CHAPTER 22
Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. Luke 22:1-2
The national and religious holiday of Passover was drawing near. At this time great crowds of people gathered in Jerusalem from all over the land as well as from many foreign countries. Jews living within a fifteen mile radius (24 km.) of Jerusalem were obligated to celebrate the feast in the city. To accommodate the vast crowds much preparation had to be made. All roads and bridges were repaired and wayside tombs were whitewashed lest a pilgrim mistakenly touch one of them and become unclean. As to the crowds, the historian Josephus estimated one of these gatherings at well over two million people.1 Bock says: “It was a legal requirement that the meal be celebrated within Jerusalem…” 2
It would help us to understand that the Passover itself was a one-day celebration that happened on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Nisan. Since most Hebrew holidays began at sundown, the Passover actually had its start on the 13th of the month at sundown. For a couple of days before the celebration people began to prepare for the feast. All leavened items in the homes were removed and a general cleaning took place. The Passover lambs were slain in the afternoon of the 14th and the seven-day holiday of Unleavened Bread began at sundown on the 14th, which was actually be the beginning of the 15th. The Passover supper was eaten at this time. The holidays were originally separate but by the time of Christ they were seen as one 8-day celebration.3 Pfeiffer and Harrison say, “The Passover was the greatest and most sacred feast of the Jewish religious year, celebrating the redemption of the nation from the bondage in Egypt.” 4
The leaders of Israel desperately wanted to get rid of Jesus but they did not want to make such a move during the feast (Matt. 26:4-5; Mk. 14:1-2), lest the people riot. Their plans were about to change, because Judas would soon come to them with a scheme to betray Jesus. With an insider working for them they would be able to arrest Jesus secretly and quickly do away with him.
“Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus” (22:3-4). Caird says, “The character of Judas is one of the unsolved conundrums of the gospel story…” 5 Of course, from the account we know that Judas had help, from Satan himself. The English journalist and poet John Oxenham described the decision of Judas and many others in these immortal lines:
To every man there openeth
A Way, and Ways, and a Way.
And the High Soul climbs the High Way,
And the Low Soul gropes the Low,
And in between, on the misty flats,
The rest drift to and fro.
But to every man there openeth
A High Way, and a Low.
And every man decideth
The Way his soul shall go.6
Matthew alone tells us that Judas actually bargained with the high priest and his associates for the price he was to be paid for Jesus. They agreed on thirty pieces of silver (Matt. 26:14-16). This is a reference to Zechariah 11:12-13. In Exodus 21:32, we see that thirty pieces of silver was the price for a slave that had been gored by an animal. Wiersbe says of this: “He sold his Master for the price of a slave… the basest act of treachery
in history.” 7 There is a serious lesson here. If we are faithless in small matters we are likely to also be faithless in great matters (Matt. 25:21, 23). Judas first pilfered the common purse for a few coins (Jn. 12:6), then later he was able to sell Jesus the Messiah of Israel for a few pieces of silver.
We will see in this drama that Satan uses people and then he trashes them. Of all his servants, Judas probably did the devil the most important service, in turning Christ over. However, from that point on Judas was a totally rejected and miserable soul. Truly there is no honor among thieves – or murderers.
“They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present” (22:5-6). Wiersbe says, “It is incredible that these men perpetrated history’s greatest crime during Israel’s holiest festival…” 8 Wiersbe remarks further how these leaders of Israel had cleansed their homes for Passover but they had failed to cleanse their hearts.9 Of course, the heart of Judas was black as night. Jesus had long known that he was a devil (Jn. 6:70-71).
THE LAST SUPPER
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed Luke 22:7
There has been a lot of discussion among commentators concerning the timing of this event. The Synoptic Gospels seem to indicate that this was a Passover meal, while John’s gospel simply refers to it as “…the evening meal” (Jn. 13:2). The other writers place the meal right in the midst of Passover while John places it “…just before the Passover feast.” The Synoptic Gospels apparently show Jesus and his disciples eating the Passover, while John indicates that the actual feast had not yet come and the disciples at the meal even suspected Judas was going out to buy supplies for the Passover (Jn. 13:29).
