LUKE 22: 1-38

The chief priests and scribes simply cannot contain themselves, wanting so badly to put Jesus to death. They are plotting murder, a serious crime in any age.

Judas becomes powered by Satan, and betrays Jesus by approaching those wanting to kill Him, and offering to help them find a time and place to capture Him. You know, He was not hard to find or arrest, but the leaders did not want the public push back from doing so, as they feared the people, with whom Jesus was a favorite.

Jesus is in Jerusalem this week because of the Passover celebration, and he instructs some disciples to go make a room ready for their Passover meal. They find a man, and upper room, etc., just as He said they would.

Verse 16 is a wonderful prediction of the marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19. Until then, we are to celebrate what Jesus did on that cross, we are to remember His atoning sacrifice for us, by continuing in the practice of the Lord’s Supper. The word “is”, used by Jesus, means a representation. Jesus’ body and blood are represented by the elements used during Communion. There is no actual transformation of those physical elements into any actual components of Christ. No sacramental grace is imparted. But we are to remember, and true remembrance can only occur for those who have accepted Christ personally.

Jesus announces with this group the betrayal to occur. Judas is there, we know by other accounts. Keep in mind, during this dinner, they really have no idea that by that time “tomorrow”, Jesus will have been crucified. Had they really understood that, maybe they would not have begun to argue over which of them was the greatest. This seems trite to us, as we realize what big picture events are about to happen. Jesus keeps serving, illustrating who is really the greatest.

In verse 30, the disciples are told they will sit in judgment of the 12 tribes of Israel, OT saints, basically. We see this in Revelation 5. Consensus is that the 24 elders in Revelation is the church, and the disciples here are soon to become the church’s first members.

Spiritual warfare is very real, and Jesus explains briefly how Satan has been at work trying to harm and tempt the disciples. The language used really means that he was given permission to try to harm, and Jesus prays for them, for Peter and all the rest. God knows in the end they will not falter, and Satan could do nothing to stop God’s plan. Satan tried and failed with Job, he will do likewise with this group.

Jesus hints at the disciples’ abandonment and Peter’s denial-to-come with the phrase “when once you have turned again...” Peter is adamant, vowing his loyalty. Isaiah 53 is quoted by the Lord; He is soon to simply be “numbered” with other transgressors, and yet He is teaching these men here in His last human hours that they will be witnesses for Him soon. They need to be strong and prepared.


SO WHAT...?

So I, too must be strong and prepared, as I am to be a witness for Him each and every day.

So, I know what is next in the story, I know what Jesus has done for me. It should sober my thinking and my way of life, to appreciate the secure eternal life that awaits.

So, as I realize what He did for me, I should remember and celebrate that with the Lord’s Supper; I should remember and celebrate that daily, and that remembrance should show forth from my life.