Luke 22

Then entered satan

Luke 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
Luke 22:2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

They sought how they might kill Jesus, but in a way that would keep them as the respected leaders of the people. They feared the popularity polls. They would find some lie to teach them, as if it were truth, so that they might kill Jesus, who they were jealous of. Not unlike today's newscasters, they would lie, making the people believe their viewpoint, instead of the obvious truth. Jesus is the Son of God, the messiah sent to deliver the people. Not from Rome, but from their own sins.

Luke 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

Then entered Satan. You can be sure satan will show up again and again. Jesus spoke to him in the desert, overcoming him by speaking God's written word.

Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Mat 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

He left, but now he returns in a friend, one of his twelve disciples.

Luke 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

He communed, talked, conferred with them.

Luke 22:5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

Used by satan? Because he loved money more than God. Satan tempted him through the sin of covetousness. Have we ever been tempted in some area? They, the chief priests and captains were glad to commune with satan. They followed the shadow of the law and missed the Light of God.

Luke 22:6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

They sought the opportunity to betray Jesus in secret, when the crowds were not there. This was no accident, but a cold deliberate plotting. Judas would receive the judgment of death first. The chief priests continued the plot to deliver Jesus to Pilate, after the death of Judas. They were perhaps more guilty and had the greater sin.

John 19:10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

They knew better.

Passover Lamb

Luke 22:7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.

Mark 14:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?

Luke 22:8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
Luke 22:9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
Luke 22:10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.

Mark 14:13 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.

It was the women who carried water pitchers to and from the well. Men carried liquids in skins. So this would be an unusual sight.

Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

Mark 14:14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

Luke received much of the gospel information from interviews. Matthew, Mark and John were followers with Jesus all the time. The gospels are accurate accounts of the happenings. That which is recorded for us is inspired by God. Every word is there for a reason. Jesus heard from God and knew future things. We are to listen to the Holy Spirit within, who guides us into all truth and shows us things to come.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.

Luke 22:12 And he shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
Luke 22:13 And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

No mention of a lamb in the Passover meal. Jesus represents the Passover lamb. Remember the story of a lamb slain and the blood applied to the door posts of each home of the Jews? The blood protected the firstborn from the death angel that came after the firstborn in Egypt.

Exo 12:12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
Exo 12:13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
Exo 12:14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
Exo 12:15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

Jesus would be killed and removed from the cross before the final Passover dinner was celebrated.

John 19:14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

John records that it was the day of the preparation of the Passover that Jesus was brought to the cross. The lambs were slain and cooking in the ovens in preparation of the traditional Passover supper.

John 19:15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

Seven days of unleavened bread and then the Passover meal, after sundown, Jesus having been slain and removed from the cross. They killed the Lamb of God and celebrated the Passover feast, a picture of the Lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the world. They kept the traditions, following the shadows and missed the light, Jesus, that God had sent to bring them everlasting life. Many would keep the Passover and die in their sins. Those who come to Jesus shall live forever.

1 Pet 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1 Pet 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
1 Pet 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world.

Last Supper

Luke 22:14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
Luke 22:15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:

With fervent craving I have desired to be here with you, For this is the moment I have been waiting for. This Passover meal will explain to you my mission. Before I suffer and die for you I will explain why I am doing this.

Luke 22:16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
Luke 22:17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
Luke 22:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

It was good-bye for a time. But it was not an end, but a new beginning. A new covenant with them.

Luke 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

No bone would be broken, but his flesh would be torn and pierced and his joints dislocated, for our salvation.

Psa 22:14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
Psa 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
Psa 22:16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
Psa 22:17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.

Luke 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

Mat 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

A new testament, a new covenant through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. No longer the old covenant of laws, sin and death. A new covenant of grace and mercy, through faith in Jesus. Eternal life and adoption into God's family. A new and better covenant for all people, received by faith.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Betrayer

Luke 22:21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.

Jesus knew that Judas would betray him. He did it out of his own heart of greed.

John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

Son of perdition or son of destruction. Satan comes to steal kill and destroy. (John 10:10) He used Judas' coveting of money to bait him to betray the Lord. Do we love God more than money? What would we be tempted to do to betray Jesus? By his Spirit we overcome the temptations of the devil.

1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Satan would use Judas to betray Jesus. By killing Jesus satan thought he had destroyed our hope. Oh no, by killing Jesus who was without sin, we are more than conquerors. Satan's evil ways cannot change our salvation. One thing would have destroyed the work of Jesus. If Jesus had of been tempted to sin and had have sinned, he could not have died in our place as the perfect substitute. Do not believe books or movies or people who say that Jesus sinned. He was our perfect sacrifice, God cannot sin, he is God the Son.

Luke 22:22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!

