A Commentary on the Book of Luke

Luke Chapter Twenty-Two

Looking to Kill Jesus

[Text parallels Matthew 26:1-5 and Mark 14:1-2]

22:1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people. 

Some believe that Luke, being the only non-Jewish gospel writer, did not know the details about the God-ordained Old Testament festivals given to Moses and therefore recorded the names of the festivals wrong. However, it is a long-standing and common practice to interchange the names, especially when referring to the springtime festivals, using one name as a metonym.^[1] The spring festivals began with Passover (being only one day) followed the next day by the week-long celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 

Since the Feast of Unleavened Bread was only to be celebrated in Jerusalem, the number of visitors would be significantly higher. Knowing that Jesus was popular with the people, the chief priests and the scribes were perplexed as to how to put Jesus to death without creating an insurrection.

Judas to Betray Jesus

[Text parallels Matthew 26:14-16 and Mark 14:10-11]

22:3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. 4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd. 

One of Jesus’ disciples was Judas from Kerioth. Luke notes that Satan entered him (see also John 13:2) and was motivated to betray Jesus. The reasons behind both Judas’ and Satan’s desire to have Jesus killed are often subjects for debate. Did Judas hate Jesus so much that he wanted Him dead? Or was there some other motivation?^[2] Some question why Satan would want Jesus dead, knowing that His death would effectively fulfill God’s plan for salvation. It is likely that this line of reasoning was ‘set aside’ as Satan’s hatred was so intense against Jesus that he believed killing Him was the only way to stop Him. 

Judas approached the chief priests and officers and told them that he was willing to betray Jesus. They were happy to hear from Judas as this would allow them to have Jesus arrested at a time when He wasn’t surrounded by people. They paid Judas thirty pieces of silver (see Matthew 26:15) and returned to be with Jesus waiting for an opportunity to betray Him.

Passover Seder with the Disciples

[Verses 7-16 parallel Matthew 26:17-24, Mark 14:12-21 and John 13:21-22. Verses 17-20 parallel Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Verses 21-23 parallel Matthew 26:21-25, Mark 14:18-21 and John 13:21-22]

22:7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” 9 They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” 10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11 and 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?’ 12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” 13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. 

Since the Passover seder dinner requires significant preparation,^[3] Jesus has Peter and John go ahead into Jerusalem to set up. He tells them that they will be greeted by a man carrying a jar of water. They are to follow him into a house and ask the master of the house where the guest room is, who will then show them a large upper-room where they are to prepare for the Passover, which they did as instructed. 

22:14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 

Jesus and His disciples gather together to celebrate Passover. He tells them that He has long desired for them to eat this Passover together, as it will be His last Passover until it (Passover) is fulfilled in the kingdom of God. Passover celebrates the “passing over” of God of the houses that had the blood of the sacrificed lamb applied to the doorposts and lintel, saving the first-born inside from being killed. Passover is a model of God’s plan of redemption with Jesus as the Passover Lamb. It was this Passover that would fulfill that plan, Jesus was to die so that His blood would protect those who accept His free offer of salvation from the second death.^[4] 

22:17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 

In what is often referred to as the “Lord’s Supper” (or Last Supper), Jesus institutes a way for believers to remember what Jesus did that day, offering His life for their salvation. Jesus takes a cup (likely the third cup of the Seder)^[5] and after He gave thanks, He told them to pass the cup around for each to partake. He also told them that He would not drink of the fruit of the vine again until the kingdom of God comes. Next, He took the bread and gave thanks, He broke the bread and gave some to each disciple, saying “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” After eating the bread Jesus took the cup and said, “This cup it is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” The old covenant through Moses provided atonement through the regular shedding of blood from innocent animals (see Exodus 24:8). Understanding that the law remains intact (never changes) and the requirement of blood for atonement still applies (see Leviticus 17:11), this new covenant is made possible through the blood of Jesus. Who, because He is God and eternal, never will die again, therefore the atonement of sins through Jesus is also eternal (see Hebrews 13:20). The law was fulfilled by Jesus so that through Him eternal life is possible for humanity. 

22:21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this. 

