Upwards Church

He’s alive! Death is not the end of Jesus, he overcame the grave.  We can place our faith in Him and know death is not the end for us either; we can be alive in Christ and with Christ.  Thank you Jesus!  Today watch Him walk among His disciples, He still does… Watch Him encourage His disciples…He still does. Watch him challenge his disciples to greater things… He still does!

 Jesus Rises from the Dead / 24:1-12

Jesus’ awful death on the cross was not the end of the story. Within three days, Jesus rose from the tomb. Even though Jesus had predicted his own resurrection (9:22; 18:32-33), no one believed it would happen.

Today Jesus still lives, at the right hand of God the Father (Acts 2:33). The Resurrection still stands as the foundation of the Christian faith. Believers can have complete confidence that Christ is alive, guiding the church and individual Believers through the Holy Spirit. His own resurrection is a guarantee of the future resurrection; death has already been conquered. Moreover, the same power that brought Christ’s body back from the dead is available to every Christian today, bringing each spiritually dead person back to life (1 Corinthians 15:12-28).

24:1-2 In the Jewish reckoning of time, a “day” included any part of a day; thus, Friday was the first day, Saturday was the second day, and Sunday was the third day. When the women arrived at daybreak, Jesus had already risen. Jesus had died on Friday; Joseph had taken his body and had prepared it for burial just before the Sabbath began at sundown on Friday. The Sabbath had ended at sunset on Saturday; so the women ventured out very early on Sunday morning. They brought spices to the tomb, just as people today would bring flowers—as a sign of love and respect. When they arrived, they found that the stone covering the entrance had been rolled aside (see Matthew 28:2). The stone was not rolled away so that Jesus could get out, for he was already gone. It was rolled aside so others could get in and see for themselves that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, just as he had said he would.

24:3 The stone had been rolled back, and the women went in expecting to accomplish their task with the spices. Many tombs were large enough to walk into, so these women went into the tomb, but they couldn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. Of course, the body was not there because Jesus had been raised, just as he said. But Jesus’ followers did not expect this. They had been told at least three times, but they had not come to truly believe (9:21-27, 44-45; 18:31-34).

• LIFE APPLICATION – HE LIVES!
• The two angels (appearing as “men in clothes that gleamed like lightning”) asked the women why they were looking in a tomb for someone who was alive. People often look for God among the dead. They study the Bible as a mere historical document and go to church as if going to a memorial service. But Jesus is not among the dead—he lives! He reigns in the hearts of Christians, and he is the head of his church. Do you look for Jesus among the living? Do you expect him to be active in the world and in the church? Look for signs of his power—they are all around you.

24:4-7 Matthew and John reveal that these two men in dazzling robes were angels. When angels appeared to people, they looked like humans. These men at the tomb surprised the women, and their dazzling appearance frightened them. The women reacted in humility, bowing before these men. The angel asked the obvious question, “Why are you looking in a tomb for someone who is alive?” Then one angel spoke the words that have thrilled every believer since that first resurrection morning, “He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead!” The angels then reminded the women that Jesus had accurately predicted all that had happened to him.

•  LIFE APPLICATION- HE REALLY IS ALIVE
• People who hear about the Resurrection for the first time may need time before they can comprehend this amazing story. Like the disciples, they may pass through four stages of belief. (1) At first, they may think it is a fairy tale, impossible to believe. (2) Like Peter, they may check out the facts but still be puzzled about what happened. (3) Only when they encounter Jesus personally will they be able to accept the fact of the Resurrection. (4) Then, as they commit themselves to Jesus and devote their lives to serving him, they will begin fully to understand the reality of his presence with them. As you witness, accept people’s need to think through. Allow them time to wonder.