Of course, Jesus could have had a Passover-type meal, without the lamb, just before the holiday began. This would have been much like the custom of the Essenes. Such timing would have allowed Jesus to be crucified the next day on the fourteenth of Nisan at the precise time the Passover lambs were being slain in the temple. The holiday would have actually begun at sundown on that previous day (13th) as we have said. The early meal would also simplify the problem of how Jesus could have been in the tomb three days and three nights as it is mentioned in Matthew 12:40. For many years I served with a Christian pro-Israel organization. Each year in the spring we did many demonstration Passover meals. We never had a lamb for any of these, since our Lamb is living and in our midst. Those Passover programs were always very meaningful.
Morris comments: “Possibly the best explanation is that there were different calendars in use. Jesus died as the Passover victims were being slain according to the official calendar; but he had held the Passover with his followers the previous evening according to an unofficial calendar. It agrees with this that, while all three Synoptists speak of the meal as though it were the Passover, none of them mentions the lamb or kid which was the central feature of the Passover observance (and which could not be obtained without the concurrence of the temple authorities).” 10 Tensions were extremely high between Jesus and the temple elite. It might have been very difficult for the disciples to have had a lamb slain for Jesus.
The exact timing of Jesus’ meal is still clothed in mystery and there is much discussion about it. Utley says, “If one retraces the lunar calendar back to Jesus’ day in A.D. 30, the 14th of Nisan (cf. Lev. 23:5-6) fell on a Thursday, the 15th of Nisan on a Friday, which fits exactly.” 11 If Jesus was actually crucified on a Thursday instead of the traditional Friday, there would be no problem with his being in the tomb three days and three nights as the scripture tells us (Matt. 12:40).
It should be pointed out that the Jewish Passover meal today is celebrated in the evening at the beginning of the 14th day. Of course, today there is no temple and thus the Passover lambs are no longer slain at the temple. Among the Jewish people all preparations are made prior to the eve of Passover. The whole day is celebrated as a holy convocation.
“Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover’” (22:8). Many preparations would have to be made for the festival. The room would have to be meticulously cleaned with even the smallest crumbs of leavened items removed. The meal would have to be prepared with all the necessary side dishes and wine provided. In those days, banquets were usually eaten Roman style from a very low table, with guests reclining around it. Pillows and mats were also provided for the diners’ comfort. If a Passover lamb was to be part of the service then a lamb would have to be sacrificed in the afternoon and roasted prior to the meal. Lambs had to be sacrificed at the temple. So, we can see that a considerable amount of work had to be done. Peter and John almost needed a busy Martha to come along and help them.
“‘Where do you want us to prepare for it?’ they asked” (22:9). This was a very big question, and almost an impossible one. Having lived in Jerusalem many years and having been there numerous times for the Passover, I can say that there is usually not an empty room available at such a time. Jerusalem is a city that is compact together (Psa.122:3) and crowded. There is usually not a closet that is not in full use at Passover time. At this season it was customary for houses to be filled with pilgrims and the lodging was free. As a repayment the pilgrims did normally leave as a gift for their host, usually the hide of the sacrificed animal.12
“He replied, ‘As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there” (22:10-12). Many Bible commentators have trouble accepting the fact that Jesus had miraculous powers. They try to say that all this was somehow prearranged by Jesus and the owner. There are some elements of this story that could not possibly have been prearranged. Jesus knew a lot of things in advance. He knew Judas would betray him. He also knew that Peter would deny him three times before the cock could crow twice. It should not seem unthinkable that God could speak to this owner in his dreams or otherwise and instruct him to have the room prepared.
We must remember that there were hundreds of thousands of pilgrims plying the streets of Jerusalem. How could the man with the jar be prearranged in a day before cell phones? Granted, it was unusual for men to carry water, since this was the usual job of women.13 However, the scheduling of such an event would have to be timed to the nanosecond. Simply, it could not be prearranged. It was a simple miracle.
