Upwards Church

Today we read the most moving words in all of literature (I believe), the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.   He was a sinless, innocent savior that suffered and died for me, and you.  Take it in.  Read it with fresh eyes and a tender heart.  Never forget the price that was paid for your sins and mine.

 Jesus Stands Trial before Pilate / 23:1-5

Early that morning, Jesus’ accusers rushed him to Pilate. To the high priests and the teachers of religious law, Jesus was very dangerous. He simply had to be eliminated. Therefore, they did not shrink from presenting completely false charges against Jesus. Pilate saw through their blatant lies. He knew Jesus was innocent.

23:1 The Jewish council had already decided that Jesus should die, but they could not, under Roman law, carry out the death penalty. Jesus would have to be tried and convicted in a Roman court. Thus, they took Jesus over to Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate was the governor of Judea, where Jerusalem was located. Pilate’s normal residence was in Caesarea on the Mediterranean Sea, but he happened to be in Jerusalem because of the Passover festival. With the large crowds who had flocked to the city for that celebration, Pilate and his soldiers came to help keep the peace. He stayed in his headquarters, called the Praetorium.

23:2 The Jewish leaders had arrested Jesus on theological grounds—blasphemy; but they had to come up with a political reason for executing Jesus. The charges against Jesus in the Roman court were rebellion and treason. The irony is that the first accusation—that Jesus was leading the people to ruin—was completely unfounded. The second accusation—that Jesus told the people not to pay their taxes—was an outright lie (see 20:20-26). The third charge, that he was claiming to be the Messiah, a king, was absolutely true.

23:3-4 Pilate focused on the accusation about Jesus claiming to be a king, for that could amount to treason and be grounds for a death sentence. So Pilate asked the prisoner, “Are you the King of the Jews?” This question is identical in all four Gospels, and in all four the word “you” is emphatic. Jesus answered the question, “Yes, it is as you say.” To have said otherwise would have been to lie. Jesus was a king, but his kingship was not a threat to Pilate or to Caesar. At some point, Pilate realized that the religious leaders simply wanted to get rid of this man, so he said “I find nothing wrong with this man!” Pilate’s reluctance to prosecute Jesus was undoubtedly due more to his contempt for the Jews than for any particular consideration of Jesus.

23:5 The Jews’ plan was unraveling. Pilate wasn’t playing into their hands as they had hoped, and they became desperate. So they came up with more trumped-up charges. They claimed that Jesus was causing riots everywhere. Because Pilate was mainly charged with keeping peace, he would be interested in dealing with a man who was causing riots. If this charge were true, Pilate would have heard about Jesus long before this.

 Jesus Stands Trial before Herod / 23:6-12

Herod was ecstatic that he would be able to see Jesus. He had heard so much about this mysterious, miracle-working man from Galilee. But Herod was severely disappointed. Jesus remained silent. He would not answer Herod’s questions, much less perform any miracles.

23:6-7 When the religious leaders mentioned that Jesus had been in Galilee, Pilate wanted to know if Jesus was a Galilean. Jesus had grown up in Nazareth and later had made Capernaum his base; he was indeed under Herod’s jurisdiction. This was the Herod who had killed John the Baptist. Herod, also called Herod Antipas, was himself in Jerusalem that weekend for the Passover celebration, mainly as a tactic to please his subjects. Pilate hoped to pass Jesus off on Herod.

23:8-9 Herod may have been delighted to finally see Jesus, but he had already closed his window of opportunity to hear the message. John had spoken to him; Herod had killed John. Herod’s motivation here was only to see Jesus perform a miracle. He apparently saw Jesus as no more than an amazing traveling sideshow. When Jesus was brought before him, Herod asked him questions, but Jesus refused to answer. Herod is the only person to whom Jesus said nothing at all. Herod had not listened to John; Jesus had nothing to add to what John had said. Cold and cruel, Herod had a hard heart. Jesus knew this and remained silent.

23:10 The religious leaders had hoped for a quick sentence from Pilate so they could return to their religious duties during this important Passover celebration. But they had already had to trek with Jesus from Pilate’s residence over to Herod’s palace, and now Herod was wasting more time. So they shouted their accusations, probably with more of the same kinds of lies (23:2, 5). They hoped their accusations would sway Herod, so they would get a verdict from him that would be as good as one from Pilate.

23:11-12 With this prisoner refusing to answer, and looking very little like a great miracle worker, Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Angry at Jesus’ refusal to even answer questions for him, Herod resorted to mocking Jesus. To make fun of Jesus’ claim to be a king, Herod put a royal robe on him. Herod did not even take the charge seriously. So he neither released the prisoner nor made a judgment about his guilt. He simply sent him back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate had a rather tenuous relationship. But because neither man knew what to do in this predicament, their common problem made them friends that day.

 Pilate Hands Jesus over to Be Crucified / 23:13-25

According to the Roman custom of releasing a criminal during the Passover season, Pilate presented Jesus to the people. Pilate did not want to bear the responsibility of putting an innocent man to death. But the crowd insisted on Barabbas’s freedom. That Jesus literally died in Barabbas’s place vividly illustrates the ultimate significance of Jesus’ death. He took the place of not only Barabbas but all who stand condemned before God’s perfect standard and trust in Christ for salvation.

23:13-14 Pilate thought he had gotten rid of his problem, only to have Jesus sent back. The decision still rested on his shoulders. So he attempted to let this innocent man go by telling Jesus’ accusers that he found him innocent.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – DO WHAT’S RIGHT
• When the stakes are high, it is difficult to stand up for what is right, and it is easy to see opponents as problems to be solved rather than as people to be respected. Had Pilate been a man of real courage, he would have released Jesus regardless of the consequences. But the crowd roared, and Pilate buckled. People are like Pilate when they know what is right but decide not to do it. When you have a difficult decision to make, don’t discount the effects of peer pressure. Realize beforehand that the right decision could have unpleasant consequences: social rejection, career derailment, public ridicule. Then think of Pilate and resolve to stand up for what is right no matter what other people pressure you to do.

23:15 Pilate could back up his decision with Herod’s conclusion about Jesus. Herod had mocked Jesus, but apparently had sent back word to Pilate that he could find nothing worthy of the death penalty. Jesus was tried a total of six times, by both Jewish and Roman authorities, but he was never convicted of a crime. Even when condemned to execution, he had been convicted of no felony.

23:16 The word flogged may not indicate the severe flogging that Jesus received after being sentenced, prior to the crucifixion (as noted in Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15), although John 19:1 reports Jesus being flogged and then brought before the crowd. Pilate may have hoped that the flogging would appease the crowd, and they would pity the man and let him go. Pilate was planning to release Jesus, but first he would punish him—to pacify the Jews and teach the prisoner a lesson to stay out of trouble in the future.

 23:18-19 The suggestion that Pilate was going to release Jesus (23:16) sent the leaders into a frenzy. Pilate had wanted to release Jesus as the Passover gift (Mark 15:8-9). This had been a public announcement, so many people in the crowd cried out that Jesus must be put to death. The prisoner they wanted set free was a man named Barabbas, who may have been somewhat of a hero among the Jews for his acts of rebellion against Rome. He was a true rebel and revolutionary and had even committed murder. The religious leaders had tried to pin this accusation on Jesus in order to have him put to death, but they chose a man who had done such acts and wanted him set free. Clearly their actions had no logic. They merely wanted Jesus put to death and would go to any lengths to make sure it happened.

• LIFE APPLICATION – THE DEBT
• If you were heavily in debt—to the point where you could never pay it off on your own—and someone offered to pay your debt for you, what would you say? Or if you were sentenced to life in prison, and someone offered to serve your sentence for you, how would you respond? That is what Jesus has done for believers in his death on the cross. He has paid a debt that they could never repay; he has served a sentence that they deserved. Jesus was sentenced to death by crucifixion, a horrible form of death normally reserved for slaves and non-Roman citizens. In addition, the Old Testament taught (Deuteronomy 21:23) that anyone who died by hanging on a tree was cursed. His death atoned for our sins and fulfilled the requirements for breaking the covenant with God. How do you respond toward the one who has done all that for you? The only appropriate response is to live a life of gratitude and obedience before him.

23:20-21 Pilate really wanted to release Jesus. Matthew recorded that even Pilate’s wife had experienced a dream about Jesus and had urged Pilate to let Jesus go (Matthew 27:19). Pilate must have been in a tight spot, because for some reason he put himself in the position of bargaining with the crowd. He had the authority to let Jesus go and then get on with his day; instead, he argued with them, but to no avail. They wanted Jesus to be crucified.

23:22 Pilate tried for the third time. He could not fathom why the crowd so badly wanted this man’s death. Jesus had not committed any crime, so there was no reason to sentence him to death. There are two reasons why Luke stressed these three attempts Pilate had made to release Jesus. First, Luke wanted to show through his Gospel the innocence of Jesus before Roman law. Luke was giving evidence to prove the acceptability of Christianity to his Gentile readers. Second, he was establishing the Jewish mob’s guilt for Jesus’ death.

23:23-24 Pilate wanted to release Jesus, but the crowd shouted louder and louder, so Pilate sentenced Jesus to die. No doubt Pilate did not want to risk losing his position, which may already have been shaky, by allowing a riot to occur in his province. As a career politician, he knew the importance of compromise, and he saw Jesus more as a political threat than as a human being with rights and dignity.

23:25 Pilate released Barabbas and delivered Jesus over to them to do as they wished. Matthew’s Gospel explains that Pilate took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd to symbolize his innocence in condemning Jesus (Matthew 27:24), but this act was no more than self-deception. Jesus may have been surrendered to the will of the mob, but this was still a purely Roman execution. Pilate had to command it in order for it to happen.

 Jesus Is Led Away to Be Crucified / 23:26-31

Severely beaten and worn out from the previous night’s ordeal, Jesus could not carry his cross to the crest of Golgotha. So Simon was drafted to carry Jesus’ cross. The image of Simon shouldering the cross graphically pictures what every follower of Christ should be willing to do: to take up his or her own cross daily to serve Christ (see 14:27).