24:8-9 These women must have been among Jesus’ faithful followers and had heard Jesus’ predictions of his death, for Luke says they remembered that Jesus had said those things, and suddenly everything came together. Everything had occurred just as Jesus had said. So these women left the tomb and rushed back to tell his eleven disciples (disciples, minus Judas Iscariot) and everyone else among Jesus’ followers who may have been in hiding since the Crucifixion. Matthew and Mark say that the angel told them to go and tell the disciples what had happened. The women obeyed, running with the great news to the sorrowing and bewildered disciples.

24:10-11 The women are named here, probably because some of the later believers may have known them or about them. Mary Magdalene had been a loyal follower—Jesus had cast seven demons out of her (8:2). All the Gospels place her at the cross and at the tomb. Jesus’ first appearance to any human after his resurrection was to this woman (Mark 16:9; John 20:11-16). Joanna was previously mentioned among the women who followed Jesus (8:3). Mary the mother of James is also mentioned in Mark 15:40; 16:1 (she may be “the other Mary” of Matthew 28:1). The several others includes Salome (Mark 16:1) and other unnamed persons—all women.

They brought their story back to the apostles—giving them the message that the angel had told them. The fact that the message was carried by women gives credibility and persuasive force to Luke’s account. No ancient person making up such a story would have women as the official witnesses. By Jewish law, women could not do so.

Amazingly, the disciples did not believe it—the story sounded like nonsense. Apparently Jesus’ words about dying and rising again had gone past all of them. Many skeptics have tried to write off the Resurrection as a story made up by a group of overzealous disciples. But here the opposite occurred. The disciples were not anxiously looking for any reason to believe that Jesus had risen; in fact, they were not anticipating it. When told of the Resurrection, they refused to believe without concrete evidence. Even a missing body was not enough to convince them.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – A PRESENT DARKNESS
• Have you ever had an experience, or maybe even a series of experiences, that at the time seemed to make no sense and, in fact, seemed contrary to God’s will? That was certainly the case with the men on the way to Emmaus. They had hoped for Jesus to be the promised Messiah, the one who would save his people, but he had died a horrible, public death, thus putting an end to their hopes and dreams. Or so it seemed . . . until Jesus himself came to them as they walked and opened their hearts and minds to the truth. If you are going through a dark time when nothing seems to make sense, and right and wrong seem to have changed jerseys—hold on. Keep walking faithfully, and wait for God to open your heart and mind. He will. Then you will perhaps understand the purpose of the darkness.

24:12 John 20:3-4 reveals that another disciple ran to the tomb with Peter. That other disciple was almost certainly John, the author of the fourth Gospel. When Peter arrived at the tomb, he bent over and peered in. He saw the empty linen wrappings. Peter went away, wondering what had happened.

 Jesus Appears to Two Believers Traveling on the Road / 24:13-34

Luke was the only Gospel writer who described in detail Jesus’ encounter with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Mark briefly mentioned this encounter in Mark 16:12-13).

24:13-14 This event occurred on Sunday, the same day as the Resurrection. Two followers of Jesus were leaving Jerusalem and walking the seven miles to the village of Emmaus. Little is known of these disciples; one was named Cleopas (24:18), and the other was not one of the eleven disciples, as noted by 24:33. During their walk, they were talking about everything that had happened.

• LIFE APPLICATION – AMONG US
• The two disciples returning to Emmaus at first missed the significance of history’s greatest event because they were too focused on their disappointments and problems. In fact, they didn’t recognize Jesus when he was walking beside them. To compound the problem, they were walking in the wrong direction—away from the fellowship of believers in Jerusalem. Christians are likely to miss Jesus and withdraw from the strength found in other believers when they become preoccupied with their dashed hopes and frustrated plans. Only when looking for Jesus in their midst will believers experience the power and help he can bring. Be alert to his presence in every aspect of daily living.

24:15-16 The two men were deep in discussion as they walked along. Apparently a man walking in the same direction drew up beside them (they knew he had been in Jerusalem, 24:18). This man was Jesus himself, but they were kept from recognizing him. In other appearances after the Resurrection, Jesus was also not recognized at first (John 20:14; 21:4). Here, God prevented these men from seeing Jesus until Jesus was ready to reveal himself to them (24:30-31). God’s divine sovereignty kept them from understanding until the full reality of the bodily resurrection of Jesus could be understood.