No doubt, Jesus wished to keep the location of his meal a secret from Judas. When the two disciples arrived at the spot, they were the only ones who knew its exact location. Had Judas known, he might have been tempted to relay the information to the authorities.14
The home was no doubt a nice and roomy one. Keener says, “Anyone with a two-story home, the second of which contained a ‘large’ upper room, would be considered well-to-do. This family presumably resided in the Upper City of Jerusalem…” 15 Once in the home, the disciples had a lot of work to do to make preparations, as we have said.
“They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover” (22:13). Their heads were probably swirling with amazement that such a nice, roomy facility was available to them during Passover.
THE NEW COVENANT
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” Luke 22:14-15
We observe that Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table in the traditional Roman manner of that day. People leaned on their left elbows and ate from the low table with their right hands. Their feet would be stretched out away from the table. Jesus was very anxious to have this last meal with his disciples. The Greek words used here are epithumia (with desire) and epethumēsa (I have desired). This was a common idiom meaning that he strongly desired.16 He desired to eat the Passover (Gk. Pascha) before he suffered.
“For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God” (22:16). Jesus made plain that there was a close connection between the Passover and the kingdom of God. The next time he would celebrate it would be in the kingdom. We note something very interesting about the biblical festivals. We see in Leviticus 23: 14, 21, 31, and 41, that the festivals are “statutes forever” or “lasting ordinances.” They will go on forever so we may as well get acquainted with them.
“After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, ‘Take this and divide it among you’” (22:17). In the many manuscripts of Luke there are some variations in this section. There is a long and a short version of this passage. We note some differences between Luke and the other Synoptics. In Luke, the cup is first taken and blessed (cf. 1 Cor. 10:16) and in Matthew and Mark the bread is taken first. This same pattern is seen in 1 Corinthians 11:23-25.17 This mystery may be partly cleared up by the fact that four cups of red wine were taken at the Passover. The wine was mixed with water in the ratio of three parts of wine and two parts of water.18 The father began the Passover by taking the first cup and blessing it. Then all would drink of the first cup. It is generally felt that the third cup of wine (after the meal) was the one taken by Jesus as he instituted the Lord’s Supper.19 Again, the cup would be blessed and taken first, and afterward the bread of Communion would be taken.
Bock would say of this cup and bread: “The foundation for a new era is laid. A new sacrifice brings an era of fresh fulfillment…his death takes our place in paying for sin…Rom. 3:20-26…A covenant is always inaugurated with the shedding of blood.” 20
“For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes” (22:18). Some think that Jesus did not drink of the cup but only offered it to his disciples. It seems more likely and customary that Jesus did drink of it but would not drink of it again in this world. At the close of the Passover, Psalms would be sung, including Psalm 116:13: “I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.”
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me’” (22:19). It is significant that the unleavened bread of Passover now becomes the symbol of the unleavened and sinless life of Jesus. In the Passover Seder the clear message is that our lives should also be unleavened or sinless, patterned after the life of Christ and empowered by him. Thus the New Covenant was begun, as described in Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 36:22-36, and Zechariah 9:11.
“In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you’” (22:20). It is strange in Luke that the cup is mentioned twice. Possibly this has to do with the last cup that ends the Passover.
THE BETRAYAL PREDICTED
But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. Luke 22:21
The Roman Triclinium table was in the shape of a squared U. The host sat at the center in the bottom of the U or at the head of the table. The first guest of honor sat to his right and on his left was the second guest of honor. The rest of the seating was by rank.21 John was to Jesus’ right and subsequently leaned upon the breast of the Lord (Jn. 13:25). By the fact that Jesus could easily pass the sop to Judas, he would have almost had to be in the second place of honor to the left of the Lord (Jn. 13:26). If so, we can see how far the love of Christ would go to redeem a sinner. Judas trampled this love underfoot. Soon, he went out into the night to betray the Master. Jesus could have exclaimed, “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me” (Psa. 41:9).
Did Judas stay for the Communion? It might appear that he did here in Luke, but it is interesting that both Matthew and Mark have this prophecy of betrayal and his exit before the actual Communion.22 We really cannot know for sure but it seems that Matthew and Mark might have the best sequence of events.
