Luke 22

Luk 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
Luk 22:2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

Even today people want to kill and put to death someone who believes different than the main stream thought in society. Someone being different is a threat to our thinking. They wanted to kill Jesus, not because He was a criminal, a threat to someone's life or a thief. They wanted to kill Jesus because they envied Him. The religious leaders used religion to control the people. Their control was threatened if the people would follow another religious leader.

To justify their acts of evil, they convinced themselves that they were doing the will of God and that God was behind their actions. Some religions today will use God as an excuse to kill and persecute those that believe different than they.

We have to be very careful to not compromise what we believe unless God shows us plainly that we are wrong about a few things and His word bears it out. We also have to be very careful not to dispise those that do not see things the way we do. We must stand for what the bible teaches without compromising but we also must not lose our compassion, our desire to win the lost and our patience with those that do not yield to our teachings. If someone rejects our message of the gospel, it will hurt. It will make us feel rejected even though it is God they reject. We must not allow these feelings in the flesh to cause us to react in hate. Refuse vengeance and getting back at people. That is why Jesus taught us to "turn the other cheek."
When we envy and hate it is usually because we are not sound in our own faith and we feel threatened when others come along that are different. The temptation we have in the United States is a little different than most countries. Here we accept difference so much that we don't stand up for what we believe and that is just as wrong as lashing out and killing those that are different. Both extremes are dangerous to society. Be strong but don't fear those that see differently. Love them.

Luk 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
Luk 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
Luk 22:5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
Luk 22:6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

I don't believe Satan was just able to enter Judas without Judas opening the door a little. Whether it was Judas' weakness for money, perhaps he was angry at Jesus for some reason, or just maybe he started to doubt who Jesus really was. If we are truly followers of God, I don't believe Satan can come into our lives unless we open the door someway.

Luk 22:7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
Luk 22:8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
Luk 22:9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
Luk 22:10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
Luk 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
Luk 22:12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
Luk 22:13 And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

Jesus kept the feast of the passover. The passover was important because it was a remembrance of the time that God spared Israel when the blood of a lamb was upon the door posts. All who didn't stay behind the door covered with blood suffered the judgment of God that was passing by that night.

Judgment is coming for all sin that mankind has committed. Sin is transgression of the law of God. Judgment comes to all that sin. Jesus is the passover lamb for all who believe to escape the coming judgment. Without His blood covering our sins, we face judgment for those sins. When the blood of JEsus covers our sin, we escape the coming judgment. Just like the passover in Egypt saved those that believe, Jesus saves those that believe this.

Luk 22:14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
Luk 22:15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:

Our Lord knew what was coming and how much He would have to suffer for our sakes.

Luk 22:16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
Luk 22:17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
Luk 22:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
Luk 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Luk 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
Luk 22:21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
Luk 22:22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!

Although this fulfilled prophecy, Judas still had a choice. He could have done differently.

Luk 22:23 And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
Luk 22:24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

This is a temptation we must avoid at all costs. So many are building big ministries to exalt themselves or some person. We must count ourselves as just servants and exalt only God.

When we have special singers come to our churches, I cringe when I hear the words, "They are good, they really do a great job of singing, come and hear this group." Is this what we want? I love good music too but are we to exalt singing groups or Jesus Christ? "Come and hear so and so speak, he is really good." "That man is a great man of God and can heal the sick." "Come and hear so and so." Is this what we should be saying and doing? Should we not just seek the Lord and seek to win souls for Jesus Christ and forget this business of exalting certain individuals. We are all servants to occupy until Jesus returns. We are not to exalt one above another. That is why Jesus washed the disciples feet at one point. He wanted to show them that one of them is not greater than the other.

Luk 22:25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
Luk 22:26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
Luk 22:27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
Luk 22:28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
Luk 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
Luk 22:30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

One day they will be exalted above all who do not believe but for now they are to be humble servants doing what is their duty to do without expecting praise and glory.

Luk 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
Luk 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Peter became a pillow of strength for the others.

Luk 22:33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

Only by His grace are we able to do anything not in our own strength.

Luk 22:34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
Luk 22:35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
Luk 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
Luk 22:37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
Luk 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
Luk 22:39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
Luk 22:40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

This is still true today. We cannot resist temptation if we do not pray continually. Studying the scriptures and praying is necessary for our own growth and the winning of others to JEsus Christ.

Luk 22:41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Luk 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

If there had been another way to save the lost, God would have done it instead. Thank you Jesus for obeying the Father and not backing out of the price you paid for our salvation.

Luk 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

Jesus could have escaped this fate and allowed the angels to free Him.

Luk 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Luk 22:45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

Not only did JEsus suffer physical pain but He suffered the agony of our filthy sins entering into this sinless Son of God when He was upon the cross.

Luk 22:46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

Spiritual sleep is what will cause us to return to the place Jesus saved us from.
Prayer keeps us from getting lukewarm and cold in the spirit.

Luk 22:47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
Luk 22:48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
Luk 22:49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
Luk 22:50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
Luk 22:51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
Luk 22:52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
Luk 22:53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
Luk 22:54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
Luk 22:55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

Sitting among the enemy to appear to be one of them put Peter in a position of temptation. He was weak when it came to standing up for Christ among those that were condemning Christ.

Luk 22:56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
Luk 22:57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
Luk 22:58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
Luk 22:59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
Luk 22:60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
Luk 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

This must have been the worse experience for Peter to have went through. Jesus' words were coming to pass. Jesus turned and looked at Peter. Yet in all this Jesus loved Peter and he became one
Luk 22:62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
Luk 22:63 And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
Luk 22:64 And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
Luk 22:65 And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.
Luk 22:66 And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
Luk 22:67 Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
Luk 22:68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
Luk 22:69 Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
Luk 22:70 Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
Luk 22:71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.

Jesus said that all these things would come to pass. This is why He came. Many were looking for a Messiah that would save Israel from the enemies without. They wanted to be their own country again without being under Roman domination. The bible tells us of a time when this will be a fact. Jesus is to be the King of Kings and rule over the earth. He had to first die for our sins. The biggest enemy is sin and what it does to our eternal souls. That enemy is bigger than the harshest dictator in all the earth. We fail to see that even if we live in freedom and prosperity, if we are still in our sins, all will be for nothing. That sin will condemn us on the day of judgment and we will spend eternity separated from God in a place called hell because that is where sin has its final resting place so that the rest of the world can be free from sin. If God doesn't stop sin, it would continue forever. Death would continue, suffering would continue. Sickness would never end. But glory to God these things are going to end because of what Jesus did on that cross 2000 years ago. All who receive this good way will escape judgment for sin and enter eternity with God and life everlasting. It is your choice. It is my choice to turn from sin and accept Jesus Christ or reject and be lost forever. God made the way. It is up to us to accept it.