24:17 Jesus, who had walked up behind these men during their deep discussion, asked what they were so concerned about. At Jesus’ question, they stopped short in their sadness. Apparently, in their discussion they had been unable to come to any understanding, so they were still sad and upset about what had occurred.

•  LIFE APPLICATION –  HOPE LOST AND REGAINED
• God seems to specialize in allowing our dreams to die, only to bring them back around again in rather surprising ways. Job’s fortunes and even his family were restored to him many times over. Abraham and Sarah were blessed with a child long after nature would have made that impossible. And the ultimate example is the death and resurrection of Jesus himself. The hopes of many, including the two dejected pilgrims on the way to Emmaus, seemed to have died on the cross with him. Little did they understand that even the Cross was all part of God’s sovereign plan to make a way of salvation for everyone. Have you lost hope in God’s deliverance and even his goodness? Learn a lesson from these two believers: Wait for the Lord to redeem your situation and give you hope once more.

24:18 Jesus had apparently walked up behind these men, so they assumed that he too was a pilgrim traveling home from Jerusalem. If he had been in Jerusalem, how could he not have known what had happened there?

• LIFE APPLICATION – LIVING WITNESS
• These disciples knew that the tomb was empty, but they didn’t understand that Jesus had risen, and they were filled with sadness. Despite the women’s witness, which was verified by other disciples, and despite the biblical prophecies of this very event, they still didn’t believe. Today the Resurrection still catches people by surprise. In spite of two thousand years of evidence and witness, many people refuse to believe. What more will it take? For these disciples it took the living, breathing Jesus in their midst. For many people today, it takes the presence of living, breathing Christians. Are you willing to be that witness to others?

24:19 Jesus asked what things had occurred. They answered that much had happened to a man named Jesus. The two followers described him as a prophet who did wonderful miracles and a mighty teacher. They had heard Jesus teach and had seen him perform miracles of healing; but, as far as they knew, he had died like all the other prophets before him.

24:20 The telling item in this statement is that these two disciples knew who was responsible for Jesus’ death. The Romans may have actually done the executing, but the Jews’ (they said our) leading priests and other religious leaders arrested him and handed him over. If all of Jerusalem knew what had happened, then the religious leaders’ plan to try to blame the execution on the Romans had failed. Everyone knew the leaders’ role in Jesus’ death.

24:21 The disciples from Emmaus had thought that Jesus could rescue Israel. Most Jews believed that the Old Testament prophecies pointed to a military and political Messiah who would free the nation from Roman tyranny. Jesus had come to redeem, however, and had indeed paid a huge price—his life. No one comprehended this yet. They didn’t realize that the Messiah had come to redeem people from slavery to sin. When Jesus died, therefore, they lost all hope. Their report that that all happened three days ago reveals a bit of expectation at Jesus’ promises regarding the “third day” after his death. As far as they knew, however, nothing had changed.

24:22-24 Another insight found in this statement is that these two men had left Jerusalem, hopeless and downcast, after having heard an amazing report. The women who had been to the tomb and heard the angels’ words said that Jesus’ body was missing and that angels had said Jesus is alive. Then some men (Peter and John, 24:12; John 20:3-4) verified what the women had said. Yet there was still gloom, as noted by these disciples who had all this information, but had left the city still believing that all their hopes in Jesus had been dashed.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – PUZZLED?
• After the two disciples had explained their sadness and confusion, Jesus responded by going to Scripture and applying it to his ministry. When you are puzzled by questions or problems, you too can go to Scripture to find authoritative help. If you, like these two disciples, do not understand what the Bible means, you can turn to other believers who know the Bible and have the wisdom to apply it to your situation.

