In an intimate upper room, Jesus prepares to share a final meal with his closest friends, unknowingly setting the stage for one of the most pivotal moments in history. With betrayal lurking just outside the door, the atmosphere is thick with tension and anticipation.
The Reading: Luke 22
World English Bible1 Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching.
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2 The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death, for they feared the people.
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3 Satan entered into Judas, who was also called Iscariot, who was counted with the twelve.
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4 He went away, and talked with the chief priests and captains about how he might deliver him to them.
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5 They were glad, and agreed to give him money.
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6 He consented, and sought an opportunity to deliver him to them in the absence of the multitude.
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7 The day of unleavened bread came, on which the Passover must be sacrificed.
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8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.”
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9 They said to him, “Where do you want us to prepare?”
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10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house which he enters.
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11 Tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’
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12 He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there.”
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13 They went, found things as Jesus had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
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14 When the hour had come, he sat down with the twelve apostles.
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15 He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,
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16 for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in God’s Kingdom.”
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17 He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, “Take this, and share it among yourselves,
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18 for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until God’s Kingdom comes.”
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19 He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.”
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20 Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
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21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.
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22 The Son of Man indeed goes, as it has been determined, but woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!”
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23 They began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.
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24 There arose also a contention among them, which of them was considered to be greatest.
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25 He said to them, “The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’
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26 But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves.
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27 For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn’t it he who sits at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
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28 But you are those who have continued with me in my trials.
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29 I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me,
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30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
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31 The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have all of you, that he might sift you as wheat,
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32 but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.”
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33 He said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!”
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34 He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times.”
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35 He said to them, “When I sent you out without purse, and wallet, and shoes, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.”
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36 Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword.
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37 For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: ‘He was counted with transgressors.’ For that which concerns me has an end.”
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38 They said, “Lord, behold, here are two swords.” He said to them, “That is enough.”
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39 He came out, and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him.
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40 When he was at the place, he said to them, “Pray that you don’t enter into temptation.”
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41 He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed,
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42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
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43 An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.
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44 Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.
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45 When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping because of grief,
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46 and said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
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47 While he was still speaking, behold, a multitude, and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him.
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48 But Jesus said to him, “Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”
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49 When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?”
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50 A certain one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
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51 But Jesus answered, “Let me at least do this”—and he touched his ear, and healed him.
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52 Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders, who had come against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?
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53 When I was with you in the temple daily, you didn’t stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
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54 They seized him, and led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed from a distance.
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55 When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard, and had sat down together, Peter sat among them.
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56 A certain servant girl saw him as he sat in the light, and looking intently at him, said, “This man also was with him.”
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57 He denied Jesus, saying, “Woman, I don’t know him.”
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58 After a little while someone else saw him, and said, “You also are one of them!” But Peter answered, “Man, I am not!”
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59 After about one hour passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Truly this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean!”
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60 But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.
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61 The Lord turned, and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the Lord’s word, how he said to him, “Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.”
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62 He went out, and wept bitterly.
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63 The men who held Jesus mocked him and beat him.
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64 Having blindfolded him, they struck him on the face and asked him, “Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?”
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65 They spoke many other things against him, insulting him.
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66 As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people were gathered together, both chief priests and scribes, and they led him away into their council, saying,
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67 “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you won’t believe,
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68 and if I ask, you will in no way answer me or let me go.
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69 From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”
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70 They all said, “Are you then the Son of God?” He said to them, “You say it, because I am.”
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71 They said, “Why do we need any more witness? For we ourselves have heard from his own mouth!”
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
The Setup for Betrayal
The chapter opens with the excitement of the Passover, a significant Jewish feast. However, not everyone is celebrating; the chief priests and scribes are plotting to kill Jesus, fearing his influence over the people. Meanwhile, Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, conspires to betray him for a bit of silver. It's a classic tale of treachery, but it sets the stage for something profound.
The Last Supper
As the Passover approaches, Jesus sends Peter and John to prepare a special meal. He instructs them to follow a man carrying water, leading them to a furnished upper room. During the meal, Jesus expresses a deep desire to share this moment with his disciples before his impending suffering. He takes bread, breaks it, and declares it his body, symbolizing the sacrifice he is about to make. He also offers wine, calling it a new covenant in his blood, and reminds them of the great importance of this moment.
The Warning
As they share this intimate time, Jesus drops a bombshell: one of them will betray him. The disciples are confused and begin questioning each other, creating a tense atmosphere. In the midst of this, they start arguing about who is the greatest among them. Jesus teaches them that true greatness comes from serving others, not seeking power.
The Agony in the Garden
Later, in the Mount of Olives, Jesus urges his disciples to pray. He knows the gravity of what's about to happen and retreats to pray alone, expressing his anguish over the events to come. His struggle is palpable as he sweats blood from the intensity of his prayers. When he returns, he finds his disciples asleep, highlighting their struggle to comprehend the situation.
Betrayal and Arrest
Judas arrives with a crowd armed with swords and clubs and betrays Jesus with a kiss. As chaos erupts, one of the disciples reacts violently, but Jesus intervenes, demonstrating his mission of peace even in the face of betrayal. He is taken away, and Peter, who had declared his loyalty, denies knowing Jesus three times, fulfilling Jesus's earlier prediction. This moment of denial showcases the fragility of human promises.
Mockery and Trials
After his arrest, Jesus is mocked and beaten by those who hold him captive. He faces intense questioning from the religious authorities, who seek to condemn him. Despite their accusations, Jesus remains composed, ultimately affirming his identity as the Son of God.
Why It Matters
Betrayal and Loyalty
Luke 22 reminds us of the complexities of human relationships. Judas's betrayal teaches us that even those close to us may falter. Yet Peter's denial offers a glimpse into the struggle of loyalty under pressure, resonating with our own experiences of failing those we care about.
The Power of Service
Jesus' teachings on greatness challenge the norms of our world. In a society that often values power and recognition, his call to serve others is a radical shift. It invites us to reflect on how we can embody this spirit in our daily lives.
The Importance of Prayer
The agony of Jesus in Gethsemane emphasizes the need for prayer, especially in times of distress. It serves as a reminder that open communication with God can provide strength and guidance in our darkest hours. If you're seeking a community to share in prayer or to explore your faith further, consider using Sancta to find a church near you.
Hope in Suffering
Despite the darkness of betrayal and injustice, this chapter ultimately points toward hope. Jesus' willingness to face suffering for a greater purpose inspires us to find meaning in our challenges, trusting that something beautiful can emerge from our pain.
Coming Up Next: Luke 23
As we move into Luke 23, we will witness the climax of this dramatic narrative - Jesus' trial, crucifixion, and the profound implications of his sacrifice. Join us for the next part of this journey, where faith and sacrifice intertwine in a powerful way.