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Gospel of Luke Chapter 22

Theme: Judas schemes with the chief priests to betray Jesus; Jesus plans for the last Passover and institutes the Lord's Supper; Jesus announces His betrayal; position of the apostles in the future kingdom; Peter's denial; Jesus warns the disciples of the future; Jesus at Gethsemane; Jesus betrayed by Judas; Jesus arrested and led to the High Priest's house; Jesus denied by Peter; Jesus is mocked and beaten; Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin.

Judas Plots with the Chief Priests to Betray Jesus (22:1-6) (Mat. 26:1-5; Mk.14:1-10)

Luke 22:1  Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. (KJV)

Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh . . . which lasted seven days; during which the Jews eat their bread without leaven, in remembrance of the haste in which they went out of Egypt. (Ex.12:34; 1 Cor.5:8).
Which is called the Passover . . . because the Lord passed over the houses of the Israelites, when he slew all the firstborn in Egypt. (Ex.12:13;23). As the time of this feast drew near, the conspiracy was formed against the life of Christ. Matthew and Mark are more precise, and suggest, that it was two days before the Passover. (Mat.26:2; Mk.14:1).  

Luke 22:2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. (KJV)

And the chief priests and Scribes . . . Matthew adds, "and the elders of the people"; which made up the great Sanhedrim and council of the nation. These met, not in their usual place the Temple, but at the palace of Caiaphas, the high priest. (Mat.26:3).  
And sought how they might kill him . . . how to kill Jesus. They had decided before, with the assistance of Caiaphas, to put Him to death, and they had also very likely decided what kind of death He should die. (Jn.11:49-50,53). Now they discuss together, the way of making it happen, and at what time. The majority were not for doing it on a feast day, when there was a great multitude of people, but wait for more privacy.  
For they feared the people . . . which were now in great multitudes with Jesus, who came with Him, from Galilee and other parts. They still followed Him, and their numbers were increasing, of which the Sanhedrim was aware, and that that at the Passover, there would be still a greater number of people from all parts of the land, and they might know, that He would have a large number of His friends come out of Galilee, where He had been teaching and working miracles. They were afraid, that if they lay hold of Him publicly, the people would rise and stone them, or at least would rescue Him out of their hands, and ruin their plans.

Luke 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. (KJV)

Then entered Satan into Judas . . . at the same time that the Sanhedrim was sitting, and planning  the death of Jesus, Satan, or the adversary the devil (1 Pet.5:8) who is the enemy of the Messiah, the woman's seed, entered into Judas; not bodily, as he did into those that were possessed by him; but Satan entered spiritually "into Judas’ heart", to betray him, as it is clearly stated in John 13:3. Satan can and does stir up, and worked upon the corruptions of peoples’ hearts; suggesting evil things to their minds, and bait their temptations to agree with the devil’s malice and covetousness. That is what Satan did to Judas. This man Judas was,
Ssurnamed Iscariot . . . to distinguish him from another apostle of the same name (Jn,14:22); concerning his surname (Mt.10:4; Jn.13:2).
Being of the number of the twelve . . . Judas was one of the apostles of Jesus. Now this was two days before the Passover, that the sop which Judas took (Jn.13:27), after which the devil entered into him. I have my doubts that this was the sop Judas ate at the Passover, but was the sop Judas ate at the supper in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper (Mat.26:6), before the Passover.

It seems that Judas was informed where, and why they were all met together, and he went to them, and talked with them about killing Jesus.

Luke 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. (KJV)

And he went his way . . . from Christ, and the rest of the apostles, out of Bethany. And when it was night, Judas went straight to Jesus’ enemies,
And communed with the chief priests and captains . . . the higher-up Jews of the Temple (verse 52). (Mat.26:14-16; Mk.14:10-11) better explains the bargain which Judas made with them.
How he might betray him unto them . . . in the most secret manner, and with, the least noise and disturbance.