23:26 Jesus was led away from Pilate and out to the place where he would be executed. Condemned prisoners had to carry the crossbeam of their own cross on their shoulders through the streets of Jerusalem and to the execution site outside the city. Jesus started to carry his cross, but, weakened from the beatings he had received, he was physically unable to carry it all the way. A man named Simon from the country of Cyrene (in northern Africa, see Acts 2:10) was coming into the city. He may have been a Jew coming on a pilgrimage to the city for the Passover, or he may have been from Cyrene but resided in Palestine. Soldiers were free by law to coerce citizens at any time. So this stranger was forced to follow Jesus and carry his cross.

 23:27-28 Luke alone wrote of the Jewish women shedding tears for Jesus while he was being led through the streets to his execution. Not everyone wanted Jesus to die. Seeing him on his way to be executed caused many, especially women along the way, to mourn and wail for him. Jesus told them not to weep for him but for themselves and for their children. He knew that in only about forty years they would face great suffering and would then mourn, weep, and wail, for at that time Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed by the Romans. This was Jesus’ third lament for the city of Jerusalem (see also 13:34-35; 19:41-44).

23:29-31 The days are coming indicates a key time in God’s judgment about to unfold (21:23). While being childless was normally a curse, the coming days in Jerusalem would be so difficult that it would be considered a blessing not to have had children. Punishment would be so great that people would want the mountains and hills to fall on them and kill them. Death would be preferred to the judgment that they would face and its accompanying misery.

This proverb about the green wood and dry wood is difficult to interpret. Some think it means that if the innocent Jesus (green wood) suffered at the hands of the Romans, what would happen to the guilty Jews (dry wood)? The “green wood” is hard to burn, so if fire burns it up, what chance has dry wood? God would not spare the rebellious hard-hearted Jewish nation from judgment. Thus, Jesus expressed his grief over the nation for the last time.

 Jesus Is Placed on the Cross / 23:32-43

Even during the final hours of Jesus’ life, when he struggled in agony for his last gasp of air, people reacted to him in a variety of ways. Even the two men who were being crucified with Jesus had starkly different reactions to Jesus.

23:32-33 Jesus was not the only “criminal” executed that morning. Two others were also led out to be crucified. In his death, Jesus truly was numbered among transgressors (22:37; Isaiah 53:12). The place called The Skull may have been a regular place of execution. It was prominent, public, and outside the city along a main road. Executions held there served as examples to the people and as deterrents to criminals.

The words are direct, but the full meaning was horrific: all three were crucified there. Instituted by the Romans, crucifixion was a feared and shameful form of execution. It was designed to prolong the gruesome pain. There were several shapes of crosses and several different methods of crucifixion. Death would come by suffocation as the person would lose strength and the weight of the body would make breathing more and more difficult. Crucifixion was the harshest form of capital punishment in the ancient world.

23:34 Jesus spoke only a few times from the cross, and his prayer of forgiveness were the first words he said. Jesus asked his Father to forgive his killers. Jesus lived and died by the words he preached: “Love your enemies” (6:27-28). They don’t know what they are doing refers most likely to the Jews, not the Roman soldiers, although all who participated in Jesus’ death were included in his prayer for forgiveness. The Jews made a serious mistake, for they failed to realize God’s plan for their nation.

Roman soldiers customarily would divide up the clothing of executed criminals among themselves. When they gambled for Jesus’ clothes, they fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 22:18. Jesus was crucified naked. John recorded that four soldiers divided the garments (John 19:23).

23:35 These men, hanging in extreme pain and humiliation on their crosses, provided hours of grisly entertainment for spectators. Luke pointed specifically at the leaders who had followed Jesus to the execution site, watched him be crucified, and now laughed and scoffed at him. Jesus had gone about the countryside healing people, but he could not save himself. They assumed that if he truly had God’s divine favor as he had claimed, then he would be able to get himself out of his present predicament. Jesus’ position there on the cross proved to them that he was not any kind of Messiah. Unfortunately, they missed the fact that this entire episode had been prophesied (Psalm 22:6-8) and was all proceeding exactly as God had planned.

• LIFE APPLICATION – FORGIVE THEM
• What is the most amazing thing you have ever seen or heard? Perhaps it was witnessing the birth of a child. Life is filled with astounding events, personal and public. But the twelve most amazing words ever spoken are found in Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” Jesus was suffering the most horrible, painful death ever devised by sinful man, and he looked at the people responsible for his suffering and prayed for their forgiveness. Amazing, astounding, unbelievable—choose your adjective. Then choose to live for this remarkable Savior and to extend his grace, mercy, and compassion to others.

23:36-37 The soldiers (presumably the Roman soldiers who had carried out the execution) had the duty that day of sitting and waiting until the men on the crosses died. They had already divided up the clothing, and then began mocking the man on the cross who had claimed to be a king. Only Luke wrote of this offer of sour wine as part of the soldiers’ mockery. They too called up to him to save himself, if he were indeed the King of the Jews.

23:38 This signboard stated the condemned person’s crime and was placed on the cross as a warning. According to John, Pilate wrote this sign in three languages: Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. The three languages meant that people of any nationality passing that way would be able to read the sign. Because Jesus was never found guilty, the only accusation placed on his sign was the “crime” of calling himself King of the Jews. Perhaps this was another way for Pilate to show contempt for the Jews—here was their king, stripped and executed in public view.

23:39 One of the criminals scoffed at Jesus, even though the three of them were facing the same horrible deaths. One of them seems to have picked up on the taunts of the religious leaders: if Jesus were indeed the Messiah, then he should save himself and them. Obviously these words were no more than barbed sarcasm. All three were beyond hope, beyond the point of being saved—physically.

• LIFE APPLICATION-PERSPECTIVE
• Have you ever listened to two people describe an event from completely different perspectives—a car accident, perhaps, or a political debate? Their descriptions sound so divergent that you may wonder if they are talking about the same thing. Luke recorded something like that in 23:39-41: two criminals, dying the same horrifying death, on opposite sides of the cross of Christ. The first man (apparently) died in his sins; the second received forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. Perspective makes all the difference. Ask God to help you get or maintain proper perspective in your walk with him—that of a forgiven sinner made clean by the grace of God.

23:40-43 The other criminal, however, protested, pointing out that they deserved their sentence, but Jesus did not. There, on the cross, receiving punishment for what his deeds deserved, this criminal faced himself, feared God, and said: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” The dying criminal had more faith than all the rest of Jesus’ followers put together. By all appearances, the Kingdom was finished. How awe-inspiring is the faith of this man who alone saw beyond the present shame to the coming glory!

• LIFE APPLICATION- NEVER TOO LATE
• As this criminal was about to die, he turned to Christ for forgiveness, and Christ accepted him. This shows that deeds don’t save—faith in Christ does. It is never too late to turn to God.  Jesus had mercy on this criminal who decided to believe in him. People’s lives will be much more useful and fulfilling if they turn to God early, but even those who repent at the very last moment will be with God in paradise. Help others see that “today” is the time of opportunity. Bring them to Christ for his forgiveness.
• LIFE APPLICATION – SAVING FAITH
• Sometimes churches or individual believers give the impression that becoming a Christian is a complicated process. You must ascribe to a certain set of beliefs, join a particular church, and read a specific translation of the Bible. Contrast that with the simple cry of a dying thief: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And with those words, the man received a response that has brought comfort and relief to countless men and women ever since: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Such simplicity in those words, and yet such power! Christians should study, be faithful church members, and read God’s Word—and never forget how simple salvation really is.

Jesus Dies on the Cross / 23:44-49

It seemed to most onlookers that day that a poor, deluded man had been executed without good reason. But on that Friday, a huge spiritual battle was being waged unseen. Satan rejoiced that Jesus was going to die. The angels in heaven looked on in sorrow, held back from intervening by the hand of God. God himself looked away from his Son as the sins of the world descended upon him. But Jesus was actually gaining a huge victory. His death and resurrection would strike the deathblow to Satan’s rule and would establish Christ’s eternal authority over the earth. Few people reading the sign that bleak afternoon understood its real meaning, but the sign was absolutely true. All was not lost. Jesus is King of the Jews—and the Gentiles, and the whole universe.

23:44 Jesus had been placed on the cross at nine o’clock in the morning. Three hours had passed, hours of excruciating pain and physical agony. Then, it was noon, and at the height of the day, an eerie darkness fell across the whole land for three hours. How this darkness occurred is unknown, but it is clear that God caused it to happen. All nature seemed to mourn over the stark tragedy of the death of God’s Son. The darkness was both physical and spiritual—for while nature mourned, this was also the time when darkness reigned (22:53).

23:45 Obviously the darkness that covered the land meant that somehow the light from the sun was gone. Luke did not explain it, but clearly God controlled these events. Most significant and symbolic was an event that occurred in the city of Jerusalem, in the Temple, right in the inner area called the Holy Place.

The Temple had three parts: the courts for all the people; the Holy Place, where only priests could enter; and the Most Holy Place, where the high priest alone could enter once a year to atone for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:1-34). In the Most Holy Place, the ark of the covenant and God’s presence rested. As Jesus suffered on the cross and as darkness covered the land, the thick veil hanging in the Temple was torn apart. The veil (curtain) that was torn was the one that closed off the Most Holy Place from view. Symbolically, that curtain separated holy God from sinful people. The writer of Hebrews saw this tearing of the curtain as God’s way of removing the barrier between himself and humanity. Now sinful people could approach the holy God directly through Christ (Hebrews 9:1-14; 10:19-22). From then on, God would not reside behind a curtain in the Temple, he would take up residence in his people.

23:46 In committing his spirit to the Father, Jesus died, fulfilling the words of Psalm 31:5. Jesus did not faint; he did not become unconscious only to be revived later—he breathed his last. Jesus died as a human being—voluntarily, sacrificially, in the place of sinners.

23:47 Matthew, Mark, and Luke all point to the head Roman soldier, the captain, who had apparently been in charge of carrying out this execution. Upon seeing what had happened, he realized that Jesus had been no ordinary person. Presumably this soldier had carried out other such executions, but never had he experienced what he did at this one. This Gentile soldier understood something that most of the Jewish nation had missed: Surely this man was innocent. The captain understood that Jesus had not deserved what he received, yet Jesus had borne it all with dignity, courage, and even words of forgiveness.

