LUKE 22 THE SON OF MAN DELIVERED TO DIE. v.1-6. THE PLOT, TO TAKE THE LORD JESUS: The Conspirators:
- Priests, men of sanctity; scribes, men of learning; Satan, the evil murderer; Judas, the treacherous disciple; captains, men of authority.
The Betrayal:
- The covenant – money; 30 pieces of silver; the price of a slave.
- The opportunity – in the absence of the multitude; they feared the people.
v.7-18. THE PASSOVER, TO SHARE WITH THE LORD JESUS:
- The purpose of the Passover: to remember past deliverance from bondage; to remember how God freed them with His mighty hand; to remember the shed blood of the paschal lamb.
- The procedure: follow a man bearing a pitcher; speak to the master; find the room; make ready the meal.
- The participation: His “desire to eat” this important feast; His taking leave of it, “shall not eat”, because it serves no more purpose. It was fulfilled when Christ “our Passover was sacrificed…” [1Cor.5:7]. It was fulfilled in the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper. A more glorious redemption is remembered than the deliverance from Egypt. The legal feasts are done; the Gospel feast is now spread.
v.19-20. THE PURPOSE TO REMEMBER THE LORD JESUS: The breaking of bread: food for the redeemed soul who is nourished and satisfied by the atonement of Christ for our sins. We are now partakers of Him and are joined to Him forever. The taking of the cup: His blood has made atonement for the soul. A new covenant is ours based on the giving of His life for us.
v.21-38. THE PLAN TO PROCLAIM THE LORD JESUS: The Betrayer: Was one of them twelve who followed Him. The effect of the treason – goes to die. The threat to the traitor – “woe to that man.” The fear upon the rest.
The Strife:
- Because of pride and a desire for a place above others.
- The reproof was gentle but clear.
- To do good is better than to look great.
- To do good is the best way to be a benefactor as a disciple of Christ.
- To be like Christ is the calling of a disciple.
The Commendation:
- They stayed with Him when others deserted Him.
- He appreciated their “continuing” in His trials.
- The recompense is the blessings of the Gospel now and the food of His table in the kingdom.
The Denial: Satan is still at work doing the same as he did in the time of Job. Faith will quench the fiery darts of Satan. Even when we fail, it is not fatal. Christ is at work on behalf of His own. The charge to Peter is to help others as he was helped of God. Peter’s resolve was genuine but Christ knows us better than we know ourselves. The Review: The Lord has brought us through difficulties. He is a good Master and service for Him is good service. They needed nothing else. People are not going to be favorable. Enemies will be more fierce. Expect trouble.
v.39-46. THE PRAYER TO PREPARE THE LORD JESUS: The Garden: His disciples followed Him in the night to the garden. They all went to that place of privacy. He exhorted His disciples to pray and then went to pray by Himself. He resigns Himself to His Father’s will. Sorrow can make one weary. An angel appeared and strengthened Him. He was supported in His soul-sufferings. He used the angel’s assistance only for strength, not for help in warfare. The word means “putting strength into Him.” When in need; when in agony, when in travail of soul; prayer is the only real recourse we have.
v.47-53. THE PERMISSION GRANTED BY THE LORD JESUS: The Arrest: The mark: a kiss of betrayal. The sword: Christ could cast them to the ground with a word. Luke tells how Christ excused the blow and cured the injury by His power, His mercy and His goodness. “Their hour” allowed them to do their own will.
v.54-62. THE PRESSURE OF IDENTIFYING WITH JESUS: The Fall:
- Peter followed “afar off”: “followed” to satisfy his conscience; “afar off” to save his reputation and his life.
- He associates with the high priest’s servants rather than his Master.
- He disclaims knowing Christ; disowns following Christ; he denied being a disciple of Christ three times.
The Recovery:
- The cock crowing created climactic consequences.
- The “look” of the Lord Jesus was condemning, convicting, concerned, concentrated, compassionate, consuming, cleansing – the grace of God at work.
The Council: Abused Him; accused Him; attacked Him. Challenged Him; condemned Him; convicted Hi, They were unfair and unjust; illegal and irresponsible.