“The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” (22:22). Judas was determined to accomplish his vile deed, therefore, he went out into the night. Wiersbe sighs, “…Alas, for Judas, it is still night and always will be night!” 23 Beyond any doubt, Judas accomplished the most horrible deed that any human had ever undertaken in the history of the world.
“They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this” (22:23). At this point the disciples were quite unaware of who would betray Jesus. Peter, who may have been at the far end of the table, motioned for John to ask the Lord who it was (Jn. 13:24-26). Jesus did tell John that it was the one dipping in the bowl with him. We can imagine that there was a good deal of anxiety and soul-searching among the brothers that night.
A DISPUTE ABOUT GREATNESS
A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Luke 22:24
It is really unthinkable, but as their Lord was preparing to die for them they were concerning themselves with their future rank in the kingdom after his demise. Barnes says, “Nothing can be more humiliating than that the disciples should have had such contentions, and in such a time and place.” 24 Utley says, “Every time Jesus related his death, the disciples began to argue over who would be his successor (cf. Matt. 18:1-5; 20:24-28; Mk. 9:33-37; 10:35-37; Lk. 9:46-48).” 25 It seems at this point that the Lord Jesus girded himself with a towel, stooped and began to wash the disciples’ feet (Jn. 13:4-15). It would be a lesson in humility that they would never forget.
Clearly, even up to Jesus’ death the disciples were thinking in earthly terms. Like many other Jews, they envisioned the kingdom as something that would take place with a political and military movement. The Messiah would defeat Rome and institute an era of peace and prosperity. They, in turn, would inherit positions of power and influence in this new kingdom. So much for pipe dreams. They had failed to understand Jesus or his way of doing things. Bock says, “Greatness is defined, not by position nor resume, but by one’s attitude and service.” 26
“Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors’” (22:25). For some time, the kings of Egypt and Syria had carried the Greek title Euergetes, which meant “benefactor.” 27 Unfortunately, many of these kings lorded it over the people and did not provide much benefit to them. It was the lifestyle of kings in those days to live high while they oppressed the people. This was particularly evident of the Herodian dynasty.
“But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves” (22:26-27).
In the spring of 1883, two young men graduated from medical school. The two differed from one another in both appearance and ambition. Ben was short and stocky. Will was tall and thin. Ben dreamed of practicing medicine on the East Coast. Will wanted to work in a rural community. Ben begged his friend to go to New York where they could both make a fortune. Will refused. His friend called him foolish for wanting to practice medicine in the Midwest. “But,” Will said, “I want first of all to be a great surgeon…the very best, if I have the ability.” Years later the wealthy and powerful came from around the world to be treated by Will at his clinic…the Mayo Clinic.28
In the pattern of Isaiah 42:1, and several chapters and verses following, Jesus is pictured as the Suffering Servant who had come to redeem Israel. For some strange reason, Israel never comprehended this picture of their Messiah. The disciples were also at a loss to picture this. Paul would later say, “For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed…” (Rom. 15:8). The devil’s way was the way of pride, power and influence, but Jesus’ way was one of lowliness and service to humanity. We have abundant evidence today that the devil’s way did not and does not work.
“You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (22:28-30). The disciples had left everything, even their families and professions, to follow Jesus. They would be rewarded, not in the world’s way, but in Jesus’ way. In Matthew 19:28, Jesus would say to them, “…Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
Jesus is probably speaking here of the Millennial period when the world will be renewed and evil will be banished. The Bible is clear that in this period the saints will rule for Christ on this earth (Rev. 5:10; cf. 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 3:21). The Bible is also clear that the apostles of Jesus will be greatly honored as they administer Israel and the earth on behalf of Christ. Since this will be an entirely new era it is difficult for us to peer into it.
SIMON IS SIFTED
Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. Luke 22:31-32
We cannot miss the fact that Satan has to ask permission of the Lord to tempt the saints. This fact is also made plain in the first part of Job’s book (1:6-12 and 2:1-6). Our God is Lord of all with all spiritual powers in heaven and hell are subject to him. We need to remember this all-important fact when we fall under temptation.