Jesus then announces that one of them will betray Him, just as it was prophesied (see Psalm 41:9; 55:1`2-14; Zechariah 11:12-13), but nonetheless, woe to that man! Being a surprise to everyone else in the room, the disciples began to question each other as to who could Jesus be talking about. Who could do this?

The Disciples Argue Which One of Them is the Greatest

22:24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. 

The disciples began to argue amongst themselves which one of them was the greatest follower of Jesus. While the idea of such pride seems unconscionable for a student of Jesus, it does reveal how sin can penetrate and influence the heart of any human. Jesus stops the bickering and told them that kings of other nations exercise authority over their people who call them benefactors (Greek ‘euergetai’,^[6] one that does good, used as a title of honor), but that order of command hierarchy does not apply to them. The greatest must be like the youngest (no seniority) and the leader will be the one who serves. He then asks, which is considered greater, the one who sits at the table or the one that is serving? Jesus answers, is it not the one who is sitting at the table? But then tells them to “take note” that He, God incarnate, the King of kings, is the One who is serving them. There is no room for pride, as Jesus demonstrates that in the kingdom of God, the greatest is the servant. A system upside-down when compared to the system developed by man. Believers need to understand that Christianity is not about them, it is about serving others with the ultimate goal of helping people find salvation through Jesus.

22:28 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 

Jesus informs them that they will be rewarded for staying with Him. He tells them that He has been given a kingdom (the kingdom of God) and that they can sit at His table in HIs kingdom and sit on royal thrones themselves judging the twelve tribes of Israel.^[7]

As noted earlier, Jesus is both a King and a Priest.^[8] What many believers often miss is that every Christian is also considered a “Royal Priest.” Peter wrote, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9) All Christians are to serve others as priests (although the role of a priest has changed, see Hebrews 7:5), ministering to them by doing God's work, pointing them to the real High Priest, Jesus for their salvation (see Hebrews 8:1-13). But just as Jesus is the King, believers will also share in His reign (see Psalm 45:16; Daniel 7:18; Matthew 20:21; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 5:10; 20:4, 6; 22:5).

Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial

[Text parallels Matthew 26:33-35; Mark 14:29-31; John 13:36-38]

22:31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” 

Jesus turns to Peter and told him that Satan desired to break him, like wheat being sifted. But He had prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail and that when he does fall and returns (a clue that Peter will fall), that his faith will strengthen his fellow believers. Peter then boldly pronounces that he is ready to go to prison for Him or even die for Him. Jesus then told him that he will deny that he knows Him that very day three times before the rooster is heard crowing.^[9] 

Note that Jesus used Peter’s given name ‘Simon’. Usually in the Bible when we read about a name change, such as Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah or even Saul to Paul, the later textural references always use their new name. This is not the case with Jacob or Simon as we see at times, such as here, the text (or person talking) refers to them using their old names. Many believe that when that occurs, it is reflecting their state of mind. When they are walking with God, the text refers to them by their new name, but when they begin to think prideful, their old name is used.

Scripture Must Be Fulfilled

22:35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. 

Referring back to when He sent the disciples out to evangelize and heal (see Matthew 10:1-11:1; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6), Jesus asks them if they lacked anything, as they were instructed at that time to “Take nothing for your journey” (Luke 9:3b). The disciples replied they lacked nothing, God provided for their needs. Jesus wants them to be prepared for the next ’step’ in their lives. When they were sent out before they ministered to the local people while Jesus was nearby, but now He announces that from that moment on (Greek ‘alla nyn’,^[10] an emphatic “but now!”) things will be different, they will need to take care of themselves. Instead of ministering with nothing they are to provide what they need, be it a moneybag, knapsack, or even a sword. In these often debated verses, Jesus is attempting to inform His disciples that instead of evangelizing in towns, they are to go into the world and preach the gospel message. 

22:37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” 

Jesus explains using a segment from Isaiah 53:12, “And he was numbered with the transgressors.” Essentially meaning that He will be considered a criminal and handed over to the authorities. Jesus then says that everything written about Him in the Old Testament “has its fulfillment.” Note that the prophecy “is fulfilled,” not “will be fulfilled,” as the Word of God cannot be violated.

22:38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.” 