Woe unto the one who opposes the way of eternal life. Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. Judas sold his salvation for thirty pieces of silver. When he wanted to repent he went to the devils people instead of the Lord. There is no hope or grace in satan's followers. He had corrupted the high priests of Israel.

Mat 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
Mat 27:4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
Mat 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

The work of satan is to kill and destroy and to lie. Jesus came as truth with restoration and everlasting life.

Col 1:3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
Col 1:4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
Col 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

The Greatest

Luke 22:23 And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

Who would betray Jesus?

Luke 22:24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

So soon the topic changes, who will be the greatest? There was competition and strife. They did not see that Jesus would soon go to the cross for them. They were as men of the world competing and boasting for positions of importance.

Luke 22:25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
Luke 22:26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

The way of God is opposite to mans way. The younger shall be (esteemed) greater, the chief, shall be servant.

Phil 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Phil 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Luke 22:27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

Jesus was our example, he came as a servant and he is greater than we are.

John 13:13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
John 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Give this deep thought; meditate on these words and do as he says.

Temptations of Christ

Luke 22:28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.

Was Jesus tempted? Yes, he was, and had the same trials we have, without sin.

Mat 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

He spoke the word of God from the Holy scriptures.

Mat 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

Jesus as God the Son would not fall into temptation. As the form of a man he had the physical temptations to experience, yet without sinning.

James 1:14 But every (other) man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
James 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

He did not fall into temptation and he did not sin.

Kingdom Honor

Luke 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

Jesus says a kingdom awaits his beloved disciples. As Jesus shall be the king, they shall have positions of leadership.

Luke 22:30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Eating and drinking in our new glorified bodies in the kingdom. They would be with the Lord at his table. In fact the whole church will be at the wedding feast, as the Lord meets his bride, the church of the redeemed. These men would have special honor as judges of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their names will be on the twelve foundation of the wall of the New Jerusalem.

Rev 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

We will be rewarded for service, but we do not serve because of rewards.

Mark 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
Mark 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

Boasting Flesh

Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

To sift, to separate you, to cause you to be undone. Separated from hope, pushed through a screen making you many pieces to be blown away in the wind. Satan desires to utterly destroy you, as he would destroy Judas.

Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Already Jesus is interceding for his own. Peter was one of his own, Judas he knew to be a son of the devil, but Peter, though weak in the flesh, was protected by the prayers of Jesus. Haleluia!

John 17:8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

It is being connected to Jesus that is our strength. Peter did not have the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit, for He had not yet come.

Luke 22:33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

Peter with all sincerity makes a promise, a promise he could not keep. It is the pride of self, boasting of what it plans to do, but unable to fulfill the promise. We should not make promises we cannot keep. The pride of man boasts many things, but the heart is deceitful and the flesh seeks it's own good first. Think of the man Jesus Christ, not just a man but a man of God's Spirit, the son of God. He kept his Father's will.

Rom 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Rom 5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Luke 22:34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

Jesus said, " when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Isn't believing in Jesus enough? Peter believed, but he needed God's strength within. He needed the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost Peter was filled, converted, a new man in Christ Jesus with Holy Ghost boldness. When he spoke, people were convicted of sins. Peter spoke after Pentecost to the Jews.

Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

The flesh man Peter would deny the Lord three times. God looks beyond our failings to our callings in him. He sees us as victorious in Christ Jesus, being the light of the world.

Two Swords

Luke 22:35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

Mat 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mat 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Mat 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
Mat 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
Mat 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
Mat 10:12 And when ye come into an house, salute it.
Mat 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
Mat 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Luke 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
Luke 22:37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

Jesus would be treated as a transgressor of the law and because he was not received, they would not be received, So they were to take what was needed with them.

Luke 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

I was taught that the two swords mentioned were not literal swords, but were spiritually speaking; the sword of the word of God and the Spirit of God. These are powerful, but the reading in context refers to actual objects to use on a journey. They were to take a purse, a money pouch, also his scrip, a leather pouch for food and if they had no sword they were to buy one by selling his garment or cloak. That would be eleven swords for the eleven disciples, but they had two swords and Jesus said it was enough. I see the swords as protection in a time of hostility. Before they were to take nothing, now they were to supply themselves with money, food and a sword.

Not too long after saying this Jesus was betrayed by Judas with a kiss and a multitude was with him to take Jesus under arrest to the high priests house. Peter with a sword cut the ear off of one of the servants and Jesus touched the ear and healed it. It was not meant that Jesus be protected or prevented from fulfilling his purpose as our sacrifice for sins. Jesus has chosen to die for our sins, it was why he came to us. However, in perilous times it is wise to be prepared and armed in self defense. One may look to the tiny country of Israel as an example of the need for weapons for defense. They are surrounded by enemy nations. The LORD protects Israel and Israel does their part by weaponizing for self defense. Unfortunately churches and synagogues are being attacked by devil driven people. A shepherd of a flock should guard his sheep against these intruders. Our church has watchmen who guard over the congregation. Some have concealed weapons only to be used as a deterrent to violence. Our strongest weapons are the word of God, the Holy Spirit and prayers. Unfortunately there is also a need for watchmen to be aware both in prayer and as guards.

