Luke

Chapter 22

Luke 22:1-6
1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

Now we come to the moment Christ was born to fulfill! Passover!

It was during this spring feast, or appointed time of the LORD that the chief Priests and Scribes sought all the more earnestly to kill Jesus!

The actual cause of their fear bubbling over at this time was because the time of fulfillment had come! However, in their spiritual ignorance they thought that “they” had decided that He must die due to their fear of the people! Actually all that was preplanned by God and happened so that Christ would become a sacrifice for the sins of the world!

It was at this time that Satan came into Judas surnamed Iscariot, one of the twelve! As a result, Judas went to the Priests and captains of the Temple Guard! Being led by Satan, the accuser of the brethren, Judas sought to betray Christ Jesus! Judas’ betrayal was foretold centuries prior to the actual event!

Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

Since the Temple Priests were also being led by Satan, they were glad to give Judas money to betray Christ.

They knew that such a deed could not be achieved in the light of day, and so they planned to take Him at night in the dark when He was alone, not in the midst of the crowds.

Luke 22:7-20
7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
13 And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

The day came when the Passover Lamb should be killed! Jesus told Peter and John to make arrangements for them to celebrate Passover together.

Jesus told them, “Go! Prepare the Passover for us so that we may eat!”

The natural response was, “Where do you want us to prepare the meal?”

And so, He said, “When you go into the city, there shall a man there to meet you. He will be carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him into his house where he lives.

“Tell the owner of that home, The Master says to ask you, Where is the guest room? That is where I shall eat the Passover Seder with My disciples!

“And he shall show you a large furnished room on an upper level. It is that room that you shall prepare the Passover Seder.”

They went into Jerusalem, and found the man Jesus described! After speaking with the house owner, they prepared the room for the Passover.

When the time for the last Seder came, Jesus and the twelve went to that room and prepared to eat the Passover Seder meal! Keep in mind that they ate the Seder on the day prior to that normally used to celebrate Passover in the sacrifice of the lambs! That was done so that Christ Jesus could be sacrificed at an exact time!

Jesus told them, “I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer!

“Because, I will not eat it again, until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

Then, Christ Jesus took the cup, gave thanks, and said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves!

“Because, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.”

He took bread, and said a prayer of thanks, broke it, and gave a piece to each, telling them, “This is My body which is given for you! Do this in remembrance of Me.”

He did the same after the Seder telling them, “This cup is the New Testament in My blood, which is shed for you.”

Communion, as practiced in the Church today is a representation of that Seder, which depicts the crucifixion and the New Covenant between God the Father and Jesus the Son with the Son not only being the perfect sacrifice, the propitiation, but also the Mediator in charge of the New Covenant!

Since there is no admonishment in the Bible as to how often we should take the Communion, it is left to us. But since Communion is (in reality) a clarification of Passover, I would think that at the minimum, once per year at Passover is acceptable!

Luke 22:21-38
21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
23 And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

Then Jesus continued, “Look, the hand of the one who betrays Me is with Me at the table. And, truly the Son of man goes as it was determined! There shall be grief for the man by whom the Son is betrayed!”

Christ Jesus came to this earth at an appointed moment to accomplish an appointed task! That may be difficult for many to understand, but it is a spiritual fact!

The twelve began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that would do this thing. No doubt, none of them considered Judas!

The discussion became so intense that strife broke out among them as to which would be the greatest (Gr. meizōn-μείζων). Even today, some Church leaders clamor to be the head! However, that job does not belong to the Pope! It is in the hands of Christ Jesus and shall remain there! The Pope is not Christ on earth! He is just a human being who worships Mary elected by other human beings who also reject our Lord in favor of a false mediatrix/redemptrix!

Upon seeing the strife that the false competition fueled, Jesus told them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them! And, they exercise that authority while claiming to do good for them!

“But, with you all that shall not be done! The greatest among you may be the youngest, and the chief will be the one who serves!