24:25-27 Why did Jesus call these disciples foolish? Even though they well knew all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures, they failed to understand that Christ’s suffering was his path to glory. The prophets had said that Christ would have to suffer before entering his time of glory. Beginning with the writings of Moses and then moving through all the prophets, Jesus explained to these bewildered disciples what all the Scriptures said about himself. Jesus pointed out all the Scriptures and how what had happened to Jesus had fulfilled everything that had been prophesied regarding the Messiah.

24:28-29 They approached Emmaus and the journey’s end for the two travelers. Jesus would not have stayed with them if he had not been invited. But they were impressed with all that Jesus had been telling them—probably answering many of the questions the two of them had been discussing before this man had joined them. They wanted to talk further, so they invited Jesus to stay.

24:30-31 At the meal, Jesus took bread, asked God’s blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. When he did so, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. These two disciples had not been at the Last Supper, so this was not what sparked recognition. This was the exact time God wanted them to recognize Jesus. God had kept them from understanding (24:16), and now he opened their eyes through the teaching of the word (24:27) and the breaking of the bread. His mission accomplished with these two disciples, Jesus disappeared.

• LIFE APPLICATION – JESUS’ STYLE OF WITNESSING
• Christians can learn better ways to reach friends and neighbors with the gospel by studying the Lord’s methods on the road to Emmaus. (1) Jesus walked with them, joining them in their activity and context. (2) Jesus talked with them, inquiring about their discussion. (3) Jesus utilized the truth of Scripture to deal with their unbelief. (4) Jesus shared a meal with them for the sake of friendship.

24:32 Jesus had vanished as quickly as he had come, and the two disciples were left to discuss how their hearts were stirred as Jesus had talked with them and had opened the Scriptures to them. Jesus’ presence had almost imperceptibly changed their mood from despair to hearts feeling strangely warm. Their hope had been confirmed; their doubts dispelled.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – HEARTS AFLAME
• One of the marks of true conversion is the way a person’s heart is changed by the indwelling Christ. Truth and events that once seemed unimportant or even irrelevant take on new significance, new meaning. A cold, dead heart that was completely wrapped up in self-centered pursuits begins to thaw and warm to the realities of the Spirit and the needs of others. John Wesley described it by saying his heart was “strangely warmed”; the Emmaus-bound disciples asked, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” Does your heart burn for the realities of God? Has it grown cold due to neglect or sin? Only by spending time in the presence of the living Christ can you reverse the cooling process. Make a commitment to spend some time with him—today.

 24:33-34 Evening may have been coming on (24:29), but their news was too exciting to wait until morning. Within the hour the two disciples were on their way back to Jerusalem. When they got there, they found that Jesus had already appeared to Peter. Paul also mentioned that Jesus appeared to Peter alone (1 Corinthians 15:5). This appearance is not further described in the Gospels. Jesus showed individual concern for Peter because Peter felt completely unworthy after denying his Lord. But Peter repented, and Jesus approached him and forgave him. Soon God would use Peter in building Christ’s church (see the first half of the book of Acts).

 Jesus Appears to His Disciples / 24:35-43

The disciples, who had gathered in Jerusalem, were already talking with excitement about what had occurred. The tomb was empty. Jesus had appeared to Peter and to two of them on the way to Emmaus (24:33-35). In the excitement and confusion of it all, Jesus appeared in the room, wishing them “peace.”

24:35 The two disciples then told their story of how Jesus had appeared and talked to them and how they had recognized him. Why Jesus chose certain people to whom to appear at first and not others is unknown. Peter apparently needed an extra personal encounter; Mary Magdalene’s love and devotion accorded her the opportunity to see Jesus first. Whatever the reason for Jesus to have spent a lengthy time with these two disappointed followers on the road to Emmaus, the story stands as a beautiful treasure of Jesus’ compassion and love for those who, when discouraged and confused, needed his presence and wisdom to comfort them.

24:36 As Jesus’ followers discussed his recent appearances, suddenly Jesus himself was standing there among them. He appeared among them behind locked doors (John 20:19). Jesus could do this because his resurrection and glorification had altered his bodily form. In this new body he was able to transcend all physical barriers.