23:48 Miracles had occurred out there on the hill—darkness, an earthquake, dead people walking, and the torn veil in the Temple that no one had probably heard about yet. Perhaps the crowd expected, through all that, to see Jesus come down off the cross and be their Messiah. But he didn’t. He died. The onlookers in the crowd, who had come to see the spectacle of this execution went home in deep sorrow.

23:49 The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee are named in 8:2-3. John wrote that besides himself, Jesus’ mother was also there, as well as others (John 19:25-26). Perhaps Jesus’ mother, watching at a distance, finally understood Simeon’s words from years before (2:35). Among Jesus’ disciples, only John was at the cross.

Jesus Is Laid in the Tomb / 23:50-56

Sometimes the worst circumstances bring out the best in people. In this case, two secret disciples—Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (according to John 19:38-39)—openly expressed their allegiance to Jesus. Joseph was a member of the council, and Nicodemus was a Pharisee.

23:50-51 The scene shifts away from the cross to a man, a member of the Jewish high council who had not agreed with the decision and actions of the other religious leaders. Apparently the death sentence for Jesus had not been a unanimous vote. Joseph had been against it, as had another member of the council named Nicodemus (John 3:1; 19:38-42). Both of these men came to bury Jesus’ body. Their commitment to Jesus forced them out of hiding.

Joseph was from the town of Arimathea, about twenty-two miles northwest of Jerusalem. Joseph was a secret disciple of Jesus (John 19:38) who was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come (suggesting that he was a Pharisee, not a Sadducee). The disciples who had publicly followed Jesus had fled, but Joseph boldly took a stand that could cost him dearly. He cared enough about Jesus to ask for his body so he could give it a proper burial.

23:52 Joseph had to go to Pilate to ask if he could have Jesus’ body in order to give it a proper burial. Apparently Pilate alone could give this permission, and this may not have been an easy thing to do—going back to Pilate who was already furious at the Jewish leaders. Mark recorded that Pilate was surprised that Jesus was already dead and asked the Roman captain for verification (Mark 15:44-45).

• LIFE APPLICATION – NONCONFORMITY
• In every organization, every institution, every society, there is an “inner circle,” a privileged few who seem to have disproportionate power and influence over others in that field. Most long to be in that “inner circle” and to have the power and enjoy the prestige that come with it. Unfortunately, some will do almost anything to become a part of it and, once in, almost anything to stay in it. Contrast this with Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish Council and a secret believer in Jesus. He was a member of the “inner circle,” yet he risked giving it all up when he asked to be given Jesus’ body for burial. This must have put Joseph at odds with the other Council members and possibly even caused them to ostracize him. He was willing to risk it all for Jesus. How much are you willing to risk for the one who gave his life for you?

23:53 Joseph had to hurry; Sabbath was fast approaching. Fortunately he had help. John wrote that Nicodemus, another member of the council, brought spices for the burial. Probably along with the help of several servants, Jesus’ body was carefully taken down from the cross, washed, wrapped in layers of linen cloth with the spices in between, and laid in a tomb. Jesus was given a burial fit for a king.

The tomb was likely a man-made cave cut out of one of the many limestone hills in the area around Jerusalem. Such a tomb was large enough to walk into. Some caves were large enough to hold several bodies, but this tomb had never been used—in fact, it was owned by Joseph himself (Matthew 27:60). Such tombs were for wealthy people. So Jesus had a proper burial. After Jesus’ burial, a large stone was rolled across the entrance to the tomb (John 20:1).

23:54 Friday of every week was the day of preparation for the Sabbath—all necessary work had to be completed before Sabbath began at sundown on Friday. Sabbath ended at sundown on Saturday. Jesus died just a few hours before sundown on Friday. Joseph had to hurry in order to complete this burial before the Sabbath began.

23:55-56 The women from Galilee who had been at the cross followed Joseph to the tomb. This way, they would know exactly where to find Jesus’ body when they would return after the Sabbath with their spices and ointments. Anointing a body was a sign of love, devotion, and respect. Bringing spices to the tomb would be like bringing flowers to a grave today. Since bodies were not embalmed in Israel, perfumes were normally used. The women undoubtedly knew that Joseph and Nicodemus had already wrapped the body in linen and spices. They were probably going to do a simple external application of the fragrant spices. After seeing where the body was laid, they went home and rested as the law required, planning to return at first light on Sunday morning.

• LIFE APPLICATION – DO WHAT YOU CAN
• These women could not do “great” things for Jesus—they were not permitted to stand up before the Jewish Council or the Roman governor and testify on his behalf—but they did what they could. They stayed at the cross when most of the disciples had fled, and they got ready to anoint their Lord’s body. Because of their devotion, they were the first to know about the Resurrection. Believers may feel that they can’t do much for Jesus. But they must take advantage of the opportunities given to them by doing what they can do and not worrying about what they cannot do.

Wow, that was moving.  Thank God death is not the end for Jesus Christ.  The best is yet to come. Sunday is on the way!  Darrell

Sources: Life Application Bible Commentary, Life Application Concise New Testament Commentary

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Today we read of Judas betraying Jesus.  We also observe the following: the Last Supper and the basis of observing Communion along with a vital teaching on the importance of serving others.  We see Jesus praying while the disciples are sleeping.  Jesus being arrested and Peter denying him.  The temple guards mocking and beating Jesus and the religious leaders condemning him in their so called trial.  It’s a long but very moving chapter.

Religious Leaders Plan to Kill Jesus / 22:1-2

Luke began the final section of his Gospel (22:1–24:53) with a short statement of the evil intentions of the chief priests and the teachers of religious law. They were diligently looking for an opportunity to have Jesus arrested and executed.

22:1 All Jewish males over the age of twelve were required to go to Jerusalem for Passover. This would be followed by a seven-day festival called the Festival of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:15-20). For these festivals, Jews from all over the Roman Empire would converge on Jerusalem to celebrate one of the most important events in their history. Passover took place on one night and at one meal, but the Festival of Unleavened Bread would continue for a week. The Passover celebration commemorated the night the Israelites were freed from Egypt (Exodus 12).

22:2 The religious leaders’ opposition to Jesus had grown to such a point that they were actively plotting Jesus’ murder. There is a certain irony in seeing these leaders celebrating the Exodus while plotting to kill one of their own at the same time. But they had a problem: they greatly feared the people. Jesus was a popular teacher, and there were many Galileans in the city who would have rioted if Jesus had been taken captive. The religious leaders felt that they had to kill him because of his growing popularity (20:19; 22:6).

 Judas Plans to Betray Jesus / 22:3-6

The Jewish religious leaders had opposed Jesus from the beginning (6:7; 7:29-30; 11:53; 19:47), and their opposition had grown more fierce in the last couple of days (see 20:1-8, 20-26, 27-40). But here the plot thickened. Judas struck a deal with the Jewish council to betray Jesus for money.

22:3-4 The leaders’ opportunity to get to Jesus came in a manner they least expected. One of Jesus’ twelve disciples came to them willing to act as betrayer and accuser. Luke explained that Satan entered into Judas Iscariot (see also John 12:6; 13:2, 27). Satan assumed that Jesus’ death would end Jesus’ mission and thwart God’s plan. Like Judas, Satan did not know that Jesus’ death and resurrection were the most important parts of God’s plan all along.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – BETRAYAL
• Judas decided to betray Jesus, and thereby Judas became one of the worst villains in history. His name has become synonymous with treachery, betrayal, and untrustworthiness. Yet, every believer has to face the ugly reality that there is a potential Judas in each person. Put in the right (or wrong) circumstance, facing the right amount of pressure, everyone is capable of betrayal, even betraying the Messiah.  Ask God for the grace to never betray Jesus. Your task is to remain faithful to Jesus and not be Satan’s pawn.

22:5-6 Naturally these leaders were delighted at this unexpected defection from Jesus’ ranks. Matthew alone recorded the exact reward—thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32; Matthew 26:15). The religious leaders had planned to wait until after the Passover to take Jesus, but with Judas’s unexpected offer, they accelerated their plans. Judas, in turn, began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus when there would be no Passover crowds to prevent Jesus’ capture and no possibility of a riot.

 Disciples Prepare for the Passover / 22:7-13

Jesus and the disciples were one group out of thousands needing a place to celebrate the Passover meal in Jerusalem. Jesus’ instructions to Peter and John reveal God’s complete control over all the events surrounding Jesus’ final days on earth. The room where the disciples would celebrate the Last Supper had been prepared (22:12), and Jesus knew every detail, even how Peter and John would find the room (22:10).

22:7-8 Jesus and his disciples had been together long enough to celebrate Passover several times. Disciples often ate this celebratory meal with their teacher, so it was not unusual for Jesus to send Peter and John to prepare the Passover meal for him and his disciples.

• LIFE APPLICATION- SACRIFICE
• The first Passover took place in Egypt, as the people of Israel prepared to receive God’s protection from the slaying of the firstborn son and God’s deliverance from bondage. The first Lord’s Supper, the new covenant counterpart to Passover, took place in an upper room in Jerusalem, as the disciples prepared to witness the death of God’s “firstborn” and the deliverance he purchased from the bondage of sin. In reading the Old Testament, it is disturbing how often the people of Israel forgot all that God did for them in the Exodus and in bringing them to the Promised Land. Do believers today do a better job of remembering and showing their gratitude as God’s new covenant people? Take some time today to thank God for the incomparable gift of your redemption and salvation.

22:9-11 Peter and John needed to know where they should go to prepare the Passover meal. They would need a location big enough for Jesus and the twelve disciples. Jesus’ answer indicates that he had, in advance, made many of these preparations. Jesus knew that he needed safety and security in order to avoid being taken prematurely. The time in the upper room was a precious time for Jesus and his disciples, as the record of the conversation and teaching shows (recorded in John 13–17).

As the two disciples entered Jerusalem, they would see a man carrying a pitcher of water. Ordinarily, women, not men, went to the well and brought home the water. So this man would have stood out in the crowd. They should follow this man to his house, and the owner of that house would show them to the room where they would eat together. This private location kept the plans secret—even Judas would not know their destination until they arrived.