Satan wanted to sift Simon like one would sift wheat or flour. Fortunately, Jesus had already prayed for him that he would survive this sifting. Had Jesus not prayed for him there was every possibility that he would have ended up like Judas. Thanks to the grace of God, Simon Peter lived on to head up the Lord’s work, to preach a powerful sermon on Pentecost and to write two epistles for the church. We believers can thank God today that Jesus in heaven is still interceding for us (Heb.7:25; 9:24; 1 Jn. 2:1). McGee assures us: “The Lord Jesus Christ prayed for you today. It may be that you did not pray for yourself but he has prayed for you.” 29
It is possible that the last part of verse 32, “And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers,” was of great comfort to Peter as he was in the depths of despair after denying Jesus three times and even cursing in the process. Of course, at the Resurrection the angel sent a direct message to Peter (Mk. 16:7) and Later the Lord appeared to him (Lk. 24:34).
“But he replied, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me’” (22:33-34). The Romans had the night divided into watches. The third watch of the night was called the ‘cockcrow’, and it ended around 3:00 a.m.30 Jesus here gave Peter a very accurate word of prophecy. He would disown the Lord three times before the rooster would crow that very night. Generally the rooster would begin his crowing around 12:30 a.m. and it might continue to 3:00 a.m. I remember how, during our four year stay in the Galilee, it seemed the roosters crowed most of the night. One would crow and another would answer and it would go on and on.
Before the rooster had a chance to crow twice (cf. Mk. 14:30) Peter would deny Jesus three times. How amazing all this was! Peter the rock would become Peter the putty, and all that because of a little, overly-inquisitive servant girl.
SPIRITUAL SUPPLY
Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered. Luke 22:35
This section has caused a lot of discussion among commentators over the years. On the surface it seems to go against all that Jesus taught. When he sent the twelve and the seventy, he sent them with very few provisions, and certainly not with swords (9:1-3; 10:1-4). Later, when Jesus appeared before Pilate he totally renounced the use of military force in regards to his kingdom’s advance (Jn. 18:36). We can safely say that nowhere in Jesus’ teaching did he advocate the use of swords or of military force in order to bring in his kingdom. He severely rebuked Peter for later using a sword (Matt. 26:52). We are thus amazed at this next verse.
“He said to them, ‘But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one” (22:36). We can understand that with this verse things were drastically changing for the disciples. Before, they had enjoyed the leisure of peacefully witnessing among their people while Jesus provided all their needs miraculously. Now, Jesus will be condemned to death as a criminal and the disciples will also be looked upon as criminals. Their lives will be difficult and they will have to revert to a more normal style of living. Meyer says, “He meant them to realize that the storm was about to burst upon them with furious intensity.” 31
Several commentators see this verse as applying in the spiritual sense. Barker and Kohlenberger say, “The swords may simply be a vivid symbol of impending crisis, not intended for actual use.” 32 Pett comments, “These swords are symbolic rather than real. It is not through swords that they will triumph…” 33 Morris adds: “Perilous and difficult days lie ahead. There will be need for purse and bag, and even for a sword…it is more likely that they are figurative.” 34 Perhaps the Lord’s instruction is not unlike that Paul gave to the churches in Ephesians 6:11ff.
“It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors;’ and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment” (22:37). Jesus has reference here to Isaiah 53:12: “…he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Of course, Jesus was tried as a hardened criminal and was crucified between two thieves. That was to the eternal shame of the religious establishment who should have recognized who he was. In the end, Jesus was able to take the place of sinful people and redeem them by his blood.35
“The disciples said, ‘See, Lord, here are two swords.’ ‘That’s enough!’ he replied” (22:38). This exchange appears only here in Luke so we have no corresponding verses to help us. There may be two possible explanations of Jesus’ words: Guthrie says, “‘That’s enough’, said Jesus, to end a conversation which they had failed to understand. The way of Jesus, as they should have known, was not the way of the sword, but of love.” 36 Pfeiffer and Harrison ask: “…Did he mean that the possession of the weapons would technically place him among transgressors, and thus fulfill the letter of the prophecy quoted from Isaiah 53:12?” 37
ON TO GETHSEMANE
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. Luke 22:39
The Mount of Olives was familiar territory. As we have mentioned earlier, it seems that Jesus and his disciples were camping out there, probably in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36; Mk. 14:32). Barclay says about this area: “The space within Jerusalem was so limited that there was no room for gardens. Many well-to-do people, therefore, had private gardens out on the Mount of Olives. Some wealthy friend had given Jesus the privilege of using such a garden, and it was there that he went to fight his lonely battle.” 38 Some people still have private gardens on the Mount of Olives. On occasions our tour groups have gained access to these for our times of meditation, prayer and picture-taking.
