Luke 22
At the time of the passover, the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put Jesus to death because they feared the people. Satan entered into Judas, and he covenanted with them to sell Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
The disciples went to prepare the passover. At the appointed hour Jesus sat down with the twelve to eat the passover. While assembled, the Lord instituted His supper: "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. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you." (Verses 19 and 20 are a parenthesis; in time they take place after verse 23.)
Strife Among the Disciples
At this most solemn time the disciples strove as to who among them should be the greatest. Jesus said that the Gentiles do this, but it should not be so among them. The greater is the one who serves. He said, You have continued with Me in My trials, so I appoint unto you a kingdom, as My Father has to Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Simon, Simon To Peter the Lord says, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Peter prefigures Israel in their sifting and restoration (Amos 9:9). Peter said that he was ready to go with Jesus even into prison or death. The Lord told Peter that he would deny Him three times that veiy day, before the cock crowed.
He asked if they lacked anything when He sent them out to preach with nothing to sustain them. They said, no. Then He said that now he that had a purse or a scrip (wallet) let him take it with him. And he that had no sword let him sell his garment and buy one. He, Jesus, would be reckoned with transgressors; the things concerning Him have an end. They said, "Lord, behold, here are two swords," and He said, "It is enough."
Jesus went, as was His habit, to the Mount of Olives. He took the disciples with Him, instructing them to pray that they enter not into temptation.
He went about a stone's cast away from them and prayed, "Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless, not My will, but Thine, be done." An angel came from heaven to strengthen Him. 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.
Arising, He found the disciples sleeping. If we are not awake regarding His death, we shall be asleep regarding His glory. (Peter slept on the Mount of transfiguration; Luke 9:32.)
Jesus Taken Prisoner
Judas came with a company to kiss and betray Jesus. A disciple cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest, but Jesus healed it. Jesus was taken to the high priest's house.
Peter followed afar off. He sat down to warm himself at the enemy's fire. A maid said, 'This man was also with Him." And he denied the Lord, saying, "Woman, I know Him not." After a little while he was accused again and denied Jesus. One hour later another said, "This fellow also was with Him." Peter said, "Man, I know not what thou sayest." And immediately, while he was speaking, the cock crew.
The Lord turned and looked on Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice. And Peter went out and wept bitterly.
Jesus was mocked by the men who held Him. Having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, "Prophesy, who is it that smote Thee?"
In the morning Jesus was led to the council. They said, "Art Thou the Christ? tell us." He answered, "If I tell you, ye will not believe: and if I also ask you, ye will not answer Me, nor let Me go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all, Art Thou then the Son of God? and He said unto them, Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of His own mouth."