Luke 22:7-38Luke: List of Major Bible Charts, Maps, & PicturesThe Final Days of Jesus' Ministry in JerusalemJesus' Arrest, Trial, and Crucifixion
Luke 22:7-38
This historical account of Luke's Gospel in found in detail in the Gospel's of Matthew and Mark below.
Luke enjoyed speaking about community. Here in Luke we observe the fifth of seven table-talk scenes (Luke 5:29-32; 7:36-50; 9:12-17; 10:38-42; 11:37-54; 14:1-24; 24:28-32; 24:36-42). While Luke orders items a little differently in some areas than do Matthew and Mark, there is also some material that is unique also to Luke in this section. For instance, Luke says there were two cups (Luke 22:17, 20), but the other Gospels record only one. But, just because a writer only mentions one, does not mean that others are not present, it simply means for the focus of the events given to us a particular writer is stressing the one cup. Compare the pouring out of the cup to the "drink offering." See "Offerings for Intimate Fellowship - Numbers 15:1-16" below.
In Luke 22:35-37, Jesus speaks about provisions for ministry. This was actually discussed in more detail in Luke 9:3; 10:4, when Jesus sent his disciples out to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom having no provisions. In those two accounts we observe that all their needs were met. Now, with the arrest and trail of Christ, Jesus knew that the disciple's ministry experience would change. Jesus quoted Isaiah 53:12. He knew he would be crucified between two criminals. The disciples too, since they followed Christ would hence be viewed as outlaws.
Jesus gave them a list of provisions, but the disciples focused in on the "sword." The disciples were still thinking of taking the Kingdom by force, but clearly this is not what Jesus was saying, as latter this same evening he would heal he ear of the servant of the high priest which Peter in his misunderstanding cut off (Luke 22:50-51). Jesus had already told his disciples that it was time for him to "suffer" (Luke 22:15).
Celebrating and Reinterpreting Passover in the Upper Room. Jesus spent his final hours with his disciples preparing them for his impending death. Their time and his teaching were centered around a Passover meal. Jesus used this to speak about his own death as a saving sacrifice.
Luke 22:7-8
Unleavened Bread. See note on 22:1. Passover. See note on 2:41-42. lamb. Sacrificed at the temple in the afternoon (2:30–5:30pm), they were eaten by families the same evening. Originally, Passover was celebrated in the temple courts (Deut. 16:16; 2 Chron. 35:16-19). When the number of pilgrim's travelling became too large, anywhere within Jerusalem's walls became an acceptable location (v. 10). prepare. This meant having the lamb sacrificed at the temple, then roasting it, gathering other food and drink, and setting up the room for the meal.
Luke 22:9
Jesus and the twelve were not from Jerusalem, so there was no home to go to. They would have needed to make other arrangements. Given the large numbers of people who travelled into the city for the feast, obtaining a room could be difficult.
Luke 22:10-12
Jesus' instructions are either dependent on his previous arrangements with the man. Or, they relied on his supernatural knowledge of the man and his willingness to serve Jesus and his disciples. furnished. There were large cushions already set up in the room.
Luke 22:13
Events unfold in ways that show Jesus is in control (see note on 19:32-34).
Luke 22:14
The meal was eaten with everyone reclined on their sides, laying on cushion (v. 12; 11:37; 14:10; 17:7). Jesus and his disciples faced each other around the meal and their feet pointed outward.
Luke 22:15-16
This was a special time of friendship (John 13:1). It was the last night Jesus would have with the apostles he called, trained, and travelled with for three years. The next day, he would suffer and die for them on the cross (23:44-49). This meal looked back to the salvation God gave Israel during the Exodus (Exod. 12:1–13:10). But it also looked forward to the spiritual salvation God would bring his people through the death of Jesus (1 Cor. 5:7; Heb. 9:13-14). not eat. Jesus had a physical body after his resurrection and was capable of eating (24:41-43). He meant that the meal he shared then would not be shared again with his disciples. In this way, the Lord's Supper (vv. 19-20; 1 Cor. 11:17-34) anticipated the final meal Jesus will share with his people (Rev. 19:6-9). Passover. See note on 2:41-42. kingdom of God. See note on 4:43.
Luke 22:17-18
cup. Similar to his statement about eating a meal (v. 16), Jesus also said that he would not drink wine again until his return. kingdom. Jesus not only preached the kingdom (4:43) and brought the kingdom (10:9; 11:20), he is the embodiment of the kingdom (17:21). Thus, the fullness of the kingdom will come when Jesus himself comes again at the end of the age (21:27; 1 Cor. 15:22-28).
Luke 22:19-20
Jesus transformed and fulfilled the traditional Passover meal into something new, which is called The Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 11:20). Now he would be the focus of his people when they remembered their salvation (1 Cor. 11:26; Heb. 9:11-14). See WCF 29.3; WLC 169; BC 35; HC 75.
Luke 22:19
The bread and cup (v. 20) represent the body and blood of Jesus. foryou. Jesus indicated that the giving of his body and blood in death was substitutionary. He would die for his people on the cross (Isa. 53:12; Col. 1:20). remembrance. The bread and the cup are a reminder of his saving death. They also remind God's people that the fullness of salvation in Jesus is yet to come (1 Cor. 11:26). See WLC 174.