Again, the disciples have no clue as to what Jesus is talking about. Picking up on the idea of needing swords (verse 36), and perhaps not knowing what else to say, they tell Jesus that they have two swords. Jesus then tells them ‘enough’ of that, no more discussion about swords. Jesus is not saying that they need swords, as illustrated by what Jesus said a few hours later after Peter used his sword, “all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52b). Knowing that they did not at this time understand what He was talking about, He simply silenced them. 

Considerations

Prophetic Text Overview No. 24

In verse 37, Jesus says, “For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” Quoting Isaiah 53, Jesus clearly states that He is the subject of this prophecy (and all other prophecies that point to the Messiah). Instead of noting His royalty, Jesus says He will be treated and identified as a criminal. A significant contrast between what might be considered royal treatment. To be ‘numbered’ as a criminal, is not just another prophetic truth, it demonstrates Jesus’ humility and willingness to face anything to accomplish the goal of offering salvation for the human race. 

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives

[Text parallels Matthew 26:30-42, Mark 14:26-39 and John 18:1, 41-46]

22:39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 

Whenever they were in Jerusalem, Jesus and His disciples would stay overnight on the Mount of Olives. When they left the upper room after celebrating the Passover seder, they went to the garden known as Gethsemane (see Matthew 26:36; Mark 14:32) located on the Mount of Olives. When they arrive, Jesus tells them to pray, note that He did not request them to pray about the ordeal He was about to endure, but instead to not enter into temptation. This raises the question, what temptation is Jesus speaking about? While not specified, there are a number of potential answers, here are a few: 1) Give in to the physical temptation to sleep; 2) Later after Jesus is arrested they will hear many false accusations against Him, they may be tempted to believe their lies and walk away, doubting and denying Him completely; 3) In fear that they might be persecuted or publicly humiliated, they may be tempted to flee; and 4) Just as every believer has a choice, to accept or reject the love of God, the disciples may be tempted to doubt His promises, that following Jesus requires more effort than they are willing to give. 

Prayer is vital for every believer’s daily walk, but even more so in times of trouble. It is important to remember that how God chooses to answer is not up to the person praying. Nonetheless, the effort to pray is essential. When praying during the time of stress, sickness, anxiety, trouble, or pain, we also need to remember that even if He does not want to offer a way out (fix the problem, heal, or otherwise change the circumstances) He is always there with you, giving you what you need to persevere. 

Jesus walked a short distance from the disciples and prayed to His Father a prayer that He knew could not be answered. He asked to “remove this cup from me,” the term ‘cup’ is a metaphor in Scripture that refers to a period of intense anguish.^[11] In other words, knowing what He is going to suffer, Jesus is asking His Father a way to avoid the suffering. But He recognizes that it is the Father’s will, not His own, that will prevail. Since Jesus came to die, a plan from the beginning of time,^[12] this last-minute plea seems out of character for Jesus. Why did He ask to be relieved of this burden? Some say that it was primarily motivated by His “human side” as the stress of this predicament was intense. Luke records that Jesus was in great agony, the sweat from the stress while praying became like drops of blood (thought to be hematidrosis). Luke also records that an angel came to strengthen Him, to regain His strength. Others believe that this passage offers insight of the agony Jesus went through for the payment of our sins, all sins (it is often said that He did not get any “discount rate” for the payment of all sins that ever happened in the past, present, and future, the burden was not light). It is important for all believers to understand that sin is an extremely serious and dangerous issue, not to be taken for granted. In addition, this passage offers the ultimate example of prayer not being answered as requested, with the person (in this case Jesus Himself) given the strength to persevere through the ordeal. 

When Jesus got up and returned to the disciples, He found them sleeping. He asked them why were they sleeping and told them to get up and continue to pray that they may not fall into temptation. 

Jesus Betrayed and Arrested

[Text parallels Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-52, and John 18:2-12]

22:47 While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” 

Luke records that while Jesus was waking the disciples, admonishing them for sleeping, a crowd was approaching. Judas was leading the group as he knew where to find Jesus. When he came to Jesus, he kissed Him. Jesus responded by saying to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” Soon His disciples came over and surrounded Him, asking if they should strike with the sword. Luke does not identify the one who struck the high priest’s servant, but we know it was Peter (see John 18:10). Jesus stopped any further violent action and then healed the servant’s ear. 

