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Luke 22

The Plot to Kill Jesus

1Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching.

2The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death, for they feared the people.

3Satan entered into Judas, who was also called Iscariot, who was counted with the twelve.

4He went away and talked with the chief priests and captains about how he might deliver him to them.

5They were glad, and agreed to give him money.

6He consented and sought an opportunity to deliver him to them in the absence of the multitude.

The Last Supper

7The day of unleavened bread came, on which the Passover must be sacrificed.

8Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.”

9They said to him, “Where do you want us to prepare?”

10He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house which he enters.

11Tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’

12He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there.”

13They went, found things as Jesus had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

14When the hour had come, he sat down with the twelve apostles.

15He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,

16for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in God’s Kingdom.”

17He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves,

18for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until God’s Kingdom comes.”

19He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.”

20Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

21But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.

22The Son of Man indeed goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!”

23They began to question among themselves which of them it was who would do this thing.

The Dispute about Greatness and Final Instructions

24A dispute also arose among them, which of them was considered to be greatest.

25He said to them, “The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’

26But not so with you. Rather, the one who is greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves.

27For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn’t it he who sits at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

28“But you are those who have continued with me in my trials.

29I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me,

30that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

31The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have all of you, that he might sift you as wheat,

32but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.”

33He said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!”

34He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times.”

35He said to them, “When I sent you out without purse, bag, and sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.”

36Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a bag. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword.

37For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: ‘He was counted with transgressors.’ For that which concerns me is being fulfilled.”

38They said, “Lord, behold, here are two swords.” He said to them, “That is enough.”

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives

39He came out and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him.

40When he was at the place, he said to them, “Pray that you don’t enter into temptation.”

41He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed,

42saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

43An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.

44Being in agony, he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.

45When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief,

46and said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

47While he was still speaking, a crowd appeared. He who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him.

48But Jesus said to him, “Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

49When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?”

50A certain one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

51But Jesus answered, “Let me at least do this”—and he touched his ear and healed him.

52Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders, who had come against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?

53When I was with you in the temple daily, you didn’t stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

Peter's Denial

54They seized him and led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed from a distance.

55When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat among them.

56A certain servant girl saw him as he sat in the light, and looking intently at him, said, “This man also was with him.”

57He denied Jesus, saying, “Woman, I don’t know him.”

58After a little while someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them!” But Peter answered, “Man, I am not!”

59After about one hour passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Truly this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean!”

60But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.

61The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the Lord’s word, how he said to him, “Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.”

62He went out, and wept bitterly.

Jesus Mocked and Beaten

63The men who held Jesus mocked him and beat him.

64Having blindfolded him, they struck him on the face and asked him, “Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?”

65They spoke many other things against him, insulting him.

66As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people were gathered together, both chief priests and scribes, and they led him away into their council, saying,

67“If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you won’t believe,

68and if I ask, you will in no way answer me or let me go.

69From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”

70They all said, “Are you then the Son of God?” He said to them, “You say it, because I am.”

71They said, “Why do we need any more witness? For we ourselves have heard from his own mouth!”

Luke 22 chronicles the pivotal events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, beginning with Judas's betrayal plot and culminating in Jesus' arrest. The chapter centers on the Last Supper, where Jesus institutes communion and teaches about servant leadership, followed by his anguished prayer in Gethsemane and subsequent arrest. These events fulfill Jesus' repeated predictions of his suffering while revealing both human weakness (Peter's denial, the disciples' disputes) and divine purpose in the unfolding passion narrative.

Context

This chapter transitions from Jesus' public ministry and teaching in Jerusalem (chapters 19-21) to the passion narrative that will conclude with his crucifixion and resurrection (chapters 23-24).

Key Themes

Outline

  • 1-6
    The Plot to Kill Jesus Satan enters Judas, who agrees to betray Jesus to the religious leaders for money.
  • 7-23
    The Last Supper Jesus celebrates Passover with his disciples, instituting communion and revealing that one will betray him.
  • 24-38
    Teachings on Greatness and Preparation Jesus corrects the disciples' dispute about greatness and gives final instructions about coming trials.
  • 39-46
    Prayer on the Mount of Olives Jesus prays in anguish while the disciples sleep, submitting to the Father's will.
  • 47-53
    Betrayal and Arrest Judas arrives with a crowd to arrest Jesus, who heals the high priest's servant's ear.
  • 54-62
    Peter's Denial Peter denies knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows, then weeps bitterly.
  • 63-71
    Mockery and Interrogation Jesus is beaten and mocked, then questioned by the council about his identity as Son of God.

The Plot to Kill Jesus

22:1–22:6
gospel narration solemn

As Passover approaches, the religious leaders plot to kill Jesus while Satan enters Judas Iscariot, who agrees to betray Jesus for money. This sets in motion the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion.

person_contrast

Satan's entrance into Judas creates Luke's only convergence of monetary transaction and demonic possession within Jesus' immediate circle, transforming betrayal from mere human greed into cosmic warfare.

The Last Supper

22:7–22:23
gospel narration solemn

Jesus celebrates the Passover with his disciples, instituting the Lord's Supper by declaring the bread his body and the cup the new covenant in his blood. He reveals that one of them will betray him.

person_contrast

Jesus transforms from the authoritative teacher who typically pronounces judgment into a sacrificial figure who gives his own body and blood, appearing with "sacrifice" and "communion" themes found in only 4 of his 98 Gospel appearances.

The Dispute about Greatness and Final Instructions

22:24–22:38
gospel instruction contemplative

Jesus teaches about servant leadership when the disciples argue about greatness, promises them authority in his kingdom, and warns Peter of his coming denial. He gives final instructions about preparation for difficult times ahead.

quotation_chain

Jesus transforms Isaiah's suffering servant prophecy into practical instruction by quoting Isaiah 53:12 to explain why his followers must prepare for persecution and rejection.

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives

22:39–22:46
gospel prayer anguished

Jesus prays in agony on the Mount of Olives, asking the Father to remove the cup of suffering but submitting to God's will. An angel strengthens him while his disciples sleep, unable to stay awake in their grief.

person_contrast

Jesus, who elsewhere commands storms and raises the dead, here kneels in such anguish that his sweat becomes "like drops of blood" - Luke's only description of Christ's physical distress.

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

22:47–22:53
gospel narration solemn

Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, leading to his arrest by religious authorities. Jesus heals a servant's ear and speaks of this being the hour of darkness's power.

person_contrast

Jesus demonstrates divine authority by healing his captor's severed ear while simultaneously declaring this moment belongs to "the power of darkness," uniquely combining therapeutic mercy with cosmic spiritual warfare.

Peter's Denial

22:54–22:62
gospel narration anguished

Peter denies knowing Jesus three times as predicted, and upon remembering Jesus's words, he weeps bitterly in remorse.

person_contrast

Peter's threefold denial creates a deliberate narrative inversion of his threefold confession in Matthew 16:16, with both scenes featuring Jesus asking pointed questions that reveal Peter's true spiritual state.

Jesus Mocked and Beaten

22:63–22:71
gospel dialogue solemn

Jesus is mocked and beaten, then questioned by the religious council about his identity as the Christ and Son of God, which he affirms.

person_contrast

While Jesus typically exercises divine authority in judgment contexts throughout Luke, here he simultaneously claims messianic authority ("you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of power") while enduring physical suffering and mockery.

Insights

Insight Character Study

Satan's entrance into Judas creates Luke's only convergence of monetary transaction and demonic possession within Jesus' immediate circle, transforming betrayal from mere human greed into cosmic warfare.

Insight Character Study

Jesus transforms from the authoritative teacher who typically pronounces judgment into a sacrificial figure who gives his own body and blood, appearing with "sacrifice" and "communion" themes found in only 4 of his 98 Gospel appearances.

Insight Quotation Chain

Jesus transforms Isaiah's suffering servant prophecy into practical instruction by quoting Isaiah 53:12 to explain why his followers must prepare for persecution and rejection.

Insight Character Study

Jesus, who elsewhere commands storms and raises the dead, here kneels in such anguish that his sweat becomes "like drops of blood" - Luke's only description of Christ's physical distress.

Insight Character Study

Jesus demonstrates divine authority by healing his captor's severed ear while simultaneously declaring this moment belongs to "the power of darkness," uniquely combining therapeutic mercy with cosmic spiritual warfare.

Insight Character Study

Peter's threefold denial creates a deliberate narrative inversion of his threefold confession in Matthew 16:16, with both scenes featuring Jesus asking pointed questions that reveal Peter's true spiritual state.

Insight Character Study

While Jesus typically exercises divine authority in judgment contexts throughout Luke, here he simultaneously claims messianic authority ("you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of power") while enduring physical suffering and mockery.

Cross-References

Connected passages across Scripture

Interlinear

Word-by-word original language

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Historical Context

Places and events in this chapter

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Timeline

Passover

c. 1446 BC

God's final plague on Egypt, killing the firstborn while 'passing over' Israelite homes marked with lamb's blood. This event secured Israel's freedom and prefigured Christ's sacrificial death.

The approaching Passover feast provides the timing for the plot against Jesus.

The Plot to Kill Jesus

Betrayal Of Jesus

~30 AD

Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus to the religious authorities for thirty pieces of silver. This act of treachery led directly to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion.

Judas agrees to betray Jesus to the religious leaders for money.

The Plot to Kill Jesus

Last Supper

~30 AD

Jesus' final Passover meal with his disciples, instituting communion through bread and wine. This event established the Christian sacrament commemorating Christ's sacrificial death.

Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper during the Passover meal with his disciples.

The Last Supper

Passover

c. 1446 BC

God's final plague on Egypt, killing the firstborn while 'passing over' Israelite homes marked with lamb's blood. This event secured Israel's freedom and prefigured Christ's sacrificial death.

Jesus celebrates the Passover feast with his disciples before his crucifixion.

The Last Supper

Betrayal Of Jesus

~30 AD

Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus to the religious authorities for thirty pieces of silver. This act of treachery led directly to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion.

Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, leading to his arrest by authorities.

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

Peters Denial

~30 AD

Peter's three-fold denial of knowing Jesus during his trial, fulfilling Christ's prediction. This event highlighted human weakness while setting up Peter's later restoration and commissioning.

Peter denies knowing Jesus three times as Jesus had predicted would happen.

Peter's Denial

Trial Of Jesus

~30 AD

Jesus' trials before Jewish and Roman authorities, culminating in his condemnation to crucifixion. These proceedings fulfilled prophecy while demonstrating the injustice that Christ bore for humanity's sins.

Jesus faces questioning by the religious council about his messianic claims.

Jesus Mocked and Beaten