“Who is greater, the one that sits at a meal, or the one who serves? Isn’t it the one who sits at the meal? However, I am here among you as the One Who serves!

“You all are the ones who have continued with Me in My temptations. And so, I appoint to you a kingdom, as My Father has appointed to Me so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

As Christ said, the Apostles shall rule over, judge the twelve tribes of Israel! That does not include Gentile (by physical birth) Christians! That points to a separation of ruling/management responsibilities during the millennial Kingdom to come! Christ shall be the Overseer, while the Apostles govern Israel and we act as His assistants governing the gentiles during the millennium!

Jesus spoke to Simon Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat! However, I have prayed that your faith would not fail! And when you are converted (Gr. epistrephō-ἐπιστρέφω), strengthen your Christian brothers.”

That conversion refers to the time ahead when Peter would deny Christ and then repent! It means that Christ’s statement to Peter was prophetic in nature! Peter’s faith did not fail, because Peter did, as we now do, operated in the imputed faith OF Christ Jesus! If he had lived within his personal human faith Peter could have failed! However, Jesus’ imputed faith did not fail Peter and it shall not fail us!

In turn, Peter responded, “Lord, I am ready to go with You to prison, and even to death!”

Many times people make commitments from the point of emotion, and that is what Peter had done! However, in the long run, Peter (due to Jesus’ imputed faith) did follow Christ to prison and to physical death!

Then, Jesus became very blunt about what Peter would do! He told Peter, “I tell you that the rooster shall not crow today, before you deny that you know Me three times!”

Then Jesus told the others, “When I sent you out, it was without a money bag, money, or even extra shoes! And yet you suffered no lack!”

To that they did not respond!

Then, Jesus told them, “But now, let the one of you that has a money bag take it with him, and likewise with his money! And, the one who does not have sword, sell his clothes, and buy one!

“Because, I tell you, that this is what has been written and is still ahead for Me to accomplish! ‘And he was reckoned among the transgressors!’ The things concerning Me have a conclusion!”

In that statement, Jesus quoted from Isaiah 53:12! The conclusion to which Jesus referred happen as He said, “it is finished” (John 19:30).

Not understanding what Jesus was telling them, the Apostles spoke up, “Lord, here are two swords.”

But, Jesus replied, “That’s enough!”

Two physical swords against a Roman army?

Those are not good odds! The fact is Jesus’ reference was not to the physical, but to the spiritual in which the word is sword of the Spirit!

Have you practiced using the sword of the Spirit?

Luke 22:39-46
39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

As the day progressed, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives, and His disciples followed!

When they reached to Mount of Olives, Jesus told them, “Pray that you all do not fall into temptation!”

And, He left them to go a short distance, where He knelt down and prayed, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from me! Nevertheless, not my will, but Yours, be done!”

After Jesus prayed, an angel from heaven appeared to strengthen Him.

And as He experienced the agony, Jesus prayed more intently, and His sweat became as great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

When Christ rose from prayer, and came to where His disciples were waiting. They were asleep! They were worn out by the sorrow they were experiencing.

As Jesus aroused the He, “Why are you sleeping? Rise up from sleep and pray, lest you enter into temptation!”

Prayer is always the best defense against Satan’s temptations! If we focus on the problems, as the Apostles had done, we too will be worn out by the situations we face, but prayer strengthens us! In prayer we focus on the Solution, Christ Jesus, and not the problem, Lucifer!

Luke 22:47-53
47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

While Jesus spoke to the Apostles, minus Judas, a group of Temple guards led by Judas arrived. When Judas saw Christ, he kissed Him! At that Jesus asked, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

When the Apostles realized what was happening, they asked Jesus, “Lord, shall we kill him with the sword?”

