LUKE 22
THE LAST SUPPER + BETRAYAL OF JESUS
As Passover is approaching, the chief priests and elders gather with Caiaphas, the high priest and plot together to arrest and kill Jesus.
Influenced by Satan, Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, goes to the chief priest to ask how much they would pay for Jesus’ capture. Betraying Jesus, Judas turns over His location for the promise of money (Psalm 41:9).
In a large upper room, Jesus gathers the disciples to celebrate Passover. He institutes the Lord’s Supper, more commonly known as communion, breaking the bread and pouring the wine, describing it as His body broken and His blood poured out for the forgiveness of sins. He instructs the disciples to do this in remembrance of Him.
During the meal, Jesus tells the disciples that one of them will betray him. Troubled by this, each disciple questions if they would be the one to betray Him. Continuing to argue, the disciples question who among them is the greatest. Jesus corrects them, saying the one with the most authority should act as if he is the least important, and those who lead should be like servants.
After the Passover meal, Jesus foretells that Peter, His disciple, will deny knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows. Peter assures Him that he will not deny Him, even if it costs him his life. Although Satan influences Peter, Jesus prays that his faith will be strengthened.
Jesus explains to the disciples that He is appealing to the will of the Father and fulfilling the teachings of the prophets. He entered the garden of Gethsemane to pray. Worried and sorrowful, Jesus asks God to remove the dreadful fate awaiting Him. Submitting to God’s will, He understands that His death is necessary. In great distress, Jesus’ sweat become like great drops of blood.
While they are in the garden, Judas arrives with a great crowd of priests and religious leaders, carrying swords and seeking to arrest Jesus. Judas identifies Jesus, kissing His face as a sign to the priests. The crowd seizes Him, taking Him captive.
One of the disciples uses his sword to remove the ear of one of the men taking Jesus captive. Jesus touches the ear of the man arresting Him and he is healed. He shows mercy and compassion to the very people who want to kill Him.
Just as Jesus said, Peter is approached three times and questioned about his relationship to Jesus. Three times, Peter denies knowing Jesus. Remembering what Jesus said, Peter weeps at his denial of Christ.
Jesus is taken into custody, where He was blindfolded, beaten, and mocked. Jesus goes before Caiaphas and his council, put on trial for blasphemy. When questioned about His claims, He confirms that He is the Son of God, seated at God’s right hand.