Tradition says that this may have been Mark’s home (the writer of the Gospel). If this speculation is true, the owner of the house would have been Mark’s father and one of Jesus’ followers. He knew exactly who the Teacher was and probably knew the disciples by sight. The disciples did as Jesus directed and made preparations for the others.

22:12-13 The owner of the house would take Peter and John upstairs to a large room already set up. Many homes had large upstairs rooms, sometimes with stairways both inside and outside the house. This room was large enough to accommodate Jesus and his twelve disciples for a banquet at a large table with reclining couches. It seems that Jesus had prearranged this because he already knew what the room looked like—it was large, furnished, and ready.

As before, when two disciples went to get the donkey for Jesus to ride into Jerusalem (19:29-32), they found everything just as Jesus had said. The preparations for the Passover would have included setting the table, buying and roasting the Passover lamb, and making the unleavened bread, sauces, and other ceremonial food and drink that were a traditional part of every Passover meal.

 Jesus and the Disciples Have the Last Supper / 22:14-30

Although the Gospel of John goes into great detail recounting what Jesus said and did during his last Passover meal (see John 13:1–17:26), Luke’s Gospel merely highlights Jesus’ institution of the Lord’s Supper (22:17-20), his prediction of his betrayal (22:21-23), his teaching on service (22:24-27), and his prediction of Peter’s denial (22:31-34).

22:14 Peter and John had been sent ahead to prepare the meal, then at the appointed time to eat, Jesus and the twelve apostles arrived and assumed their seats at the table. The Passover meal was supposed to be eaten in Jerusalem after sunset and finished before midnight. The disciples and Jesus took their places on the reclining couches around the table. During such an important meal as the Passover, everyone would recline at the table, symbolizing the freedom the people had gained after the very first Passover and their subsequent release from slavery in Egypt.

• LIFE APPLICATION-THE ALREADY AND THE NOT YET
• Jesus’ last supper with his disciples is a poignant picture of something all Christians experience: the fulfillment of their present relationship with him and the longing for their future completion in him. Jesus “eagerly desired” to share the Passover meal with his closest friends, the disciples; at the same time Jesus looked forward to its ultimate fulfillment at his return. Believers today live an in-between life as followers of Christ. They already experience the peace, forgiveness, and satisfaction, that come from knowing Jesus. Yet they also long for the consummation of their faith, that day when believers will be perfected and completed in his presence. Do you sometimes feel that tension? If so, don’t worry. It is the normal experience of God’s people awaiting the return of Christ.

22:15-16 Jesus had looked forward to this quiet time with his disciples. We know from John’s Gospel that a great deal was said during the Passover meal. These would be Jesus’ “last words”—thus words of vital importance to these to whom he was entrusting the carrying on of his work. Jesus knew that his time of suffering would soon come, and that he would not celebrate this event again until it comes to fulfillment in the Kingdom of God. The mention of “fulfillment” reveals the complete and ultimate significance of the entire Passover celebration. While Passover commemorated a past event, it also foreshadowed Jesus’ work on the cross. As the spotless Lamb of God, his blood would be spilled in order to save his people from the penalty of death brought by sin. At that time, those who belong to Christ will sit down at a glorious banquet (see 13:29; 14:15-24; Isaiah 25:6-8; Revelation 19:7-9). Jesus will not celebrate Passover until God’s plan is complete.

22:17-18 This Gospel mentions two cups of wine. In the traditional Passover meal, the wine is served four times. A fourth cup of wine would conclude the meal. Jesus made the vow to abstain from wine before the fourth cup. Jesus reserved the drinking of this cup for the future restoration. Because Jesus would be raised, so his followers will be raised. One day all believers will be together again in God’s new Kingdom (see 11:2) The Kingdom of God refers to the time of the complete fulfillment of the rule of God. When Jesus celebrates with his people, all God’s promises, power, and authority will be fully realized.

22:19 Jesus took the loaf of unleavened bread, thanked God, and broke it. Because bread was considered a gift from God, it was irreverent to cut bread with a knife, so bread would be torn (or broken) with the hands. Jesus gave the bread to the disciples to eat with the sauce. As he did so, he gave this Passover practice an entirely new meaning. Just as the Passover celebrated deliverance from slavery in Egypt, so the Lord’s Supper celebrates deliverance from sin by Christ’s death. Jesus told the disciples: “This is my body, given for you.” Jesus used literal terms to describe a figurative truth. Just as he had so many times said, “I am” the door, the bread, the light, the vine, so the bread symbolized Jesus’ work of salvation on behalf of humanity. That his body would “be given” pictures the cross on which Jesus gave his body in death, allowing it to be broken so that believers could receive life.

Jesus told the disciples to eat the broken bread in remembrance of me. He wanted them to remember his sacrifice, the basis for forgiveness of sins, and also his friendship that they could continue to enjoy through the work of the Holy Spirit.

• LIFE APPLICATION – IN REMEMBRANCE
• In a memorial service, words are spoken or actions taken to pay tribute to the deceased. People may say, “I’m doing this because I know that’s the way ___ would have wanted it.” Think how inappropriate it would be for someone to clearly go against the deceased’s wishes or principles. When believers celebrate Communion, they do more than hold a memorial service. The Savior who died is alive and well, and he is present and involved in Communion. How much more, then, should believers want to conduct themselves—actions, attitudes, thoughts, and words—in a manner consistent with the love and compassion of Jesus. The next time you participate in the Lord’s Supper, give serious consideration to how you will live “in remembrance of him.”

22:20 As noted above, in a traditional Passover meal, wine is served four times. Most likely, the cup mentioned in this verse was the third cup; the words of 22:17-18 were spoken about the fourth and final cup that Jesus did not drink, vowing first to complete his mission before drinking again of wine. Jesus took this cup and explained, “This wine is the token of God’s new covenant to save you.”

In Old Testament times, God agreed to forgive people’s sins if they brought animals for the priests to sacrifice. When this sacrificial system was inaugurated, the agreement between God and sinful humanity was sealed with the blood of animals (Exodus 24:8). But animal blood did not in itself remove sin (only God can forgive sin), and animal sacrifices had to be repeated day by day and year after year. Jesus instituted a “new covenant” or agreement between humans and God. Under this new covenant, Jesus would die in the place of sinners. Unlike the blood of animals, his blood would seal the agreement between God and people to remove the sins of all who put their faith in him.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – PAYMENT
• Imagine that you are in an upscale jewelry store when a child walks in and intentionally destroys a very valuable item. The store owner, understandably outraged, demands that the child come up with a way to pay for what he has done. The child, holding out his empty pockets, says he doesn’t have the money to pay for it, and that his allowance is only a dollar a week. He’ll never be able to pay off his debt. Into this impasse a man steps forward and says, “I have the money, and I’ll pay the boy’s debt. Is that acceptable?” That is, in effect, what Christ did when he enacted the new covenant. Under the old covenant with its system of sacrifices, sins were “atoned for” by animal sacrifice. But it was never enough, and it wasn’t permanent. The new covenant, however, has been ushered in by the blood of Christ—the ultimate, completely sufficient, and final payment for sin. How do you respond to God’s gracious offer—with grateful acceptance, or callous indifference?

22:21 Verses 3-6 revealed that the man who will betray Jesus is Judas Iscariot. Although the other disciples were confused by Jesus’ words, Judas knew what he meant. The betrayer was there among them, joining them in the meal, one of Jesus’ chosen twelve disciples. Jesus’ words allude to Psalm 41:9.

22:22 Jesus’ death was part of the divine purpose; Jesus recognized that. But this does not remove responsibility from the betrayer. Judas allowed his desires to place him in a position where Satan could manipulate him (22:3). In betraying Jesus, Judas made the greatest mistake in history. But the fact that Jesus knew Judas would betray him does not mean that Judas was a puppet of God’s will. Judas made the choice. God knew what that choice would be and confirmed it. Judas didn’t lose his relationship with Jesus; rather, he had never found Jesus in the first place. Judas, by his own choice, betrayed God’s Son into the hands of soldiers, but Judas’s betrayal was part of God’s sovereign plan (Psalm 41:9; Zechariah 11:12-13; Matthew 20:18; 26:20-25; Acts 1:16, 20).

•  LIFE APPLICATION- RESPONSIBILITY
• People have argued for centuries about whether or not Judas was to blame for what he did, or whether he merely played the part God had written out for him. While there can be no doubt that what Judas did was part of God’s sovereign plan of redemption, Luke 22:22 also makes it clear that Judas was responsible. How easy it is for people to blame their sins on others—even God! They use his sovereignty and his omnipotence as an excuse for their own moral and spiritual failures. Is there a sin or lack of obedience in some area in your life that you need to face and for which you need to take responsibility? Stop making excuses. Confess, repent, and let God forgive you and restore your relationship with him.

It must be remembered that while Judas betrayed him, all the disciples fled, and Peter even denied ever knowing Jesus. But all those disciples came to Jesus for forgiveness; Judas never took that opportunity. Instead, he killed himself (Matthew 27:3-5).

22:23 Apparently, Judas was not obvious as the betrayer. After all, he was the one the disciples were trusting to keep the money (John 12:4-6). So the disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing. Only Judas knew that Jesus had identified him as the betrayer. Judas had been able to keep his treachery a secret from everyone, except the one he would betray.

22:24 The most important event in human history was about to take place, and the disciples were still arguing about their prestige in the Kingdom! The disciples, wrapped up in their own concerns, did not perceive what Jesus had been trying to tell them about his approaching death and resurrection. The disciples had already had this discussion (9:46) and Jesus had told them that they should be like children—the least among them would be the greatest (9:48). As before, they were either ignoring his words about his death, or they were wondering who would take over when Jesus died.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – TRUE GREATNESS
• Most people occasionally dream of being great in the eyes of the world. In those dreams, they imagine themselves as famous, wealthy, powerful, sought-after. Perhaps they see themselves having meetings with presidents and prime ministers, shielding their eyes from the glare of the television cameras, capturing the attention of the world through their accomplishments and reputation.  Jesus’ definition of greatness has very little to do with any of that. Jesus said greatness is defined in terms of servanthood and humility—quite a contrast from the world’s idea. If by God’s grace you attain any greatness in the eyes of the world, thank him for it. But never forget that those who are great in God’s eyes are those who forget about themselves and give themselves away to others in Jesus’ name.