Peter (John 18:10) actually cut off the right ear of the high Priest’s servant. That act was symbolic! Without an ear, the Jewish leaders could not hear! Later, when Jews tormented Paul, they were caused to be blind to the reality of Christ Jesus (Acts 13:11) and that blindness and the lack of ability to hear or see still hinders most Jews from worshipping their Messiah! Even at this time, the vast majority of Jews are deaf and blind!

Jesus spoke up strongly, “That is enough!”

Jesus touched the man’s ear, and healed him! That too was symbolic of the healing that will come to Israel! When Christ touches any individual the result is personal healing!

Then Jesus asked the religious leaders, the captains of the Temple Guard, and members of the Sanhedrin who came to arrest him, “Have you all come out as if I was a thief, bringing swords and bow staffs?

“When I was teaching daily in the Temple, none of you attempted to lay a hand on Me! But you come against Me now in darkness!”

Crime is committed in spiritual and physical darkness, and those who do such actually believe that they can trick God into believing that they are not doing what they know to be wrong! The Jewish leaders thought that they were acting from their own free will when actually they were fulfilling prophecy!

As Jesus told His Apostles, all this had to take place! Their actions fulfilled Prophecy!

Luke 22:54-62
54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

The Temple guards then took Jesus to the high Priest's residence. Peter followed the procession, but at a distance!

They started a fire in the courtyard of the high Priest’s residence. Then they all sat to warm themselves, even Peter sat with them! One of the high Priest’s maid servants saw Peter sitting by the fire and said, “This man was there with Him.”

Peter, fearing the mob and as the result of Jesus’ prophecy denied what she had told the others, “Woman, I don’t even know Him!” (first denial)

Then another person recognized Peter and said, “You are one of those who were with Him!”

But, Peter insisted, “I am not!” (second denial)

After about an hour, another person spoke up telling those around the fire, “Honestly, this fellow was with him! In fact, he is a Galilaean!

Peter became resolute! “I don’t know why you keep saying that!” (third denial00)

Immediately, while Peter was speaking, the rooster crowed!

Jesus, being held there in the courtyard, turned, and looked at Peter. That look was all that was needed! And, Peter remembered the prophetic word of the Lord, “Before the rooster crows, you shall deny me three times.”

Peter left the courtyard, and wept bitterly. Peter was repentant!

Luke 22:63-71
63 And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
64 And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
65 And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.
66 And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
67  Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
69 Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
70 Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.

The men who held Christ in their custody belittled the Lord of Glory, even hitting Him!

Eventually, the Jewish heathen blindfolded Jesus! They slapped his face, and contemptuously demanded, “Prophesy! Which one of us hit You?” Christian prophecy is not a menial parlor trick!

Being a member of the house of Israel does not make one spiritual, or wise!

They did many other blasphemous things against their Messiah! One day, they shall realize the folly of their actions! However, those blasphemous things were a result of prophecy and had to be done!

As soon as it dawned, the elders (members of the Sanhedrin/probably the lessor Sanhedrin), the chief Priests, and the scribes came together, and took Jesus to their council room.

They asked, “Are You the Christ?”

Then they demanded, “Tell us!”

But Christ said, “If I tell you, none of you would believe! And if I ask you a similar question, you will not answer, or release Me.
“Hereafter the Son of man shall sit at the right hand of the power of God!”

In response they asked, “Are You saying that You are the Son of God?”

Jesus was accused of telling them Who is actually was!

Those assembled against Jesus knew exactly what He meant! But, they were not given the power to believe the Truth! None of us may believe unless the power of believe is given to us by the Holy Spirit!

Jesus answered, “You all have said that I am!”

At that they said, “We don’t need any other witnesses, because we have heard it from His own mouth!

The Truth told them the truth and they could not believe!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Believing Christ Jesus is NOT a matter of human free will!

Without the eye-opening power of the Holy Spirit all of men’s efforts are in vain!

John 5:40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

The lie about men seeking God is just that…a lie!

Romans 3:10-11
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Christianity is NOT man in search of God!
Christianity is God in search of man!

Luke 23
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