Jesus’ first words to the group of disbelieving and bewildered followers and disciples, all of whom had deserted him in his time of greatest need were: “Peace be with you.” This was a standard Hebrew greeting, but here it was filled with greater meaning. Jesus brought a greeting of peace, and his presence brought peace.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – PEACE
• People everywhere search for peace. Some seek it through artificial means like alcohol and other chemicals; some through temporary thrills like sex or diversions like shopping; and some through self-improvement schemes like transcendental meditation or positive-thinking techniques. Sooner or later—usually sooner—the inadequacy and spiritual bankruptcy of all these things show through, leaving the seeker more troubled and less hopeful than before. Where can peace be found? Jesus said, “Peace be with you.” How could Jesus pronounce peace in what had to be an excruciatingly turbulent time? Simply because he was there. As the old saying goes, “Know Jesus, know peace; no Jesus, no peace.” If you would have peace, you must know Jesus. In his presence you find the calm, quiet assurance that he is in fact working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). Have you spent time with him lately?

24:37-39 These people in the locked room were still wrestling with the fact that Jesus’ body was missing, and then they heard amazing stories of his appearances to several people of their group. Jesus appeared among them suddenly, and they were frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost. But Jesus’ body wasn’t a figment of the imagination; they weren’t seeing a ghost. Jesus encouraged them to look and touch. He had flesh and bones and could even eat food (24:43). On the other hand, his body wasn’t a restored human body like Lazarus’s (John 11)—he was able to appear and disappear. Jesus’ resurrected body was glorified and immortal.

•  LIFE APPLICATION – LET JESUS TEACH YOU
• Jesus opened these people’s minds to understand the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit does this in believers’ lives today as they study the Bible. Have you ever wondered how to understand a difficult Bible passage? Besides reading surrounding passages, asking other people, and consulting reference works, pray that the Holy Spirit will open your mind to understand, giving you the needed insight to put God’s Word into action in your life.

24:40-43 Jesus showed them his hands and his feet so as to reveal the wounds inflicted by the nails that had held him to the cross (see John 20:25). His resurrected body still bore these wounds as a testimony to his followers that this was the same man whom they had loved, followed, and seen die. This was too good to be true—and they experienced the conflicting emotions of disbelief, doubt, joy, and wonder that any person would have when a most desired, but seemingly most impossible, wish actually comes true. Jesus stood there among them, alive, even eating a piece of broiled fish to show that he was not a ghost. He was real; he came back to life just as he had told them he would.

Jesus Appears to the Disciples in Jerusalem / 24:44-49

Jesus did not come back to Jerusalem after his resurrection to provide a spectacular show or to seek revenge on his enemies. Instead, he returned to teach his disciples. He had already instructed them while he was with them, but they had not completely understood him (see 9:45; 18:34). During his final days, he taught them again. This time, he opened their minds, so that they could understand the truth: his life, death, and resurrection all fulfilled Scripture. He taught them so they could teach others, telling what they had seen Jesus do and heard him say. They were to be Jesus’ witnesses (a theme Luke continued in the book of Acts, see Acts 1:4-5, 7-8).

24:44-45 Many days may have elapsed between 24:43 and 24:44 because Jesus and his followers traveled to Galilee and back before he returned to heaven (Matthew 28:16; John 21). Acts, Luke’s second book, reveals that Jesus spent forty days with his disciples between his resurrection and ascension.

As he had already done with the two men on the road to Emmaus, Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures and explained how everything that had been written about the coming Messiah had been fulfilled in him. Writings of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms encompass the entire Old Testament. In other words, the entire Old Testament points to the Messiah.

