Introduction

Luke 22 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel, detailing the events leading up to and including Jesus’ arrest, which set the stage for His crucifixion. This chapter encompasses the preparation for the Passover, the institution of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s denial, His agony at Gethsemane, His betrayal by Judas, and His arrest. These events highlight themes of sacrifice, betrayal, and the fulfillment of divine purpose.

Preparation for the Passover

Arrangements for the Feast

The chapter opens with Jesus sending Peter and John to prepare for the Passover meal in Jerusalem. They are guided to a man carrying a jar of water who will show them a large, furnished upper room where they are to make preparations (Luke 22:7-13).

The Last Supper

During the meal, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, taking bread and wine and presenting them as His body and blood, given for the disciples as symbols of the new covenant. This act is foundational for Christian practice and theology, signifying the sacrifice He was about to make for humanity’s redemption (Luke 22:14-20).

Betrayal and Denial Foretold

Jesus Predicts His Betrayal

As the supper concludes, Jesus sorrowfully announces that one of the disciples will betray Him. This leads to confusion and sorrow among them, as they begin to question who among them would do such a thing (Luke 22:21-23).

Dispute Among the Disciples

Following this, a dispute arises among the disciples as to which of them is considered the greatest. Jesus teaches them about the nature of true leadership in the kingdom of God, contrasting it with worldly notions of authority and stressing the importance of service (Luke 22:24-27).

Prediction of Peter’s Denial

Jesus predicts that Peter will deny knowing Him three times before the rooster crows. Despite Peter’s protests, Jesus assures him of His prayers that his faith may not fail, and charges him to strengthen his brothers once he has turned back (Luke 22:31-34).

Gethsemane and Betrayal

Agony in the Garden

Jesus and His disciples go to the Mount of Olives, specifically to Gethsemane, where He experiences profound agony over His impending death. He prays fervently for the cup of suffering to be taken away but ultimately submits to the Father’s will. His distress is so severe that an angel appears to strengthen Him, and He sweats drops of blood (Luke 22:39-44).

Judas’ Betrayal

While still in the garden, Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot, who identifies Him with a kiss. This act of betrayal by one of His own disciples is a fulfillment of prophecy and marks the beginning of Jesus’ path to crucifixion (Luke 22:47-48).

Arrest and Peter’s Denial

Jesus’ Arrest

Jesus is then arrested by a crowd sent from the chief priests, elders, and scribes. Even in this moment of capture, He heals the ear of a servant of the high priest, which had been cut off by one of His disciples, showcasing His compassion and healing power (Luke 22:49-53).

Peter Denies Jesus

As Jesus is taken away, Peter follows at a distance. In the courtyard of the high priest, he denies knowing Jesus three times, just as Jesus had predicted. When the rooster crows, Jesus turns and looks at Peter, who then remembers the prediction and weeps bitterly, overwhelmed by his own failure (Luke 22:54-62).

Theological Themes and Connections

Connection to Jesus Christ

Luke 22 connects deeply to Jesus Christ through His final teachings, His willing sacrifice, and His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah. His actions and words during the Last Supper establish the theological basis for the Christian sacrament of Communion, celebrating His atonement.

God’s Love for the World

This chapter demonstrates God’s profound love through the person of Jesus Christ, who, even in the face of betrayal and imminent death, submits to God’s will to provide salvation for humanity. His prayers in Gethsemane reveal His obedience and love, enduring suffering for the sake of all.

Contemporary Relevance

Luke 22 remains critically relevant today, reminding believers of the cost of discipleship and the reality of human frailty, as seen in Peter’s denial. It calls Christians to remember the sacrifice Jesus made and to live in light of that profound love and commitment. The teachings about service and humility are ever-pertinent in guiding Christian conduct in a self-serving world.

Conclusion

Luke 22 is a chapter of deep emotional and spiritual intensity, offering profound insights into the nature of Jesus’ mission and the depth of His sacrifice. It challenges believers to reflect on the meaning of true leadership, the nature of sacrifice, and the implications of Christ’s death and resurrection for personal faith and life.