22:25-26 The world’s system of leadership varies greatly from leadership in God’s Kingdom. But among Christians, the master is to be like a servant. There are different styles of leadership—some lead through public speaking, some through administering, some through relationships. Whatever the style, every Christian leader needs a servant’s heart. Jesus immediately corrected his disciples’ attitudes, for they would be unable to accomplish their mission if they did not love and serve one another.

• LIFE APPLICATION – LEADERSHIP
• Who do you think of as being a great leader? A political figure, perhaps, or a military general or head coach of a sports team? No doubt there are many in those fields who command people’s respect and attention. But Jesus said that leadership is not primarily a matter of getting people to jump when ordered. Instead, he said a leader is to be a servant. It’s true that not everyone will respect or even understand servant leadership, but Jesus never promised that faithfulness to God would be popular—only rewarded. What is your leadership style? Do you expect those under your authority to serve you, or do you serve them? Jesus’ model is clear: true leadership is servant leadership.

22:27 Jesus did not come to sit at the table and be served; he came as a servant. Greatness is determined by servanthood. The truly great leader places his or her needs last, as Jesus exemplified. Because Jesus served, his disciples must also seek to serve, not seeking to occupy better positions. Being a “servant” did not mean occupying a servile position; rather, it meant having an attitude of life that freely attended to others’ needs without expecting or demanding anything in return. An attitude of service brings true greatness in God’s Kingdom.

22:28-30 The disciples had remained true to Jesus throughout the three years of ministry and the hardships it often entailed (9:58). They had been willing to be servants, sharing the gospel message and healing people through Jesus’ power (9:1-6). The words, “I now grant you the right to eat and drink at my table in that Kingdom,” refer to Jesus’ promise that because of their faith in him, they would enjoy the promised messianic banquet with him. This would happen, not immediately, but in due time. They would receive all that he had promised. In addition, they would also sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. The “thrones” and “tribes” can be understood in different ways. (1) If taken literally, the twelve apostles will rule the tribes of Israel at Christ’s return (although this leaves open the question of Judas’s betrayal, the addition of Matthias as a disciple to replace Judas, and the role of Paul’s apostleship). (2) If not taken literally, then the disciples will oversee the church, which will have a prominent place in God’s plan. (3) This may be a promise to Jesus’ closest disciples (probably Paul would be included), who will have a special place of authority in God’s Kingdom. But the entire church, meaning all believers, is included.

The second understanding (the disciples will oversee the church) seems likely. Jesus Christ gave the Kingdom to the new Israel, his church—all faithful believers. His coming ushered in the Kingdom of God with all believers as its citizens. God may allow persecution to continue for a while, but the destiny of his followers is to possess the Kingdom and live with him forever. The apostles, and all believers, can trust that Jesus will surely accomplish all that he promised.

 Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial / 22:31-38

After describing the disciples’ glorious roles in the Kingdom of God (22:29-30), Jesus turned to the immediate trials they would face. First, Jesus warned Peter of his future denial. Second, Jesus warned them all to prepare themselves for the coming troubles.

22:31-32 Luke alone recorded these solemn words to Simon (Peter) and described Satan’s role in the upcoming difficulties all the disciples, but especially Peter, were soon to face. Satan asked to sift them like wheat, meaning a severe trial. These words recall when Satan asked God for permission to test Job (Job 1:7; 2:2). Satan wanted to crush Simon Peter and the other disciples like grains of wheat. He hoped to find only chaff and blow it away. But Jesus assured Peter that although his faith would falter, it would not be destroyed, “But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up your brothers.” Jesus prayed for faith, not the removal of the test. Apparently, he knew that Peter would fail; otherwise, there would be no need for Peter to repent. Yet Jesus was confident of this turning back, and also understood that, having faced this trial, Peter would be able to strengthen fellow believers. Indeed, the book of 1 Peter deals entirely with encouragement for believers who are undergoing trials and difficulties. Peter became a source of strength to many who needed it.

• LIFE APPLICATION – RESTORED
• Peter was certainly no stranger to failure. But Jesus made sure that Peter didn’t wallow in it. He prayed for Peter and encouraged him to “bounce back” and be a source of strength to the other disciples. The Bible and church history reveal that Peter did indeed come back from his failure to lead the early church. Satan attempts to destroy believers by accusing them of disloyalty and lack of integrity. Whatever your failure(s), learn a lesson from Peter. Remember that Jesus intercedes for you. Focus on your love for Jesus and your desire to do his will. Keep in the forefront of your mind that people need your example and leadership.

22:33-34 Peter seemed to ignore Jesus’ words regarding intercession on his behalf and simply answered with bravado. Peter considered his loyalty to exceed anyone’s, for he declared that suffering and death could not dissuade him. Peter surely wanted to believe that his loyalty to Jesus would be strong, but Jesus already knew that Peter would initially fail the test. Instead of being the only loyal disciple, Peter would, in fact, prove to be more disloyal than the other ten. Not only would he desert Jesus, but he would also deny three times that he even knew Jesus. And this would happen before the night was over.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – A PRACTICAL FAITH
• Trust God and keep your powder dry. That dusty piece of wisdom, dating from the Revolutionary War era, says that believers should do whatever they reasonably can to fend for themselves, and then place their faith in God. Jesus gave similar advice to the disciples (22:35-36). Once before he had sent them out to preach, telling them not to worry about pedestrian things like a change of clothes or money with which to buy food. And that trip had worked out just fine, as the disciples well remembered. But now—with his death looming just over the horizon—now it was time to think of more pragmatic concerns. Are you facing a significant decision or even a crisis? Do whatever you can legally, morally, and ethically to prepare yourself, and then trust God’s gracious provision for you.

22:35-36 Here Jesus would reverse his earlier advice regarding how to travel (9:3). Before, Jesus had sent the disciples out without extra resources, wanting them to depend on God and on other believers to meet their basic needs. The disciples remembered that they did not lack anything during that preaching tour. But now, Jesus explained, the situation was different. His followers needed to be prepared.

22:37-38 Jesus quoted from Isaiah 53:12 and said that those very words were about to be fulfilled. Jesus would take the place of transgressors, taking their punishment for them. Because of all that was about to happen to Jesus, the disciples would be in danger too. The disciples did not understand. The “fulfillment” of which Jesus spoke referred to his death, but the disciples were busy checking for arms with which to defend themselves. They came up with two swords, hardly enough to defend them all. But Jesus said, “That’s enough,” meaning either that this was not the time to think of using swords or that he’d had enough of their discussion. In either case, mention of a sword vividly communicated the trials they soon would face.

• LIFE APPLICATION – PRAY FOR STRENGTH
• Is there someone in your life who has demonstrated his or her love for you over and over again, to the point where you know beyond doubt that this person is for you and has your best interests at heart? If so, be very thankful, and ask yourself: would you intentionally do something to hurt that person, cause him or her grief, or bring shame or disgrace on him or her? You would never want to treat such a person that way. That’s why Jesus told the disciples that the way to overcome temptation was through prayer. Communing with God is the most powerful motivation believers have to keep his will and honor his name. Are you experiencing intense temptation, perhaps sexually, financially, legally, or ethically? When that temptation shows its seductive face, look past it and into the eyes of the one who loves you enough to die for you—and do what honors him the most.

Jesus Agonizes in the Garden / 22:39-46

Throughout his Gospel, Luke highlighted Jesus’ consistent prayer life. This section provides an intimate look at Jesus’ dependence on prayer, right before his greatest hour of need. For Jesus, prayer was not an escape, but a respite; not a way to avoid difficulty, but a way to strengthen himself to endure it.

22:39 The disciples and Jesus finished the Passover meal and the lengthy teaching recorded in John (John 13:31–17:26); then they left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. Apparently, this was a favorite place for Jesus and the disciples. Up to this point, Jesus and the disciples had been returning each night to Bethany; but this time, Jesus only went as far as the Mount of Olives, located just to the east of Jerusalem. Jesus went up the southwestern slope to an olive grove called Gethsemane.

22:40 Jesus asked the disciples to pray that they would not be overcome by temptation because he knew that he would soon be leaving them. Jesus also knew that they would need extra strength to face the temptations ahead—temptations to run away or to deny their relationship with him. They were about to see Jesus arrested and then crucified. The disciples’ strongest temptation would undoubtedly be to think that they had been deceived.

22:41-42 Jesus walked away, knelt down, and prayed. Jesus exposed his dread of the coming trials, but he also reaffirmed his commitment to do what God wanted. In deep anguish, he asked the Father to let the mission be accomplished some other way not requiring the agony of crucifixion, when he would become sin and be separated from the Father. The cup of suffering meant the terrible agony he knew he would endure—not only the horror of the crucifixion but, even worse, the total separation from God that he would have to experience in order to die for the world’s sins. The “cup” in the Old Testament could be a symbol of blessing (Psalms 16:5; 23:5) or of cursing (Psalms 11:6; 75:8). A whole nation could “drink a cup” of either blessings or curses (Isaiah 51:22; Jeremiah 25:15; 49:12; Ezekiel 23:31-33).

Jesus was not trying to get out of his mission, however. He reaffirmed his desire to do what God wanted by saying, “Yet I want your will, not mine.” Jesus’ human will was distinct from God’s will, but it did not oppose God’s will. His prayer reveals his terrible suffering, but he willingly placed himself in his Father’s hands.

• LIFE APPLICATION-  “I DON’T WANT TO, LORD”
• Following Jesus may put believers in situations where they confront tough choices, where doing right will cost them physically, emotionally, or financially. At a time like that, you may tell God, “I don’t want to do what you want me to do here. I do not want to pay the price.” Jesus had a horrible choice in front of him: go to the cross and redeem fallen mankind, or avoid the suffering and death and let mankind be lost. He knew what was right, and he didn’t want to go through with it. But he obeyed his Father. Are you in a crisis of obedience right now? It’s all right to tell God you don’t want to obey. He understands. Just be sure you do what he tells you in spite of your reluctance.