In order to get to Gethsemane Jesus and his disciples would have had to cross the Brook Kidron. We cannot help but be reminded of King David when he fled Jerusalem and also crossed the Kidron (2 Sam. 15:23). Wiersbe notes how both Jesus and David were at the time throne-less kings who were only accompanied by their closest friends, while they were both rejected by their own people.39 In a sense it was a valley of the shadow of death for both of them.
“On reaching the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you will not fall into temptation’” (22:40). Keener thinks that they may have arrived at the garden by 10 or 11 PM, which would have been considered late in the evening.40 The disciples had just enjoyed a full meal with four cups of wine each, and probably were not well prepared to pray.
“He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done’” (22:41-42).
In Jesus’ day it was not customary to kneel when praying, but standing was the normal posture.41 Nevertheless, Jesus was bowed and weighted down as he began to bear the sins of the whole world. Already, the wrath of God was coming upon him as the world’s sin-bearer (cf. Psa. 11:6; Isa. 51:17; 53:5-6, 12). Utley says, “We are on extremely holy ground here as Jesus’ human nature struggles with the Father’s will.” 42 The cup he was to take might be likened to a cup of poison. It was a cup of suffering and a cup of wrath (Isa. 51:22; Mk. 10:38). Throughout history other people have accepted death with calm courage but Jesus prayed for the cup to be taken away. We can only imagine the horrors of the cup that Jesus faced that night.43
“An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him” (22:43). Jesus’ death, by far, was not a normal human death. In his death he was forsaken by God (Psa. 22:1; Matt. 27:46) and he was also made to be sin for us. (2 Cor. 5:21).44 Jesus was worn down by great burdens of sorrow and suffering. At this critical point an angel came to assist him. The Bible does assure us humans that the angel of the Lord encamps around us to help us (Psa. 34:7). At this point in the redemptive process Jesus needed that help. “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground” (22:44). Doctor Luke alone tells us that Jesus’ sweat was like large drops of blood. Wiersbe thinks he might be describing the medical condition of hematidrosis. This is a condition that occurs when one is under great emotional stress. In this condition the tiny blood vessels can rupture in the sweat glands, producing a mixture of blood and sweat.45 There have been a few cases in history where this has occurred.
“When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. ‘Why are you sleeping?’ he asked them. ‘Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation’” (22:45-46). In Matthew and Mark’s versions we learn that Jesus went away and prayed three times and returned each time to find them sleeping. He charged them that their spirit was willing but their flesh was weak (Matt. 26:40-46; Mk. 14:37-42). In various war times throughout history, watchmen who went to sleep on duty were summarily shot by the military. This was the greatest and most important “watch” assignment ever given to humans, and they were snoozing away. They were so sound asleep that they were unable to warn Jesus of the band approaching to arrest him.
THE ARREST OF JESUS
While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” Luke 22:47-48
That night a mob, no doubt with torches, wound their way down from the temple mount, crossed the Kidron and gathered around Jesus and his disciples. Now that it was night, these men, who probably included many of the temple guard, were very brave. They could have arrested Jesus any time as he taught in the temple but they did not have the nerve for that. John even tells us that there were some Roman troops with them (Jn. 18:3). It was quite a motley crew, led by Judas, who was now the arch traitor of all times.
