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Luke 22 The Parable of the Wedding Banquet

1 Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching,

2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people.

3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.

4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.

5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money.

6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

7 The Last Supper
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.

8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”

9 “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.

10 He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters,

11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’

12 He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there.”

13 They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table.

15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.

16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you.

18 For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table.

22 The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him.”

23 They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.

24 Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.

25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.

26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.

27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials.

29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me,

30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.

32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?”
“Nothing,” they answered.

36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.

37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”

38 The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.”
“That is enough,” he replied.

39 Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.

40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”

41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,

42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.

44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow.

46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

47 Jesus Arrested
While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him,

48 but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

49 When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?”

50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs?

53 Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”

54 Peter Disowns Jesus
Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance.

55 But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them.

56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.”

57 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.

58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”
“Man, I am not!” Peter replied.

59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”

60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.

61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.”

62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.

63 The Guards Mock Jesus
The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him.

64 They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?”

65 And they said many other insulting things to him.

66 Jesus Before Pilate and Herod
At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them.

67 “If you are the Christ,” they said, “tell us.”
Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me,

68 and if I asked you, you would not answer.

69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”

70 They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?”
He replied, “You are right in saying I am.”

71 Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.”

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Analysis of Luke Chapter 22

Luke Chapter 22 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of Luke, as it marks the beginning of the Passion narrative—the series of events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This chapter covers several key events, including the Last Supper, Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s denial, Judas’ betrayal, and Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Each of these events is rich with theological significance and provides deep insights into the nature of Jesus’ mission and the establishment of the New Covenant. This analysis will provide a detailed commentary on these events, aiming to offer a deeper understanding of their relevance and impact.

Preparation for the Passover (Verses 1-13)

Luke 22 begins with the setting of the Passover festival, a significant Jewish celebration commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt. The chapter introduces the plot against Jesus by the chief priests and scribes, who are seeking a way to arrest Him without arousing public outcry. At this time, Satan enters Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, prompting him to betray Jesus to the authorities in exchange for money.

Verses 7-13 detail the preparation for the Passover meal, where Jesus instructs Peter and John to make arrangements. The process is marked by Jesus’ foreknowledge and divine orchestration, exemplified by His specific instructions to follow a man carrying a jar of water—a task typically done by women. This encounter underscores Jesus’ control and awareness of the unfolding events, signifying that His impending suffering is part of the divine plan.

The Last Supper and the Institution of the Lord’s Supper (Verses 14-23)

Verses 14-20 narrate the Last Supper, where Jesus shares a deeply significant meal with His disciples. During this meal, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper (also known as Communion or the Eucharist), which would become a cornerstone of Christian worship. He takes bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and gives it to His disciples, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Similarly, after the meal, He takes the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

This moment encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ sacrificial mission. The bread symbolizes His body, which will be broken, and the wine symbolizes His blood, which will be shed for the forgiveness of sins. The phrase “new covenant” alludes to Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises a new covenant with His people. Thus, Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper signify the fulfillment of this prophecy and the establishment of a new relationship between God and humanity, anchored in His sacrificial death.

The betrayal prediction in verses 21-23 highlights the painful reality of Jesus’ path. Despite knowing that Judas would betray Him, Jesus still shares the Passover meal with him, exhibiting His profound love and grace, even towards His betrayer. This further emphasizes the theme of divine sovereignty and the fulfillment of prophecy in the events leading to the crucifixion.

Teaching on Greatness and Service (Verses 24-30)

Following the institution of the Lord’s Supper, a dispute arises among the disciples about who among them should be considered the greatest. Jesus addresses this by redefining greatness in the context of the kingdom of God. He contrasts the worldly understanding of leadership, marked by authority and domination, with the kingdom principle of servant leadership. He states, “The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves” (Luke 22:26).

Jesus exemplifies this teaching through His own life, declaring that He is among them “as one who serves” (Luke 22:27). This teaching serves as a crucial lesson for the disciples, preparing them for their future roles as leaders in the early church. It underscores the notion that true greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by humility, selflessness, and service to others.

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial (Verses 31-34)

In verses 31-34, Jesus directs His attention to Simon Peter, warning him of an upcoming trial of faith. Jesus tells Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32). This prediction reveals two important aspects of Jesus’ relationship with His disciples: His foreknowledge of their trials and His intercessory role on their behalf.

Peter’s confident response, declaring his readiness to face imprisonment or death with Jesus, is met with a sobering prediction from Jesus: “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me” (Luke 22:34). This foreknowledge points to Peter’s human weakness and the necessity of divine grace. Despite Peter’s forthcoming failure, Jesus’ prayer and subsequent restoration of Peter highlight the themes of redemption and forgiveness.

Provision for the Future (Verses 35-38)

In these verses, Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face after His departure. He recalls the earlier mission (Luke 10:1-12), where they were sent out without a purse, bag, or sandals, and lacked nothing. This time, however, He instructs them to take a purse, bag, and even a sword if needed. This shift signals the impending hostility and persecution they will encounter in their gospel mission.