22:43-44 This portion is often bracketed and/or noted in most modern English versions because it does not appear in many of the earliest manuscripts. Here an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened Jesus. Angels are God’s emissaries, sent to do his bidding, ministering to people on earth. God sent an angel to be with Jesus in this horrible time of fear, and perhaps even temptation far worse than what Satan tried. In his humanity, Jesus suffered terribly during this night, battling what he knew had to happen. Jesus was in extreme agony; his prayer reveals his terrible suffering. Luke was speaking metaphorically. Jesus did not sweat blood, but rather the emotional agony he felt caused the perspiration to fall like clotted blood. The focus of this prayer was probably not so much on the painful death but on the agony of being separated from God. God did not take away the “cup,” for the cup was his will. Yet he did take away Jesus’ extreme fear and agitation. Jesus moved serenely through the next several hours, at peace with God, knowing that he was doing his Father’s will.

22:45 Jesus got up at last from praying—how long he struggled in prayer is not revealed, but the hour was late. Matthew wrote that Jesus went back and forth three times between praying and checking on the disciples, each time finding them asleep (Matthew 26:40-45). Jesus needed his friends to support him with their prayers, but they were asleep, exhausted from grief. It had been a long day and the reality of Jesus’ impending death left them emotionally exhausted.

22:46 Jesus told the disciples that this was the time to get up and pray, for very soon they would face the temptation to run away or to deny their relationship with him. They would need extra strength so that these temptations would not overpower them. The word “temptation” can mean testing or trial. Jesus wanted his disciples to pray for strength to go through the coming ordeal.

Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested / 22:47-53

Despite all of Jesus’ warnings about the coming trouble, the disciples were unprepared for it when the moment arrived. Judas, formerly one of them, appeared and betrayed Jesus with a kiss. The disciples attempted to defend Jesus, and then fled, as Jesus gave himself over to an illegal arrest.

22:47 Even as Jesus spoke the words about not being overcome by temptation (22:46), a mob approached. The leader was Judas, who had gone to the Jewish religious leaders in order to betray Jesus (22:3-4). He was at the Last Supper with Jesus and the other disciples (Matthew 26:25) and then had abruptly left, apparently to let the leaders know where to find Jesus (John 13:27). Judas came up to Jesus and greeted him with a kiss. Judas had told the crowd to arrest the man whom he would kiss (Matthew 26:48).

• LIFE APPLICATION- EMPTY GESTURE
• A kiss is the traditional greeting among men in certain parts of the world. In this case, it was also the agreed-upon signal to point out Jesus. It is ironic that a gesture of greeting would be the means of betrayal. It was a hollow gesture because of Judas’s treachery. In a sense, people can still betray Christ when their acts of service or giving are insincere or carried out merely for show.

22:48 With this kiss of greeting, Judas showed himself to be the ultimate traitor. He had eaten with Jesus only hours before, and here he used a sign of friendship and affection in his betrayal. Apparently Jesus understood that this greeting had been designated as a signal. Jesus asked, “Judas, how can you betray me, the Son of Man, with a kiss?” This was the height of disloyalty and hypocrisy.

22:49-51 Apparently the arrival of the mob had awakened the sleeping disciples, and they came fully awake and ready to fight. One of them slashed at the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. The Gospel of John reveals that the man who cut off the servant’s ear was Peter and that the servant’s name was Malchus (John 18:10). Peter may have thought that this was the time to fight, the time to defend themselves, but Jesus told Peter, “Don’t resist anymore.” Peter should put away his sword and allow God’s plan to unfold. Jesus’ time of prayer had made him serene in God’s will. He would comply with God’s plan. So he healed the man’s ear. Even as Jesus was being led away to face what would be the most difficult of trials, he first stopped to care for this member of the mob, restoring his ear.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – PEOPLE OF THE NIGHT
• There’s a reason that most crimes and other illicit activities take place in the darkness: Those who engage in them don’t want anyone else to see. They don’t want to get caught, and they wish to hide under the cover of darkness. Jesus told his accusers that they were people of the night in 22:52-53: “This is your hour—when darkness reigns” (niv). What a shameful allegation and equally undeniable. Is there anything in your life that cannot stand the light of day or the light of truth right now? Confess it and expose it to the light of God’s grace, and let him remove its shadow from you.

22:52-53 Apparently many of the religious leaders had come together to take part in this arrest. Jesus pointed out the ridiculous picture of all these men coming after him with swords and clubs. Jesus also pointed out the basic cowardice in their actions. He had been among them every day in the Temple, but they had not laid a hand on him. We know from 20:19 and 22:2 that they had not arrested Jesus in the Temple for fear of a riot. Instead, they came secretly at night, under the influence of the prince of darkness, Satan himself. Although it looked as if Satan was getting the upper hand and that darkness was in control, everything was proceeding according to God’s plan. It was time for Jesus to die.

 Peter Denies Knowing Jesus / 22:54-65

Peter’s confidence and courage had wilted under pressure. Only several hours before, he had courageously asserted that he would follow Jesus to prison—or even to death. At this point, however, he was repeatedly denying any association with Jesus. Each denial distanced Peter further from him. The best part of this sad story is that it did not end here.

22:54 Jesus did not resist arrest, his disciples had turned and run (Mark 14:50), so Jesus was led away to the high priest’s residence, even though it was not yet daylight. The Jewish leaders were in a hurry because they wanted to complete the execution before the Sabbath and get on with the Passover celebration. The high priest’s residence was a palace with outer walls enclosing a courtyard. That this trial should occur here was unprecedented. Normally the council would meet in a large hall in the Temple area. They could have met there because during the Passover, the Temple opened at midnight rather than at dawn. This meeting at Caiaphas’s home may have been to aid in a hasty assembly; however, they still could just as easily have met in a normal location. Most likely, it was their desire to avoid a riot that led them to this more private setting. Peter followed the mob from far behind, along with John (John 18:15).

22:55 As mentioned above, this courtyard was probably in a central area of the buildings that made up the high priest’s residence. In the courtyard, the guards lit a fire, around which the servants and soldiers were warming themselves against the early morning chill. Peter joined the others around the fire.

22:56-57 John wrote that this servant girl was acting as a guard at the gate to the inner courtyard (John 18:16). She apparently noticed Peter in the firelight, staring at him. Then the girl realized where she had seen Peter before—he was one of Jesus’ followers. This put Peter in a difficult position. Standing among the soldiers and servants right there in enemy territory, Peter did not necessarily want to be identified with the man held in an upstairs room, on trial for his life. So Peter made a natural and impulsive response—he lied. “Woman . . . I don’t even know the man!” Temptation came when Peter least expected it. This serves as a warning to all believers to be prepared. Peter had been ready to fight with a sword, but not to face the accusations of a servant girl.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – STAYING CLOSE
• How could Peter deny Jesus before a servant girl and two other bystanders? After all, this was the same man who only hours earlier had showed considerable courage by drawing a sword and trying to defend Jesus in front of armed soldiers. Perhaps the lesson is that temptation and compromise are most powerful when they do not come in obvious ways. But an even better lesson is this: as long as Peter was with Jesus, he was bold and aggressive. Left on his own, he wasn’t. Stay close to Jesus in your devotions, Bible study, and worship. Anyone is capable of denying the Lord and selling him out when he or she stands alone.

22:58 Peter could run, but he couldn’t hide. He got away from the questioning servant girl only to run into someone else who also recognized him as one of them (one of Jesus’ followers). But Peter again denied it.

22:59-60 This time, another bystander heard Peter’s Galilean accent which was closer to Syrian speech than to that of the Judean servants in the Jerusalem courtyard. Thus the group concluded that Peter must have been with the Galilean on trial inside the palace. Peter again replied in the negative, claiming to not even know what they were talking about. These three denials did not occur quickly, one immediately after another. Time elapsed in between, yet Peter could not control himself. As he spoke these words of his third denial, the rooster crowed, signaling the early morning hour.

22:61-62 Peter’s denials fulfilled Jesus’ words to him (22:34). When Peter heard the rooster crowing and then saw Jesus turn and look at him (either from the upper story where the trial was being held or as he passed through the courtyard between visits with Annas and Caiaphas), Peter remembered what Jesus had said to him earlier (12:9). Peter had indeed denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed.

Peter left the courtyard, crying bitterly. His tears were not only because he realized that he had denied his Lord, the Messiah, but also because he had turned away from a very dear friend, a person who had loved and taught him for three years. Peter had said that he would go to prison or even death for Jesus (Mark 14:29-31; Luke 22:33-34). Fortunately, the story does not end there. Peter’s tears were of true sorrow and repentance. Later, Peter would reaffirm his love for Jesus, and Jesus would forgive him (see Mark 16:7; John 21:15-19).

22:63-65 After the preliminary meeting in Caiaphas’s house, the men adjourned to await daybreak and the arrival of the entire council for the more formal meeting in the Temple. Matters had really already been decided during the night, but the full trial would be held early in the morning to satisfy a law that allowed trials only during the daytime. This would be a formality to carry out the sentence that already had been decided.

Apparently Jesus was left in the care of guards who proceeded to mock and beat him. Evidently, the charge of Jesus being a prophet had come up, so the guards took advantage of their prisoner by playing on this claim. They blindfolded him, hit him, and asked that he say who had hit him. In addition, they threw all sorts of terrible insults at him. Matthew and Mark wrote that these guards were only following the example of the religious leaders themselves who had already beaten and insulted Jesus (Matthew 26:67-68; Mark 14:65). None of this surprised Jesus (see 18:32).

 The Assembly Religious Leaders Condemns Jesus / 22:66-71

Luke’s presentation of Jesus’ trial before the council is much shorter than Matthew or Mark’s (see Matthew 26:57-68; Mark 14:53-65). In retelling the story of the trial, Luke’s clear purpose was to get at the heart of the matter: Who is Jesus?

22:66 As stated above, the leaders assembled during the day in order for the trial to be legal. So they met immediately at daybreak, keeping such trivialities of the law while holding a trial that was completely illegal.

