Luke 22:1-38
Q.1. What do we learn about Judas, one of the Twelve? How did Jesus know about the coming betrayal? – (Lk.22:1-6, 21-22)
Judas was involved with the ministry of Jesus, in order to benefit himself, one way or another. When Mary anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, Judas objected – not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief (c.f. John 12:6). When he learned that the Chief Priests and Scribes were trying to put Jesus to death, Judas offered to betray Him for an agreed sum of money (Lk.22:2-5). Satan was able to enter into Judas, because of his greed. Jesus knew both from the Scriptures, and from the demeanour of Judas, that he was the one who would betray Him (Lk.22:21-22).
Q.2. Why was this final Passover celebration so special? How did Jesus transform the Passover? – (Lk.22:1-20)
Jesus knew that the time had arrived when He would suffer as our Sin-bearer and Substitute. He told the apostles – for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes (Lk.22:18 c.f. Lk.22:14-17). The time from this point until His death would be unbearably difficult. Jesus reached out for their fellowship. This Passover was about to be entirely different. Instead of looking back at Israel’s exodus, from that time on, God’s people were to look back to remember the death of Christ, with the emblems of BREAD and WINE – 19 … “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me 20 … This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood” (Lk.22:19-20). The Gospel would herald the New Covenant, signed, and sealed by the blood of Jesus (c.f. Heb.10:9-18).
Q.3. Why did Jesus address the issue of true greatness? What kind of leadership greatness did Jesus model? – (Lk.22:24-27)
If Jesus expected genuine fellowship and concern, He was to be sadly disappointed. His prediction that they would – … never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God (Lk.22:16), resulted in a mad scramble for the best seats on Christ’s cabinet in His Kingdom (Lk.22:24). Jesus had already undertaken the unpleasant task of all but unmasking the betrayer, and now He was forced to painstakingly re-teach the principles of greatness and true leadership (Lk.22:265-27). He had modelled a SERVING kind of greatness and AMONG YOU style of leadership – For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves (Lk.22:27). They had much to learn.
Q.4. What was the future for Jesus and His disciples? How confidently could Peter and the disciples face the future? – (Lk.22:28-38)
Despite their carnality, Jesus gave His disciples credit for standing with Him in His trials (Lk.22:28). He did promise them rich rewards for their efforts – 29 and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Lk.22:29-30 c.f. Rev.21:14). Although Jesus prophesised Peter’s failure, His intercession and forgiveness guaranteed Peter’s ultimate success, for – I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers (Lk.22:32). Though His disciples would fail, Jesus would succeed in His mission, through His blood, shed on the cross – For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, `And He was numbered with transgressors’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfilment (Lk.22:37 c.f. Col.1:20). He proved Himself to be a wonderful Saviour.