Luke 22

Satan plays a vital role in setting the scene for Chapter 22. As we've heard before, the chief priests and scribes wanted to put Jesus to death, but without the knowledge of the crowds of people in town for Passover (v. 2). Satan apparently possessed the disciple Judas (v. 3) before he went to the Jewish leaders to discuss how he could help them (v. 4-6).

The rest of the chapter records the happenings of a dramatic day. It starts with preparations for the Feast of Unleavened Bread/Passover (v. 7-13) and ends the next morning with an arrested, beaten Jesus on verge of being condemned to death. In between, Jesus prophesies to and teaches his disciples, institutes a memorial to himself that will become significant in the wake of his death and resurrection, and does one last act of healing.

Back to the beginning, I'd like to hear what you think about Jesus' very specific directions to Peter and John about preparing for Passover (v. 10-12). How did he know what would happen? Once they're sharing the "last supper," Jesus notes that he won't eat the Passover again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God (v. 16) or drink wine again until the kingdom of God comes (v. 18). He has talked before about the kingdom of God being among the people now or being nearby them. What do you think Jesus is saying when he talks about it in this chapter? 

Jesus speaks of his suffering (v. 15), body and blood (v. 19-20), and betrayal (v. 21-22). In spite of this, the disciples quickly go to arguing about who among them is the greatest (v. 24). To me, it seems very small-minded because their leader is facing a crisis. Perhaps it's an issue for them, though, precisely because they are beginning to sense the inevitability of his death. The issue looms large for them. But Jesus uses this dispute to lay out the profound concept of servant leadership (v. 26-27). It's a radical departure from what they understood about great leaders. It becomes the pattern and the model for believers' interactions with each other and the rest of the world. I wonder what you think about the promise Jesus does make to them (v. 28-30) about ruling with him in his Father's kingdom.

Some of the drama in this chapter unfolds around Peter, who denies Jesus (v. 56-60) just as he predicted (v. 34). But unlike when he talks about Judas' betrayal (v. 22), Jesus seems to be rooting for Peter. Jesus is praying for and encouraging Peter, suggesting that he will recover from this betrayal (v. 32). Satan is playing a role again (v. 31), like with Judas. It's an interesting parallel to the story of Job in the Old Testament. Satan appears before God multiple times seeking permission to test Job -- and is allowed to.

What did you think when Jesus commanded his followers to buy a sword if they didn't already have one (v. 36) right before he was arrested? I would suggest that they misunderstood his intent, considering that one of them responded to the arrest by cutting off someone's ear (v. 50). Jesus' responses were to tell them to stop and healing the ear (v. 51). In verse 38, when the disciples point out that they have two swords, it's best to understand Jesus' response of "it is enough" to mean a rebuke, as in "That's enough of such talk!" So, his intent in mentioning a sword was more about protection as their mission continued rather than to encourage aggression. 

Jesus' time of prayer at the Mount of Olives (v. 39-46) demonstrates how anguished he is, even sweating blood (v. 44). In verse 42, he seems to not want to face what is ahead, but surrenders to God's will. I think it can be valuable for believers to remember how Jesus reacted in extreme adversity. His willingness to follow God is a model for us (although I hope we never need to face death for our faith). I think we see a great contrast in times of testing between Jesus and Judas (v. 47-53) or Jesus and Peter (v. 54-62). I'd love to hear what you think about the roles each of them play in this chapter. Jesus declares his deity (v. 70) while being questioned after they beat him. Interestingly, he partially quotes from Psalm 110 in making his declaration (v. 69). It's the same passage he brought up (more completely quoting) in 20:41-44. It appears there almost as a riddle. Here he fully claims his position. That becomes the foundation for his crucifixion in the next chapter. Stay tuned!