22:67-69 They already knew what they planned to do with Jesus, so this meeting was merely a formality. They asked him to tell them if he was the Messiah. For Jesus to answer in the affirmative would incriminate himself. To answer in the negative would have been to lie. Jesus knew this was their plan, for he said, “If I tell you, you won’t believe me.” The council had already proven that they had no intention of believing Jesus to be their Messiah. Jesus also knew that if he questioned them, they would not answer (as already seen in 20:1-8). Jesus was in a no-win situation, but he told them the truth, “The time is soon coming when I, the Son of Man, will be sitting at God’s right hand in the place of power.” To say this was to say that yes, he was the Messiah and to boldly claim his own exaltation to the place of highest honor in heaven.

• LIFE APPLICATION – SELF-INCRIMINATION
• What a scene—the trial of the Son of God! Not surprisingly, Jesus’ accusers found it difficult to make their case against him. After all, he was sinless; what charge could they possibly make stick? In what must have been their last desperate attempt to pin something on him, they asked him to incriminate himself: “If you are the Christ, tell us.” They were asking for a confession—and they got it, although not quite the way they expected. Jesus willingly incriminated himself, when the Council couldn’t do it on their own. What amazing love and submission! His willingness to go to the cross knew no bounds. He gave his all for us. What are we willing to give for him?

22:70-71 The religious leaders understood exactly what Jesus was saying. He was indeed claiming to be the Son of God—but they needed him to be a bit more clear. So they asked again. Jesus agreed, saying, “You are right in saying that I am.” Jesus identified himself with God by using a familiar title for God found in the Old Testament: “I am” (Exodus 3:14). The council recognized Jesus’ claim and realized that they needed no other witnesses. He had accused himself. Their accusation against him was blasphemy—claiming equality with God (Matthew 26:65; Mark 14:64). For any other human this claim would have been blasphemy, but in this case it was true. Blasphemy was punishable by death (Leviticus 24:16). The council could condemn Jesus to death, but they could not carry out the death penalty under Roman law. The Romans would have to condemn him. So Jesus was led to trial before the local Roman leader—Pontius Pilate.

• LIFE APPLICATION –  THE AMAZING CLAIM
• Many non-believers object, “But Jesus never claimed to be the Son of God. That’s just something his followers made up later on.” Next time you hear that, point your nonbelieving friend to Luke 22:70. Jesus clearly claimed divinity for himself; that’s the real reason the Council voted to put him to death. It certainly wasn’t for teaching rebellion or for healing people. Jesus drew the wrath of the religious leaders because he claimed to be the Son of God. He still draws strong reactions over that claim. How do you respond to his claim to be deity? That is still the question every person must answer for himself.

Sources:  Life Application Bible Commentary, Life Application Concise New Testament Commentary

 For more about The Ridge Fellowship go to www.ridgefellowship.com

Today, Jesus praises a widow who gave all she had.  Do you know the signs of end times?  Find out today.  What will the return of Jesus be like?  Today’s chapter gives us the answers.  In light of this reality, Jesus reminds us to remain watchful. 

 A Widow Gives All She Has / 21:1-4

21:1-2 Jesus spent much time during his last week on earth in the Temple, teaching, preaching, and dealing with religious leaders (19:45–20:47). At some point during one of his days there, Jesus watched people put their gifts into the collection box for the Temple treasury. Jesus was in the area of the Temple called the court of women. The treasury was there or in an adjoining walkway. Seven boxes were in this area. Worshipers could deposit their Temple tax in these boxes. In addition, six boxes more collected freewill offerings like the one this woman gave. A lot of money came into the Temple treasury during Passover.

The rich people put their gifts into the treasury—large gifts that clattered into the boxes. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two pennies. As a widow, she had few resources for earning money, and may have been without financial support. But she put her coins into the freewill offering box, meaning that this was not a required tax, but a gift.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – BEYOND CONVENIENCE
• This widow gave all she had to live on, in contrast to the way most people handle their money. Those who consider giving a certain percentage of their income to be a great accomplishment resemble those who gave out of their wealth. Here in 21:1-2, Jesus was admiring generous and sacrificial giving. Believers should consider increasing their giving—whether of money, time, or talents—to a point beyond convenience, comfort, or safety.

21:3-4 Jesus judged the poor woman’s gift not by how much she gave, but by how much she had left after giving. The rich did well to give out of their abundance, but they had plenty left. Yet she gave everything and therefore had given more than all the rest of them. The widow could have kept back one coin, but she willingly gave both coins. She gave everything and trusted God to care for her. Jesus wanted the disciples to see this lesson in total surrender of self, commitment to God, and willingness to trust in God’s provision. For more on giving, see 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – TRUE GIVING
• How do you react when you see the offering plate coming toward you? Annoyance, yawning, resignation? Would it change your attitude toward giving of your money to the work of the ministry in your church if you knew that God could do great things with little contributions? That’s the message of Luke 21:3-4. The poor widow’s offering far outclassed all the others because she gave sacrificially, while the others gave recreationally. It is obvious which kind of giving God honors. Which kind does yours resemble?

 Jesus Tells about the Future / 21:5-24

A disciple’s casual remark concerning the splendor of the Temple gave Jesus the opportunity to make an alarming prophecy about the Temple and the end times. This section, along with 17:20-37, parallel the Olivet discourse given in Matthew 24:1-25 and Mark 13:1-23. Jesus spoke of the end times in order to realign his disciples’ priorities and to caution them about being deceived.

21:5-6 Jesus and the disciples would leave Jerusalem every evening of that final week and walk the couple of miles back to Bethany. As they left the city on one of those evenings, some of the disciples commented on the beauty of the Temple itself. The Temple that the disciples were admiring was not Solomon’s Temple—that had been destroyed by the Babylonians in the seventh century b.c. This Temple had been built by Ezra after the return from exile in the sixth century b.c., desecrated by the Seleucids in the second century b.c., reconsecrated by the Maccabees soon afterward, and enormously expanded by Herod the Great over a forty-six-year period. It was a beautiful, imposing structure with a significant history. Although no one knows exactly what it looked like, it must have been magnificent, for in its time it was considered one of the architectural wonders of the world.

Jesus used the disciples’ comments about the Temple to give them a prophetic statement about the fate of the Temple: it will be completely demolished. This happened only a few years later when the Romans sacked Jerusalem in a.d. 70. The Romans fulfilled Jesus’ words to the letter. After fire raged through the Temple, Emperor Titus ordered the leveling of the whole area so that no part of the original walls or buildings remained. Titus considered this punishment for the Jewish rebellion in a.d. 66. The Temple has never been rebuilt; the stones that we can see today, commonly called the “wailing wall” are part of the foundation. Truly the Temple was leveled.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – PEOPLE, NOT BUILDINGS
•  The church is people, not buildings. Even Jesus’ disciples lost sight of the truth at times. They admired the great beauty of the restored and expanded temple in Jerusalem, commenting to one another about its magnificence. Jesus gave them a rather startling lesson on perspective: “The days will come when not one stone will be left upon another.” It must have grieved the disciples, steeped as they were in Jewish tradition, to know this. And yet the church, the people of God—the true temple—would not only survive but also grow and flourish and ultimately conquer hell itself. Buildings are great tools, but people are the church. It’s all right to appreciate a place of worship. Just don’t confuse it with the church.

21:7-9 The disciples’ question had two parts. They wanted to know when the destruction would take place and if there would be any sign ahead of time. Jesus first answered the disciples’ second question about signs. Jesus warned them against false messiahs. He knew that if the disciples looked for signs, they would be susceptible to deception. Many false prophets would display counterfeit signs of spiritual power and authority. Jesus predicted that before his return, many believers would be misled by false teachers coming in his name—that is, claiming to be the Messiah. Jesus said clearly, “Don’t believe them.” According to Scripture, the one clear sign of Christ’s return will be his unmistakable appearance in the clouds that will be seen by all people (Matthew 24:30; Revelation 1:7). Believers never have to wonder whether a certain person is the Messiah. When Jesus returns, believers will know beyond a doubt because he will be evident to all.

Just as false messiahs and religious frauds come and go, so do political and natural crises. However, these do not signal the end of the world. The disciples probably assumed that the Temple would be destroyed only at the end of the age as part of God establishing his new Kingdom. Jesus taught that horrible events would happen, but the end won’t follow immediately. Believers should not panic. God will not lose control of his creation, and his promises will come true.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – THE END IS NEAR!
• Have you heard anyone declare: “The Rapture will happen on ______”? There have been countless predictions in regard to end times throughout the history of the church. Every generation of Christians has believed it would be the last. So far, they all have been wrong. Does that mean that Christians should not study passages like Luke 21 or that these passages are of lesser importance? No, if it’s in the Bible, it’s worth studying. Each verse is beneficial. But believers should approach prophecy with humility, not arrogance and dogmatism. Whatever your beliefs about the end times, realize that you may not have the whole picture and that others may have helpful insights to offer you. If you have been dogmatic about your views, repent and ask God to give you a teachable spirit.

21:10-11 Jesus’ words indicated that there would be a span of time before the end of the age and the coming Kingdom. First, much suffering would occur as a part of life on earth, including wars and natural disasters. These, along with miraculous signs in the heavens, will mean only that history is moving toward a single, final, God-planned goal—the creation of a new earth and a new Kingdom (Revelation 21:1-3). Today we must guard against preoccupation with signs, such as frequency of earthquakes. Instead, we must focus on doing God’s will.

21:12 Without hesitation, Jesus explained that his followers would not escape suffering. Persecution soon began; Luke recorded such in the book of Acts. Jesus didn’t say it, but the disciples would learn that loyalty to Christ meant separation from Judaism. Not only would Jesus’ followers be in trouble with Jews, they would also find themselves standing trial before Gentile kings and governors because of being Jesus’ followers.

21:13-15 These trials in the synagogues and before Gentile rulers would give the disciples an opportunity to testify about Jesus. Standing before Jewish or Roman leadership would be intimidating, but Jesus explained that they could trust him to give them words and a wisdom that would astound their opponents. Notice that Jesus did not guarantee acquittal. James, one of the disciples here listening to Jesus, would be killed because of his faith (Acts 12:1-2).