Luke 22:20
new covenant. The old covenant between ancient Israel and God was fulfilled in Christ (Matt. 5:17-18; Rom. 10:4; 2 Cor. 1:20). Israel repeatedly failed to keep the old covenant, which is one reason why a new one was promised (2 Cor. 3:4–18; Heb. 7:19; 8:1-13). This covenant would be better without the insufficiencies of the Old Covenant (Heb. 8:10-11). blood. The new covenant was ratified with the shedding of blood just as the old covenant with Israel (Exod. 24:8; Heb. 9:11-28). There is no sacrifice in the meal. Jesus offered only once at the cross (Heb. 7:27; 9:12; 10:10). See WCF 7.4; 7.6; WLC 168.
Luke 22:21
Judas was already preparing to betray Jesus (vv. 3-6). Not everyone who claims to be a disciple is truly saved (Matt. 7:21-23).
Luke 22:22
Judas would betray Jesus to the Jewish leader (vv. 3-6; ). Then, they make false accusations about him to the Romans who executed him by crucifixion. Yet, God used these means to bring about his plan to bring salvation to his people (24:25-27; Acts 2:22-23; 4:24-28). Thus, the wicked actions of those involved will be judged (Mark 14:21; Acts 1:18-20). Sonof Man. See note on 5:22-24. woe. See note on 6:20-26.
Each apostle insisted that his loyalty and faithfulness to Jesus prevented him from being the betrayer (v. 23). This led to arguments about who was the greatest disciple.
Luke 22:25
Jesus ended the apostles' argument by teaching them about true greatness. Gentiles. Non-Jews who were largely outside the people of God at that time. They were also ruling over the Jewish people. Jesus explained that the Gentiles' idea of greatness was rooted in displays of power. masters. Many kings ruled harshly to emphasize their authority. do good. Some Gentile kings demanded to be called Benefactors. They wanted to be known for doing good, even if they were tyrannical toward the people they ruled.
Luke 22:26-27
Christians must understand greatness differently than the Gentiles (v. 25). In Christ's kingdom true greatness doesn't come in recognition and privilege. It is found in humility, not power. That humility leads to service for others (v. 27). youngest. Culturally, the youngest would have been seen as the one with the least amount of greatness. serves. The one who sits down and is served is often considered greater than the one doing the serving. one whoserves. Jesus modeled true greatness for his disciples. He was humble and served his followers (John 13:1-20; Phil. 2:3-8).
Luke 22:28
Jesus began and ended his ministry under significant Satanic attack (4:13; 22:3). The disciples had remained with him during these years of testing.
Luke 22:29-30
Jesus' call to discipleship included sharing God's kingdom in fellowship with his followers (13:29; 14:15; Matt. 25:34). It also meant the twelve apostles would have a special place of authority (see Acts 1:26). kingdom. See note on 4:43.
Simon, Simon. See note on 10:41-42. Satan. See note on 4:2. asked. Though Satan rages against God, he is still a created being under God's sovereign authority. He can do nothing without permission (see Job 1:8-12; 2:3-6). you. Plural word, which indicates all of the apostles were addressed. Yet, Simon Peter is singled out. Perhaps he was especially targeted by Satan as the first among equals (see Matt. 16:18; Acts 1:15; 2:14). If his faith was shaken, it would be easier for the others to fall.
Luke 22:32
Jesus interceded for Peter, ensuring his failure would only be temporary. Jesus fulfilled the role of priest who interceded for the people of Israel (Lev. 6:1-7; Joel 2:17; Heb. 9:24; 1 John 2:2). See WCF 11.5; 17.2; 18.4; WLC 79.
Luke 22:34
Peter insisted on his faithfulness. Yet, he would run away from danger (v. 54; Mark 14:50) and deny even knowing Jesus (vv. 55-62).
Luke 22:35
Jesus shifted the topic of discussion. He reminded them of his previous instructions for the disciples' mission (9:1-6; 10:1-12).
Luke 22:36
In their previous mission, Jesus' followers travelled around Israel. They were supported by the generosity of God's people and had no need to take provisions (see notes on 9:1-6; 10:1-12). But now their mission would change after Jesus' death and resurrection. They would go beyond Israel to the nations, preaching the gospel. This would involve difficulty and the need for provisions to support themselves among pagan Gentiles and protection against wild animals and highwaymen. Jesus prepared them for what was to come.
Luke 22:37
Jesus knew his death was in fulfillment of God's plan. He quoted Isa. 53:13 which he fulfilled on the cross. lawless. Jesus was blameless and without sin (23:20-24; 39-43; Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 2:22). Yet, in death he would be considered to be a blasphemer by the Jews (vv. 66-71; John 10:33), a criminal by the Romans (23:32-33), and a sinner by God (Isa. 53:4-6; Matt. 27:26). God knew Jesus was righteous. Yet, it was his will to send him as a substitute for his people. He was considered to be a sinner in their place, taking God's judgment for their sin (2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 3:5).
Luke 22:38
The issue of taking swords has confused many. The point isn't that Jesus expected his disciples to engage in a holy war (vv. 49-51; John 18:36). He could only be indicating that there would be dangers in their future (see note on v. 36).
Luke 22:38
Those crucified often had the charges against them nailed to the cross above their heads. It was a great irony that they accused Jesus of being a king and then mocked him for it (vv. 36-37). Ironically, as the promised Christ, Jesus was the true King of the Jews (see note on 2:11). They were unwittingly speaking the truth.