Jesus then turns to the chief priests and their entourage of officers of the Temple and elders that came to arrest Him and asked, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?” The Greek word translated here as ‘robber’ is ‘lēstēn’,^[13] to plunder, deprive others of property usually with violence, would be considered a violent criminal that would strongly resist arrest. Jesus noted that He has been around the Temple for several days but they did not arrest Him then. Jesus then reveals why they couldn’t before, it was not the right time. That it was now their time and the power of darkness’ time (see Acts 26:18; Ephesians 6:12), being a limited period to eliminate their threat known as Jesus, only because God the Father allowed them access.

Peter Denies Jesus

[Text parallels Matthew 26:57-75, Mark 14:53-72 and John 18:25-27]

22:54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance. 

The officials seized Jesus and took Him to the high priest’s home. Having Jesus arrested at night and then brought to the high priest’s home began a series of unusual and mostly illegal sentencing and trial procedures.^[14] Due to timing concerns, as they needed to convince the Roman government to execute Jesus quickly since Passover had already begun and the Feast of Unleavened Bread followed the next day, it was going to be a long night. Luke reports that Peter followed the crowd to the High Priest’s home, but stayed at a distance. 

22:55 And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly. 

When the crowd started a fire in the home’s courtyard for everyone’s warmth, Peter approached and sat down among the crowd that had gathered to watch the proceedings. Soon a servant girl recognized Peter, who was now in the light of the fire, and called everyone’s attention that, “This man also was with him.” Peter immediately denied, saying he did not know Him. Later another person saw Peter and proclaimed that he was one of them. Again Peter denied, saying he was not a follower. Then around a hour later another person accused Peter as being with Jesus, as he too was a Galilean. Peter indignantly responded, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Even before he was finished talking, the rooster crowed. Jesus then turned and looked at Peter. At that time Peter remembered what Jesus had said earlier, that before the rooster crows today, he will have denied Him three times (see verse 34). Peter then left and cried bitterly (in tremendous grief and pain). 

Jesus Is Mocked

[Text parallels Matthew 26:67-68; Mark 14:65 and John 18:22-23]

22:63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. 64 They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” 65 And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him. 

The officers that were assigned to hold Jesus began to mock and beat Him. At some point they put a blindfold on Him and continued to hit Him, saying “Prophesy!” The Greek word ‘prophēteuson’^[15] is not the usual term for someone prognosticating (that would be ‘prognōsis’,^[16] as the noun and ‘proginōskō’^[17] as the verb), it implies knowledge given to them by God. Although they were completely unaware that they were indeed hitting God. Luke summarizes that many other things were said against Him, speaking evil against Him, blaspheming Him.

Jesus Stands Before the Council

[Text parallels Matthew 27:1 and Mark 15:1a]

22:66 When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, 67 “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, 68 and if I ask you, you will not answer. 

Even though the earlier “unofficial trials” were largely unsuccessful, their resolve and conviction had not waned. Now that it was daylight, they could ‘officially’ hold court in front of the council (the Sanhedrin) and try Jesus according to their law. However, they will still need to obtain Roman approval and willingness to participate in His execution. To begin, they ask Jesus if He is the Christ. He responded, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer.” He was not being flippant, Jesus knew that this session was only ‘window dressing’ and that regardless of what is said or asked, it would not change the outcome. 

22:69 But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” 71 Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.” 

Jesus continued to speak, saying, “But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” After being victorious over sin and death, Jesus will return to heaven and sit at the right side of His Father on the throne (see Mark 16:19; Acts 7:56; Hebrews 1:3). They ask Him, “Are you the Son of God, then?” Jesus responded, “You say that I am.” Which can also be translated as, “You say correctly that I am.”^[18] Having no admissible evidence of wrongdoing, Jesus offers a statement of truth regarding who He is. They take it as a confession, even though legally a person typically^[19] cannot incriminate themselves (see Deuteronomy 19:15, see also the Makot Tractate of the Mishnah and Talmud). They ask, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.” 

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