The reference to the sword has generated much discussion. Jesus’ mention of swords is often interpreted metaphorically, suggesting readiness for the spiritual battle ahead rather than physical violence. This interpretation aligns with Jesus’ broader teachings on peace and non-violence. The disciples’ misunderstanding, taking Jesus’ words literally and presenting two swords, receives Jesus’ terse response, “That’s enough!” indicating that they still do not fully grasp the nature of the conflict they will face.

Prayer and Arrest in Gethsemane (Verses 39-53)

Verses 39-46 describe Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, a moment of profound anguish as He contemplates His imminent suffering and death. Jesus instructs His disciples to pray that they will not fall into temptation, then separates Himself to pray. His prayer is a poignant expression of submission to God’s will: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

This scene emphasizes Jesus’ human vulnerability and His divine obedience. The appearance of an angel from heaven to strengthen Him, coupled with His sweat “like drops of blood falling to the ground,” underscores the intense spiritual and emotional struggle He is enduring. Despite His agony, Jesus remains resolute, submitting to the Father’s will, underscoring the depth of His sacrificial love.

The narrative then shifts to the arrival of Judas and the arrest. Judas’ betrayal is marked by the act of a kiss, a symbol of affection twisted into an instrument of treachery. Jesus responds to Judas with the poignant question, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:48). This moment reveals the tragic irony of Judas’ actions and highlights the fulfillment of prophecy.

Peter’s impulse to defend Jesus with a sword, striking the high priest’s servant and cutting off his ear, juxtaposes human reaction with divine response. Jesus rebukes the violence and heals the servant, illustrating His commitment to peace and mercy even in the face of betrayal and arrest. His statement to the arresting authorities, “This is your hour—when darkness reigns,” signifies the climactic confrontation between the forces of evil and the divine plan for redemption.

Peter’s Denial (Verses 54-62)

Verses 54-62 recount Peter’s three denials of Jesus, fulfilling the prediction made earlier in the chapter. Peter follows Jesus at a distance to the courtyard of the high priest, where he faces the accusations of being associated with Jesus. Fearful of the potential consequences, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times.

The moment the rooster crows, Peter remembers Jesus’ words and is filled with remorse, weeping bitterly. This episode highlights Peter’s human frailty and the painful reality of failure. Yet, it also sets the stage for his eventual restoration and transformation, underscoring the themes of grace and redemption. Peter’s tears reflect genuine repentance, an essential step in his journey of faith and leadership in the early church.

Mocking and Beating of Jesus (Verses 63-65)

In these verses, Jesus is mocked and beaten by the guards who are holding Him. This abuse is a brutal prelude to the more severe suffering He will endure. The mockery and physical mistreatment reflect the depths of human sinfulness and the extent of Jesus’ suffering for the sake of humanity. The guards’ taunting demand, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” adds to the humiliation, contrasting sharply with Jesus’ dignity and silence.

This scenario fulfills the prophecies of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53, who would be despised, rejected, and afflicted for the sins of others. Jesus’ endurance of such mistreatment without retaliation exemplifies His role as the sacrificial Lamb of God, bearing the punishment that humanity deserves.

Jesus Before the Council (Verses 66-71)

The chapter concludes with Jesus being brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. They question Him about His identity as the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus’ responses are filled with profound theological significance. When asked if He is the Messiah, He replies, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer” (Luke 22:67-68). This response signifies the hardness of their hearts and their unwillingness to accept the truth.

When they further press Him, asking if He is the Son of God, Jesus affirms, “You say that I am” (Luke 22:70). This affirmation is both a declaration of His divine identity and a recognition that the council has already made up their minds about Him. Their reaction, declaring Him guilty of blasphemy, sets in motion the legal and religious proceedings that will lead to His crucifixion.

Conclusion

Luke Chapter 22 is a profound and multifaceted chapter that offers deep insights into the final hours of Jesus’ earthly ministry. From the betrayal by Judas to the institution of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus’ teachings on servanthood, Peter’s denial, and the prayer in Gethsemane, each event is rich with theological significance and narrative depth.

The chapter emphasizes the themes of divine sovereignty, fulfillment of prophecy, sacrificial love, and the establishment of a new covenant through Jesus’ death. It portrays the human frailty of the disciples, the tragic betrayal by Judas, and the steadfast obedience and love of Jesus. Through these events, the reader is invited to contemplate the profound mystery of redemption and the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrificial love.

As we reflect on Luke 22, we are reminded of the cost of discipleship, the call to servant leadership, and the assurance of Jesus’ intercession and grace. This chapter serves as a powerful prelude to the crucifixion and resurrection, inviting believers to enter into the depth of God’s redemptive plan and to respond with faith, humility, and gratitude.