Pray

Luke 22:39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives a favorite place of prayer. He takes his disciples with him. It is his time of agony as a human, facing the terrible mocking and beatings and the extreme pain and shame of the cross. Would his companions comfort him in this time of need? What did Jesus ask them to do?

Luke 22:40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

He told them to pray for themselves, not for him. Pray that you enter not into temptation. It was the time of great Spiritual warfare. They needed to pray so that they would not sin and fail their Lord. God would not tempt them, it would be their own vanity, thinking on who would be greatest in the kingdom. They were blind to the great Spiritual battle that was about to happen. Satan would try to destroy their witness. To sin would be to bring dishonor to their Lord.

James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

They were thinking of self glory, not praying for Jesus, and satan put them to sleep. Have you every been in church, thinking on your own things during the service? Soon you become sleepy, satan has taken advantage of the wrong focus. We need to be awake and ready always.

Thy will be done

Luke 22:41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

The time for suffering and the cross was very near. Jesus asked that it be removed, but not his will, but God's will be done. It is good to pray from the heart, but as Jesus we pray in his will for us. If we pray in his promises we know his will. If in doubt, we ask for his perfect will to be done.

1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Jesus knew his purpose and he spoke it often to his disciples.

Mat 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Mat 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
Mat 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

The suffering and death on the cross and rising on the third day, was the plan and purpose of the Father for his son, still he needed his Father's grace. We also need grace to accomplish God's purpose for us.

Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

The devil perhaps was tempting him, telling him lies. We as humans know how this is. In the flesh we sometimes doubt and the things that we see and feel overwhelm us, we are not perfect. The Lord Jesus Christ had no sin, he had faith. His faith was without measure.

Grace came: an angel was sent to strengthen him. How so? With a message from the Father, angels are messengers. Strength comes from God's word. It is the power to overcome the flesh and the devil. A comforting presence of a spiritual being, to show that he would soon be returning to the Spiritual place of his Father. He came from heaven and would return again, perhaps the angel was affirming this to him?

Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Knowing the intense pain that was coming, made him suffer in the flesh for concern of what was coming. It is a natural thing to dread something that is coming. I believe the spirit was preparing him ahead of time. It is good to be strengthened in the spirit for what is coming from the devil. The Spirit warns us of impending conflicts, if we listen. Jesus was listening in prayer and he was not to be surprised, he would go ahead with this most difficult completion of his ministry.

We must go ahead in our service and purpose, even if it means death, for Jesus is our example. The word of God and His Spirit will overcome this life.

Luke 22:45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
Luke 22:46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

Sleeping for sorrow? They were told to pray, but did not. To disobey the Lord, brings sorrow, we grieve the Holy Spirit. Why were they not praying for strength? Jesus prayed alone and would face the cross alone. He speaks again to his disciples, to learn to pray, to prevent temptation and to be prepared for satan's trials. The time had run out, satan approached them.

Judas Kiss

Luke 22:47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

Mat 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
Mat 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

Luke 22:48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

It was a customary greeting to kiss a friend upon meeting him.

2 Cor 13:12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.

In no way was this a holy kiss, it was the kiss of a betrayer. Jesus is holy, but Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. A pretend friend and a pretend kiss.

Prov 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Remember the woman of the street who anointed Jesus' feet in the Pharisee's house?

Luke 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

People of God, beware of deceitful kisses. Do not give your heart to a non believing person. He or she may seduce you with sweet words and kisses, but their heart may be full of their own lust. They are only looking for their own pleasure or gain at your expense. Beware of the Judas Kiss, the betrayer, seeming to be your friend, but serving satan through their lust.

Following Jesus

Luke 22:49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

They were told earlier to bring two swords when they went forth to minister. Now, they asked; shall we use the sword to smite your enemies?

Luke 22:50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

Peter, impulsive as usual swings the sword and only severs the right ear of the high priests servant. His ear was in the hearing and service of the wicked high priest.

Luke 22:51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

Jesus said, allow them to seize me. He then touched the ear and healed him. Healing could be the wound was no longer bleeding. It does not say the ear was placed back on him. Sometimes we receive scars in life for a reminder. The scars that were to come upon Jesus were a reminder to us. Perhaps the servant was healed, but still had no ear. This could be a reminder to him to hear Jesus, the healer. For if our hearing brings offenses, it were better to cut off the ear; as in the thoughts in Matthew five.