24:46-48 Not only had the Old Testament Scriptures been fulfilled in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, but the Old Testament went much further—speaking of repentance and forgiveness of sins. Luke was writing to the Greek-speaking world. He wanted them to know that Christ’s message of God’s love and forgiveness should go to all the nations—and that this had been God’s plan from the very beginning. Christ’s gospel has a worldwide scope. God wants all the world to hear the Good News of salvation. They would begin right where they were—in Jerusalem and then be witnesses of all these things throughout the world (see Acts 1:8).

•  LIFE APPLICATION – WAITING FOR THE POWER
• Trying to drive a car without the keys, operating a power tool without electricity, a hydroelectric plant without any water source—all of these futile actions make as much sense as trying to minister to others without the power of the Holy Spirit. Believers can do nothing good without his power, yet how often they try!  

24:49 This task of being witnesses was not to be carried out in the disciples’ own strength. Obviously these followers, hiding behind locked doors in fear of the Jews right there in Jerusalem, hardly seemed like the kind of people who could take the message across the world. But Jesus was not expecting them to do it on their own—he would send what his Father had promised—the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-27; 16:5-15). Jesus instructed them to stay in the city (that is, in Jerusalem) until they were filled with power from heaven. Jesus promised them the power (the Spirit in them) which would enable them to be witnesses (Acts 1:8). After his exaltation at his ascension, the power would be given to them (Acts 2:1-4).

Jesus Ascends into Heaven / 24:50-53

Luke concluded his Gospel with a brief account of Jesus’ ascension. In Acts, he provided a more complete description of it (see Acts 1:6-11). After watching Jesus ascend into heaven, the disciples returned to Jerusalem to praise God, the only appropriate response to Jesus’ glorious life and his message of salvation.

24:50 Jesus took his followers out of Jerusalem to Bethany, the village only a couple of miles away on the slopes of the Mount of Olives. Jesus lifted his hands and blessed his followers. At this time, he would leave them, never to return until the time of the Second Coming. They would never be able to walk and talk with him physically as they had done during those three years of ministry. But they would soon receive the Holy Spirit who would fill them and be with them always.

24:51 In the act of blessing his followers, Jesus left them and was taken up to heaven. Jesus’ physical presence left the disciples (Acts 1:9), but the Holy Spirit soon came to comfort them and empower them to spread the gospel of salvation (Acts 2:1-4). Today Jesus’ work of salvation is completed, and he is sitting at God’s right hand, where he has authority over heaven and earth.

• LIFE APPLICATION – THIS SAME JESUS
• As the disciples stood and watched, Jesus began rising into the air, and soon he disappeared into heaven. Seeing Jesus leave must have been frightening, but the disciples knew that he would keep his promise to be with them through the Holy Spirit. This same Jesus, who lived with the disciples, who died and was buried, and who rose from the dead, loves you and promises to be with you always. You can get to know him better through studying the Scriptures, praying, and allowing the Holy Spirit to make you more like Jesus.

24:52-53 The sight of Jesus returning to glory in heaven called for a response of worship from those who watched. Then they returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. As yet, they did not separate themselves from their Jewish roots, but spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God. There were no more closed and locked doors for these followers. Jesus told them to stay in Jerusalem, so they did. Acts 1 gives some idea of their activity as they awaited the promised Holy Spirit. But they openly went to the Temple to praise God for all that he had done.

Luke’s Gospel portrays Jesus as the perfect example of a life lived according to God’s plan. The Greeks had a difficult time understanding the spiritual importance of the physical world. To them, the spiritual was always more important than the physical. To help them understand the God-man who united the spiritual and the physical, Luke emphasized that Jesus was not a phantom human but a real human being who healed people and fed them because he was concerned with their physical health as well as the state of their souls.

Believers today, living according to God’s plan, should obey their Lord in every detail as they seek to restore people’s bodies and souls to the health and salvation God has in store for them. To know how to live a perfect life, look to Jesus as the perfect example.

 What an amazing journey.  Thanks so much for being a part of 24.  I pray your life has been changed.  Mine has.  Keep reading God’s word, its alive and active.   May we do this again soon, until then, Darrell

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

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

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

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

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

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