and His disciples shared the Last Supper. This room is prepared for the Passover meal. The Greek term for "upper room" is "ἀνώγεον" (anōgeon), though it is not directly used in this chapter. Events 1. The Plot to Kill Jesus (Luke 22:1-2) The chief priests and scribes seek a way to put Jesus to death, fearing the people's reaction. The Greek term "ζητοῦντες" (zētountes) indicates their active search for a solution. 2. Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus (Luke 22:3-6) Satan enters Judas Iscariot, prompting him to conspire with the chief priests to betray Jesus. The Greek word "παραδιδόναι" (paradidonai) means to hand over or betray. 3. The Preparation for the Passover (Luke 22:7-13) Jesus instructs Peter and John to prepare the Passover meal. The term "ἑτοιμάσατε" (hetoimasate) means to make ready or prepare. 4. The Last Supper (Luke 22:14-20) Jesus shares the Passover meal with His disciples, instituting the Lord's Supper. The phrase "τοῦτο ποιεῖτε" (touto poieite) means "do this" in remembrance of Him. 5. The Dispute about Greatness (Luke 22:24-30) The disciples argue about who among them is the greatest. Jesus teaches them about true greatness through service, using the Greek "διακονῶν" (diakonōn), meaning serving. 6. Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial (Luke 22:31-34) Jesus warns Peter that he will deny Him three times before the rooster crows. The Greek "ἀπαρνήσῃ" (aparnēsē) means to deny or disown. 7. Instructions for the Time of Crisis (Luke 22:35-38) Jesus advises His disciples to prepare for the coming challenges, indicating a shift from previous instructions. 8. Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39-46) Jesus prays earnestly, asking for the cup to be taken from Him, yet submits to the Father's will. The Greek "ἀγωνία" (agōnia) reflects His intense anguish. 9. The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus (Luke 22:47-53) Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, leading to His arrest. The term "προδίδωσιν" (prodidosin) is used for betrayal. 10. Peter Denies Jesus (Luke 22:54-62) Peter denies knowing Jesus three times, fulfilling Jesus' prediction. The Greek "ἠρνήσατο" (ērnēsato) is used for Peter's denial. 11. The Mocking and Beating of Jesus (Luke 22:63-65) Jesus is mocked and beaten by those holding Him. The Greek "ἐμπαίζοντες" (empaizontes) means to mock or ridicule. 12. Jesus Before the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66-71) Jesus is brought before the council and questioned about His identity as the Son of God. The Greek "εἶπεν" (eipen) means He said or declared. Connections to Additional Scriptures Betrayal and Forgiveness Matthew 6:14-15 emphasizes the importance of forgiving others as God forgives us. Servant Leadership Mark 10:43-45 reinforces the call to serve others as Jesus did. Prayer in Trials Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to pray and seek God's peace in difficult times. Human Weakness and Grace 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 speaks to the sufficiency of God's grace in our weaknesses. Prayer Points Pray for the strength to forgive those who have wronged you, following Jesus' example. Ask God to cultivate a servant's heart within you, enabling you to lead by serving others. Seek God's guidance and peace through prayer, especially in challenging circumstances. Confess your weaknesses to God and ask for His grace to overcome them, trusting in His power to restore and strengthen you. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Judas' betrayal of Jesus challenge your understanding of loyalty and trust? 2. How do you interpret the symbolism of the bread and wine in the Last Supper? 3. What lessons can you learn from Jesus' prediction of Peter's denial? 4. How does Jesus' prayer at the Mount of Olives demonstrate His submission to God's will? 5. How can Jesus' response to His arrest inspire us in moments of injustice? 6. In what ways can we identify with Peter's denial of Jesus? 7. How can you apply the lessons from Jesus' trial in your personal life? 8. How does this chapter deepen your understanding of Jesus' love and sacrifice? 9. How can we maintain faithfulness in situations that may lead us to deny our beliefs? 10. How does Jesus' healing of the high priest's servant speak to His character? 11. What can we learn from the disciples' struggle to stay awake during Jesus' prayer? 12. How can Jesus' responses to betrayal, denial, and trial shape our responses to similar situations? 13. In what ways does the plot to kill Jesus reflect the darkness of human sin? 14. What steps can we take to avoid spiritual betrayal as Judas did? 15. How can the reality of Jesus' suffering and sacrifice impact your daily life? 16. How does Peter's bitter remorse after his denial speak to our own experiences of regret? 17. How does Jesus' affirmation of His identity during His trial inspire your confession of faith? 18. How should the events of this chapter affect our communion practices today? 19. How can we apply Jesus' submission to God's will in our decision-making processes? 20. How can we cultivate a prayer life that emulates Jesus' fervent communication with the Father? Topics 1. The Plot to Kill Jesus In Luke 22:1-6, the chief priests and scribes are seeking a way to put Jesus to death. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, agrees to betray Jesus for money. The Greek term "συνεβουλεύσαντο" (sunebouleusanto) indicates a deliberate and calculated plan. 2. The Last Supper Preparations Verses 7-13 describe Jesus instructing Peter and John to prepare the Passover meal. The term "ἑτοιμάσατε" (hetoimasate) emphasizes the careful preparation required for this significant event. 3. The Last Supper In verses 14-23, Jesus shares the Passover meal with His disciples, instituting the Lord’s Supper. The phrase "τοῦτο ποιεῖτε εἰς τὴν ἐμὴν ἀνάμνησιν" (touto poieite eis tēn emēn anamnēsin) highlights the command to remember His sacrifice. 4. Dispute about Greatness Verses 24-30 recount a dispute among the disciples about who is the greatest. Jesus teaches them about true greatness, using the Greek word "διακονῶν" (diakonōn), meaning "serving," to redefine leadership. 5. Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial In verses 31-34, Jesus predicts that Peter will deny Him three times. The Greek word "ἐξῃτήσατο" (exētēsato) indicates Satan's demand to test Peter, showing the spiritual battle at play. 6. Instructions for the Road Verses 35-38 contain Jesus’ instructions to His disciples about being prepared for the challenges ahead. The term "μάχαιραν" (machairan), meaning "sword," symbolizes readiness for spiritual and physical trials. 7. The Prayer on the Mount of Olives In verses 39-46, Jesus prays earnestly on the Mount of Olives. The Greek word "ἀγωνία" (agōnia) describes His intense struggle, reflecting His human and divine natures. 8. The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus Verses 47-53 detail Judas’ betrayal and Jesus’ arrest. The term "προδίδωμι" (prodidōmi) is used for betrayal, highlighting the gravity of Judas’ actions. 9. Peter Denies Jesus In verses 54-62, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times, fulfilling Jesus’ earlier prediction. The Greek word "ἀρνήσῃ" (arnēsē) underscores the act of denial. 10. The Mocking and Beating of Jesus Verses 63-65 describe how Jesus is mocked and beaten by the guards. The term "ἐμπαίζοντες" (empaizontes) conveys the scorn and ridicule He endured. 11. Jesus Before the Sanhedrin In verses 66-71, Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin. The Greek term "συνέδριον" (synedrion) refers to the council, emphasizing the formal judicial setting of this trial. Themes 1. The Plot to Kill Jesus The chapter begins with the chief priests and scribes seeking a way to put Jesus to death, highlighting the theme of opposition and betrayal. This is seen in Luke 22:2, "And the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Him to death, for they feared the people." 2. Judas’ Betrayal Judas Iscariot's agreement to betray Jesus is a significant theme, emphasizing the gravity of betrayal by one of Jesus' own disciples. Luke 22:4-6 states, "He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple guard how he might betray Jesus to them. They were delighted and agreed to give him money." 3. The Last Supper The institution of the Lord’s Supper is a central theme, symbolizing the new covenant in Jesus' blood. Luke 22:19-20 records, "And He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.'" 4. Servant Leadership Jesus teaches about true greatness through servanthood, contrasting worldly authority with the humility expected of His followers. Luke 22:26-27 says, "But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves." 5. Peter’s Denial Foretold Jesus predicts Peter’s denial, illustrating themes of human weakness and the need for repentance. In Luke 22:34, Jesus tells Peter, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me." 6. Prayer and Agony in Gethsemane Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane reveals His submission to the Father’s will, highlighting themes of obedience and sacrifice. Luke 22:42 captures this, "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done." 7. Jesus’ Arrest The arrest of Jesus marks the beginning of His passion, underscoring themes of fulfillment of prophecy and the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. Luke 22:52-53 notes, "Then Jesus said to the chief priests, temple officers, and elders who had come for Him, 'Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against an outlaw? Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on Me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.'" 8. Peter’s Denial The fulfillment of Jesus’ prediction about Peter’s denial serves as a poignant reminder of human frailty and the need for divine grace. Luke 22:61-62 describes, "And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: 'Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.' And he went outside and wept bitterly." 9. Mocking and Beating of Jesus The mistreatment of Jesus by the guards highlights themes of suffering and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. Luke 22:63-65 states, "The men who were holding Jesus began to mock Him and beat Him. They blindfolded Him and kept demanding, 'Prophesy! Who hit You?' And they said many other blasphemous things against Him." 10. Jesus Before the Sanhedrin Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin underscores themes of injustice and the fulfillment of His role as the suffering Messiah. Luke 22:70-71 concludes, "So they all asked, 'Are You then the Son of God?' He replied, 'You say that I am.' 'Why do we need any more testimony?' they declared. 'We have heard it for ourselves from His own lips.'" Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions