Luke 22: 1-38
The Plot to Kill Jesus
22 Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near.2 The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people.
3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; 4 he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. 5 They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present.
The Preparation of the Passover
7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.” 9 They asked him, “Where do you want us to make preparations for it?” 10 “Listen,” he said to them, “when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.” 13 So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.
The Institution of the Lord’s Supper
14 When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him.15 He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”17 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 21 But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. 22 For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!” 23 Then they began to ask one another which one of them it could be who would do this.
The Dispute about Greatness
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 But he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
28 “You are those who have stood by me in my trials; 29 and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
31 “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.”
Purse, Bag, and Sword
35 He said to them, “When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “No, not a thing.” 36 He said to them, “But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted among the lawless’; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.” 38 They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” He replied, “It is enough.”
What Does the Passage say?
V. 1-6 The Jewish leaders find a way to ‘put Jesus to death,’ and Satan enters into Judas to carry out the plot.
V. 7-13 Table prepared by our Lord. Jesus gives instructions to Peter and John on ways to prepare for the meal. Even thought the directions were vague (i.e. follow a man who carries a jar. First, aren’t there many men who carry a jar? Second, do we just follow without asking if he is the right person? Did you arrange this?) Jesus says ‘Listen’ and do what I say.
V. 14-23 Jesus institutes a new meaning to the Passover meal. We know it as the Lord’s supper. At the end of the supper, he makes it clear that what Judas is plotting, is what God already determined to let it happen.
V. 24-34 We have a human nature to be lifted up, instead of serving. The disciples were arguing among themselves, on who is going to be the highest. Jesus reminds them, once more, that the one who is to serve is greater than the one who is served. Then Jesus predicts Peter’s denial.
V. 35-38 After he predicts what will happen, Jesus tells the disciples to remember the time they were sent off, two in one group with no preparation. He says, be prepared this time, but don’t forget that I will lead you.
What Does it Mean to Me/ Us?
Jesus knows what will happen to his followers. So he is preparing them. By instituting the meal, he is promising how he will be with them. By rebuking the disciples who want to be great, he reminds them that greatness comes from serving each other. As he predicted Peter’s denial, he assures that he will pray for Simon, and when he overcomes Satan’s trial, Simon will come back stronger. And then he reminds the disciples about the experience being sent off by two. By saying, you followed my orders, and even though I wasn’t there, you did well.
Jesus sounds like a parent sending off his child to college. He is doing his best to prepare the child. However, one thing is different. Jesus is with us. That is the reason why the disciples were able to carry out their faith under persecution, and that is the reason why we can be strong and obedient, in this world.
Remember that you are not alone. There is a Lord who wanted to make sure you are prepared. But more than all, he wanted you to know that he is always with you.
Prayer
Lord, let us see how you are with us today.
In Christ name we pray, AMEN.
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