Judas was quite the schemer and he had found a way to betray Jesus in such a manner that there would be no friendly crowds to protest the arrest. When Judas approached the Lord he no doubt laid his right hand on the Rabbi’s left shoulder and kissed him.46 Long before, the author of Proverbs had said: “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses” (Prov. 27:6). How tragic, that a kiss which was supposed to express friendship and esteem became a kiss of betrayal! With this kiss Judas identified Jesus in that dark night in order that he could be arrested. McGee exclaims, “This is the basest act of treachery ever recorded.” 47
“When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, ‘Lord, should we strike with our swords?’ And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear” (22:49-50). Clearly, at least two of the disciples were still quite confused over the matter of the swords. The one who struck the servant of the high priest was later identified by John as impetuous Peter (Jn. 18:10). Wiersbe feels that Peter had to fight with the sword in order to back up all the boastful words he had spoken in the Upper Room. He was sleeping while he should have been praying and now he was declaring war while Jesus was surrendering himself.48
“But Jesus answered, ‘No more of this!’ And he touched the man’s ear and healed him” (22:51). Doctor Luke is the only one who tells us about Jesus healing the servant’s ear. No doubt that servant, whose name was Malchus, had some serious thoughts that night about the man who had just healed him. We can see that Jesus sternly rebuked the sword-bearers, indicating again that his teaching about swords was more spiritual than physical. It was a small wonder that Peter was not killed in the scuffle.
“Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, ‘Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour— when darkness reigns’” (22:52-53). We note here that the chief priests and high officers of the temple were present for Jesus’ arrest. They must have felt this matter was of greatest importance.49 The nighttime was looked upon by the Jews as being associated with evil and a time when demons ruled.50 We must admit that they certainly ruled that night.
PETER’S TRIAL IN THE COURT OF THE HIGH PRIEST
Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. Luke 22:54
John’s Gospel notes that Jesus was first taken to the house of Annas. History tells us that Annas was the high priest of Israel from the years AD 6 – 15. He was then deposed by the Romans and his son-in-law Caiaphas eventually took his place. However, the Jewish people felt that the priesthood was for life (Num. 35:25), so they continued to look up to Annas as a high priest. Caiaphas reigned as high priest from the years 18 – 36. He was in that position longer than any other high priest in the first century. However, Annas continued to be the power behind the throne. Luke, back in 3:2, even speaks of the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas. It is possibly for this reason that Jesus was taken first to Annas.
It would be good for us to try and locate this setting. For many years, the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu, in the upper city of Jerusalem, has been considered the house of the high priest where Jesus was held and questioned. This house is quite a distance from the temple area with hundreds of steps uphill to its location. We can hardly imagine the priesthood living in a place so inaccessible to the temple. In recent years much new excavation has taken place under the auspices of the Wohl Archaeological Museum (Herodian Estates Museum) underneath the Jewish Quarter. Here archaeologists have found a very large and opulent building equipped with mikve pools and other accessories that would have been necessary for the priesthood. This large structure has immediate access to the temple compound.
It is now thought by some that this is the real house of the high priest. Perhaps the weightiest evidence for the high priestly compound comes from the nearby Burnt House Museum where they found an inscription on stone: “Dvar Kathros” and Kathros (Greek for purity) is a high priestly name we find in the Talmud – and that reference is to a priest in Jerusalem before AD 70.51 We can assume from all this that there was a large priestly compound very near to the temple area. Many of the priests may have lived together in this area. Morris says, “ It is quite possible that Caiaphas and Annas shared the same palace…In any case it is not necessary to postulate a change of courtyard…” 52 It might have been only a short walk from the house of Annas to that of Caiaphas.
Luke tells us that Peter followed at a distance. McGee comments, “It is a dangerous thing to follow the Lord afar off.” 53 In fact, the scripture says “Those who are far from you will perish…” (Psa. 73:27). In all likelihood, the Lord intended for all his disciples to escape arrest that night (Jn. 18:8-9). Had Peter only obeyed Jesus to watch and pray he might have escaped the whole ordeal.54
“And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them” (22:55). Spring nights in Jerusalem can be quite cool. Even in the summer nights, sometimes a person needs a jacket. So a fire was kindled in the courtyard and Peter snuggled up to it. Someone has said that it is not good to warm ourselves at the devil’s fire. Even the scripture had cautioned about sitting in the company of mockers (Psa. 1:1).