Mat 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Luke 22:52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
Luke 22:53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

This was the time that God the Father had appointed for Jesus to go to the cross. The power of satan was allowed at this time. Earlier, Jesus spoke of power to Pilate:

Luke 22:54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.

Peter who wielded the sword in his defense, follows afar off. Were his feelings hurt? Was he ashamed or angry? What of his promise to not deny the Lord?

John 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.

John accompanied Jesus into the High Priests house. He was a witness to what occurred. Are we witnesses following close to Jesus? Or do we follow from afar? Peter would be tempted.

Peter's Denial

Luke 22:55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

Peter, outside, not with the Lord, is alone, cold, concerned, perhaps questioning what had happened. Had he failed the Lord? Was he the one the Lord was talking about at the table of the last supper, who would betray him? He remembered Jesus saying he would deny him, but did he not defend him with the sword, yet that was not enough. What did the Lord require of him? Many of us ask this and begin to question ourselves as we appear to be alone, warming ourselves outside, in the world from another's fire.

Luke 22:56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
Luke 22:57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.

Voices speak mockingly to us, accusing us. Peter denies that he was with Jesus. He just wanted to be alone with his thoughts. Why was this woman bothering him? Why the voice inside his head tormenting him? Was he the Lord's chosen? Or was he a sinner, a betrayer?

Luke 22:58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.

How did that man know him? He was in torment, in his mind satan howled at him, and now this man accuses him, is there no escaping these accusations?

Luke 22:59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.

A third person points out Peter as one of Jesus' followers. He is a Galilaean, he has that strange dialect.

Luke 22:60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

Peter denies his accusers a third time, He wanted peace, to be left alone with his struggles. Why do they not leave him alone? The cock crew. A rooster? or was it the town crier speaking, all is well? All was not well with Peter, he suddenly remembered the Lord's words to him.

Luke 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Oh no, Jesus turned and looked at Peter, as a father looks at a disobedient child to remind him he is to be obeyed. Conviction comes with the accusations. He had denied the Lord three times!

Luke 22:62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

As a child who loves his father goes out weeping at the shame of failing him, Peter goes out. The devil perhaps shouting in his mind. You failed your master, you are the one, you are the betrayer! Many tears fill his eyes, he is undone, he weeps uncontrollably in deep sorrow and regret.

Have you felt this way? Have you failed the Lord and felt undone? Have you felt that there was no hope for you? That is not to be something to be ashamed about. It is good. It is a sign that you really do love Jesus, you really do want to do right. Do not think you will not be received by him? Do not let accusers keep you away from him. Do not let the terrible words in your mind control your future. Jesus loves you. Yes, he loves you and seeks you. He wants you to come to him and be received with great joy. For it was for you he came and gave his life. Come to him.

Rom 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Rom 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Mocked and hated

Luke 22:63 And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.

Ignorant men lacking God's spirit, do the will of satan. We may be treated as this also.

John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Luke 22:64 And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?

He would not do what they requested. He would do what the Father told him. He obeyed God, his father. This was as satan tempting him in the wilderness, to follow his bidding and not God. They were mocking him, having no faith in themselves.

Mat 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Luke 22:65 And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.

Could these men be saved? Yes, if they repented and believed in Jesus, even these could be saved from their sins. Remember this when accused, when mocked, when told mockingly to perform God's things to unbelief. They did this first to Jesus.

Mat 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
Mat 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
Mat 12:32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Thank God for his grace and forgiveness through Christ Jesus. We come to Jesus through the drawing of the Holy Ghost, the way of forgiveness is through Jesus Christ. Having not Jesus in our life and we are not forgiven, we die in our sins.

Son of God

Luke 22:66 And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
Luke 22:67 Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:

True, they were out to kill him. He always kept it quiet about being God's Son, but He is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Christ, the anointed one.

Luke 22:68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.

People with their mind made up cannot be convinced. They had him now and would destroy him for envy, for they were serving satan, not God. He had spoken to the religious leaders earlier.

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

John 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
John 8:46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
John 8:47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

Blessed are those who hear and receive God's word and are given new life by Jesus the Christ.

Luke 22:69 Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.

The place of honor and authority. He was equal to God, they are one God.

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

Luke 22:70 Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.

They said so, he did not deny it, for he is the Son of God. The exact likeness of the Father, from heaven.

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

Luke 22:71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.

Their unbelief convicted him. He spoke the truth, he is the Son of God. The liar calls truth a lie. They claimed to serve God, but they were of the devil. The flesh and the devil always oppose the Spirit of truth, Jesus is the truth of God, the Son of God, the perfect one who came to redeem us from satan, sin and God's punishment. Through Jesus we receive grace to be the son's and daughters of God. He is the only way. We all were born of the seed of Adam, sin and death was our inheritance. Jesus gave us a new spirit life, so that now we are heirs with him of all that God has. I like that.

Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

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