 21:16-19 Not only would the disciples face hatred from religious and civil leaders, as well as their own families, they also would be hated by everyone. For Jews to convert to Christianity would soon become very dangerous because they would be hated and ostracized. Jesus’ words also looked forward to the time when hatred of Christians would again occur. Jesus gave a promise however: “But not a hair of your head will perish! By standing firm, you will win your souls.” This does not mean that standing firm earns salvation; instead, it marks those who are already saved. Assurance of salvation will keep believers going through the times of persecution.

What assurance was Jesus giving in light of the eventual martyrdom of James and Peter? Some have taken the reality of the words about being put to death (21:16) and not a hair of one’s head perishing to mean that some will be taken and others will be preserved. But this seems to nullify the whole tone of assurance. Most likely, “not a hair of your head will perish” refers to ultimate deliverance and salvation in Christ’s Kingdom. Some will suffer and some will die, but none of Jesus’ followers will suffer spiritual or eternal loss. On earth, everyone will die, but believers in Jesus will be saved for eternal life.

• LIFE APPLICATION – PAYING THE PRICE
• Has following Christ cost you? Have you lost friendships, business associates, promotions, or even relationships with family members because of your Christian faith and lifestyle? You are not alone. Throughout history, God’s people have suffered great losses for the sake of their beliefs. Jesus even predicted that these things would happen. Of course, it hurts to be ridiculed and outright hated for what you believe. But if that is your experience, remember: you are in good company with countless of other Christians and with Jesus himself. Take the rejection of the world as a confirmation of your acceptance by the Lord.

21:20 Luke 21:20-24 refers not to the end times (the warning for that is recorded in 17:30-36), but to the coming destruction of the city of Jerusalem that would occur in a.d. 70. The verb surrounded pictures the coming siege of the city. Jesus’ words in the next verses explain what the people should do quickly before the city would be completely surrounded and put under siege.

21:21-22 With the armies coming to surround the city, the people who are outside should flee to the hills, those in the city should escape, those in the country should not enter the city. This was the opposite of the usual advice—generally, in time of war, the people outside would go to the city for protection. But not this time. The time of God’s vengeance will have arrived; the city would face the full punishment for its history of unfaithfulness and rebellion against God.

Many of Jesus’ followers would live to see this happen. The Jewish historian Josephus wrote that from a.d. 66, Jewish Zealots clashed with the Romans. Many people realized that rebellion would bring the wrath of the Empire, so they fled to Pella, a town located in the mountains across the Jordan River. As Jesus had said, this proved to be their protection, for when the Roman army swept in, the nation and its capital city were destroyed.

21:23-24 Jesus expressed sympathy and concern for those who would have difficulty fleeing because they were pregnant or had small children. These people literally would be running for their lives from the great distress. If they didn’t get away, they would be brutally killed by the sword or sent away as captives. According to the historian Josephus, ninety-seven thousand people were taken prisoner during the war and over one million were killed.

Jerusalem, the holy city, will be conquered and trampled down by the Gentiles until the age of the Gentiles comes to an end. These would have been horrifying words to any Jew. The “age of the Gentiles” began with Babylon’s destruction of Jerusalem in 586 b.c. and the exile of the Jewish people. No longer an independent nation, Israel was under the control of Gentile rulers. In Jesus’ day, Israel was governed by the Roman Empire, and a Roman general would “trample” the city in a.d. 70. Jesus was saying that the domination of God’s people by his enemies would continue until God decided to end it. The “times of the Gentiles” refers not just to the repeated destructions of Jerusalem, but also to the continuing and mounting persecution of God’s people until the end.

 Jesus Tells about His Return / 21:25-33 / 202

After predicting Jerusalem’s destruction, Jesus described his second coming (21:27). It will be accompanied by all kinds of cosmic signs, instilling terror in those who are unprepared for the end but inspiring hope in those who are anticipating his return. Don’t be caught unprepared; commit yourself to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and to pray fervently (21:34-36).

21:25 The disciples had asked if there would be a sign (21:7); here Jesus gave the answer. Jesus spoke of his return in full glory without any of the limitations he had taken on by becoming human. Jesus was not speaking of his immediate resurrection but of his eventual, glorious return. Some of the signs would be in nature, for nature itself would experience change. As taught in Romans 8 and 2 Peter 3, the entire universe had become involved in humanity’s fallen predicament; thus, the entire universe will be changed when humanity is changed. There will be a variety of changes—the sun going dark, the moon not being seen, stars falling, heavenly bodies being shaken (see Matthew 24:29). Roaring seas shows that nature will be in chaos from one end of the earth to the other (see Psalm 46:2-4; Isaiah 17:12). These words also recall the words of the prophets (Isaiah 13:10; Joel 2:10-11). What Jesus described here, John saw in his vision (Revelation 6:12-14 ).

21:26 Persecutions and natural disasters will cause great sorrow in the world—people will falter. When believers see these events happening, they should realize that the return of their Messiah is near and that they can look forward to his reign of justice and peace. Rather than being terrified by what is happening in the world, believers should confidently await the Lord’s return, an event that will shake the very heavens.

21:27 The signs will occur, and afterwards everyone will see the Son of Man arrive on the clouds with power and great glory. Jesus’ return will be unmistakable. To the Jews, clouds signified divine presence (Exodus 13:21; 19:9; Psalm 97:1-2; Daniel 7:13). Jesus will return as the powerful, glorious, and divine Son of Man. There will be no doubt as to his identity.

21:28 When believers see these events happening, they will know that the return of their Messiah is near, and they can look forward to his reign of justice and peace. Rather than being terrified by what is happening in the world, believers should confidently await Christ’s return to bring justice and restoration to his people.

• LIFE APPLICATION – UPLIFTED
• Watch what happens when someone wins a gold medal in an athletic competition: she throws her hands in the air and lifts up her face. It is so universal that it almost seems part of being human. Victory, or celebration of any kind, causes people to lift up their heads. Conversely, defeat or sorrow makes one’s countenance fall. Jesus said that these signs of the times would be reason to “stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” As frightful as some of those signs will be, Christians need not cower and feel cast down. The signs merely indicate that the King is returning. Does your faith cause you to walk around with your head lifted up, or your face downcast? If you belong to Jesus, hold your head up. He’s coming back for you.

21:29-31 Here Jesus answered the disciples’ other question about “when” the events would occur (21:7). People knew when summer was coming by looking at the fig tree. Seeing the dry, brittle branches becoming tender, filled with sap, and beginning to bud, people knew that summer was near. Just as people can interpret the seasons by watching the signs in nature, so they can know that when they see the events he has been describing taking place, then the Kingdom of God is near. The second coming of Jesus is both certain and near. The fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy would assure the disciples that the other prophecies he had given regarding the end times would also come true.

21:32 There are three main views of the meaning of this generation will not pass: (1) It refers only to those alive at the time Jesus spoke and who still would be alive at the destruction of Jerusalem; (2) it refers only to those who would experience the end times; (3) it refers both to the destruction of Jerusalem and the end times—the destruction of Jerusalem contains within itself the elements of the final end times and thus serves a precursor. The Greek word for “generation” is genea; it refers both to those living at a given time as well as to race or lineage (therefore, Jesus would have been speaking of the Jewish race). This makes the third view most likely.

21:33 Everything may change, and eventually everything will disappear. But one truth is absolutely, eternally certain: Jesus’ words will remain forever. Everything he said will come true.

• LIFE APPLICATION – ETERNAL OR TEMPORAL?
• Political trends come and go. Office seekers keep a close watch on each day’s opinion polls. Fashions have a very short life expectancy. A life’s savings can be lost or squandered. Music groups and other entertainers are the rage one day and forgotten the next. Every certainty that the world values so highly is temporal at best. Contrast them with Jesus’ words: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” If your beliefs, values, and philosophy of life are not based on Christ’s supremacy and his authoritative words, you are headed for eventual collapse. Your life’s work will die when you do.

Jesus Tells about Remaining Watchful / 21:34-38

Jesus concluded his teaching on the end times (21:5-38) with a grave warning to his disciples. They were to guard against letting the worries of this life or the pleasures of the world distract them from the truth—especially, the truth that the Son of Man would return, in judgment. They were to be always prepared for his return. They could be fully prepared by praying that God would help them persevere in faith until Christ’s return.

21:34-36 Believers know that Jesus will indeed return. But because no one knows when this great event will occur (Matthew 24:36), Jesus told his followers to watch out, and not let the temptations or worries of this life distract them from being ready. That day will come unexpectedly, and it will come upon everyone—no exceptions. There will be no opportunity for last-minute repentance or bargaining. The choice that each person has already made will determine his or her eternal destiny.

For Jesus’ followers to keep a constant watch and pray pictures an attitude toward life that seeks to stay away from evil and to follow and obey Jesus. Both watching and praying are volitional actions—as believers await Jesus’ return, they work to further his Kingdom. Only with a focus on him can believers escape the horrors to come. Only through obedience to him will they be able to stand before the Son of Man when he returns.

• LIFE APPLICATION – READY TO MOVE
• Jesus told the disciples to keep a constant watch for his return. Although nearly two thousand years have passed since he spoke these words, their truth remains: Christ is coming again, and believers need to watch and be spiritually fit. This means working faithfully at the tasks God has given them. Don’t let your mind and spirit be dulled by careless living, drinking, or the foolish pursuit of pleasure. Don’t let life’s anxieties overburden you. Be ready to move at God’s command and welcome his return. “For you know quite well that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2 nlt, see also Revelation 16:15).

21:37-38 During this final week on the earth, Jesus went every day to the Temple to teach the people (samples of that teaching have been recorded in chapters 20–21). He left the city in the evening and spent the night on the Mount of Olives, probably in the city of Bethany (Matthew 21:17). He returned the next morning, and already crowds of people had gathered to hear him.

Only 3 days left, the best is yet to come.  Darrell

Sources:  Life Application Bible Commentary,  Life Application Concise New Testament Commentary

For more about The Ridge Fellowship go to www.ridgefellowship.com