“A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, ‘This man was with him.’ But he denied it. ‘Woman, I don’t know him,’ he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, ‘You also are one of them.’ ‘Man, I am not!’ Peter replied” (22:56-58). When we read through all four gospels there seems to be some confusion concerning all those who questioned Peter that night. Morris clarifies this saying: “In Mark, the second denial appears to be elicited by a question from the same slave girl, in Matthew from a different slave girl, in Luke from a man and in John from a number of people. A little reflection shows that in such a situation a question once posed is likely to have been taken up by others round the fire.” 55 Morris goes on to say, “All four gospels agree that the first challenge came from a slave girl, John adding that she was the doorkeeper.” 56 To all these charges Peter made a quick denial. Bock remarks that Luke was kind to Peter by not mentioning the fact of his cursing and swearing (Matt. 26:74).57
“About an hour later another asserted, ‘Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.’ Peter replied, ‘Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!’ Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed” (22:59-60). Apparently the Galileans had a rather thick accent. Keener says that their problem was in mispronouncing guttural sounds.58 Anyway, the people around the fire soon picked up on this accent. John mentions that this last questioner was a relative of poor Malchus whose ear Peter had just sliced off. By this time Peter was in a real panic and denied vehemently that he knew Jesus. The words were hardly out of his mouth when the rooster crowed.
“The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly” (22:61-62). It is only Luke who records this glance of Jesus. Morris says, “Apparently it was this look that awakened in Peter the memory of Jesus’ prophecy.” 59 With this look from the Master, Peter broke down in great remorse.
JESUS IS MOCKED AND TRIED
The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” And they said many other insulting things to him.” Luke 22:63-65
As we mentioned from John’s Gospel, Jesus was taken first to Annas. It seems that he was immediately mistreated and this was not in line with Jewish law. Apparently he was mocked and beaten there. We are also told that even one of the officials struck Jesus in the face (Jn. 18:22). All this was unlawful treatment. Keener says, “Jewish law permitted public flogging of a condemned person; it did not permit the treatment described here – mocking and beating – certainly not before a person had been proved guilty in a trial.” 60 Meyer remarks, “This scene of mockery is very terrible. How difficult the twelve legions of angels must have found it to restrain themselves.” 61
There were many things amiss regarding the trials that took place. Such trials could not be held at night. Furthermore, a death sentence could not be carried out on the same day it was given. According to Jewish law a night must elapse so the officials could sleep on their decision and perhaps render a more merciful ruling.62
It is clear from the proceedings that Jesus went before Annas and then before Caiaphas the same night. It is interesting that both councils sought only false information about Jesus so that they could convict him (Matt. 26:59). Normal courts in such matters would have tried to hear all evidence, both for and against. Apparently, the death decision against Jesus was firmly made during the night.
“At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them” (22:66). We see that at daybreak a formal meeting of the Sanhedrin was called. This was no doubt in an attempt to cover up the unlawful verdict that was reached during the night.63 This was Israel’s highest court and they were totally bent upon lawlessness and evil. We can understand why God was determined to totally destroy the nation. Caird says, “The Sanhedrin think that they are sitting in judgment on him, but in fact the roles are reversed: he is the judge and from this moment they and their nation are on trial before the heavenly tribunal.” 64
“‘If you are the Messiah,’ they said, ‘tell us.’ Jesus answered, ‘If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer” (22:67-68). In this strange trial there were no credible witnesses. The leaders of Israel were simply attempting to get Jesus to incriminate himself, and this too was an illegal procedure.65
“But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God” (22:69). It seemed that Jesus would no longer put up with their silly game. Jesus then made a claim that must have shocked the Jewish leaders to their core. They would soon see him sitting at the right hand of the Almighty God. The position at the right hand of God was the utmost place of power and authority.
“They all asked, ‘Are you then the Son of God?’ He replied, ‘You say that I am.’ Then they said, ‘Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips’” (22:70-71). All this was a Middle Eastern way of saying “yes.” In Mark’s Gospel, when they asked if he was the Christ, the Son of God, he simply answered “I am.” (Mk. 14:62). Of course, to the Jewish leaders this was an admission of blasphemy. It was exactly what they needed to hear in order to condemn him.