Luke 22:5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. (KJV)

And they were glad . . . the appearance of Judas and his willingness to go along with these wicked Jews, gave them a great opportunity and was very agreeable to them, than that one of Jesus own apostles would meet them at this very moment, and offer to put Jesus into their hands in a most private manner.
And covenanted to give him money . . . made a bargain with Judas for "thirty pieces of silver"; which was the sum they agreed to give him, and he accepted. (Mat.26:15).

Luke 22:6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude. (KJV)

And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude . . . Judas agreed to deliver Jesus into their hands. He obligated himself to do it, faithfully promising to put Jesus into their bloody hands. It would be a dangerous thing to take Jesus by force, and in their presence, as they might rise and rescue him. The chief priests and captains sought to take Him when He was away from the multitude; and Judas knew of a perfect place where Jesus would be found alone, these wicked Jews were prepared for the opportunity of such an easy way to grab Him.

Plans for the Last Passover (Luke 22:7-18)
 (Mat.26:26-30; Mk.14:12-16; 1 Cor.11:23-26)

Jesus and His apostles plan for the last Passover.

Luke 22:7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. (KJV)

Then came the day of unleavened bread . . . not the first of the seven days during which they ate unleavened bread, but the day in which they performed the first act of preparation for the feast, the slaying of the paschal lamb in the evening, and called the first day on this account (Ex.12:14-20). Of unleavened bread . . . so called because during those eight days, no bread made with yeast or leaven was eaten. The word in the original, translated Passover, commonly means, not the feast itself, but actually the lamb that was killed on the occasion (Ex.12:43; Num.9:11; Jn.18:28). Christ is our Passover (1 Cor.5:7), and is said to be slain for us; our Passover Lamb, so called because of His innocence, and His being offered as a Sacrifice, for our sins. Jesus totally without sin: (Isa.53:9; Jn.8:46; Heb.4:15; 7:26; 2 Cor.5:21; 1 Pet.2:22; 1 Jn.3:5).   
When the passover must be killed . . . meaning the Passover lamb was killed, according to the law in (Ex.12:6). (Mat.26:17).

Luke 22:8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. (KJV)

And he sent Peter and John . . . these two favorite apostles of Jesus, and were sent by Him from Bethany to Jerusalem.
Saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat . . . in the times of Jesus, servants were sent to go and prepare the Passover for their masters. (Mat.26:17).

Luke 22:9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? (KJV)

And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? . . . meaning, in what house in Jerusalem? The Lord Jesus gives them specific directions.

Luke 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. (KJV)

And he said unto them . . . Jesus would give exact instructions, so that they would know the precise house, where He would keep the Passover.
Behold when ye are entered into the city . . . the city of Jerusalem; for Christ and His disciples were now at Bethany. It was in Bethany, from where He sent Peter and John. It was Jerusalem where the Passover lamb was to be killed and eaten.
There shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water . . . the apostles would come upon a man carrying a pitcher of water.
Follow him into the house where he entereth in . . . it seems they were to go after the man with the pitcher of water, into the house where he went. This shows us two things: #1. the trial of the faith and obedience of the apostles, and #2. proof of the omniscience and deity of Christ Jesus.

Luke 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? (KJV)

And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house . . . goodman is the master of the house.
The man bearing the pitcher of water seems to have been a servant.
The master saith unto thee . . . Master was the Name by which Jesus was most likely known among the apostles (Mat.23:8-10), and the one which He told them to give the goodman of the house. Master means teacher. . . opposed to the disciple who is a learner. It is not the master, as opposed to the servant or slave. The fact that they used this Name as if the man would know Whom they meant, and made no inquiries about Him, shows that the goodman of the house was acquainted with Jesus, and was probably himself a disciple.
http://www.hisservants.org/is_jesus_god_h_s.htm
Where is the guest chamber . . . a guestchamber was an unoccupied room for guests and friends. Where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? . . . NOT with the man and his family, but with Jesus’ apostles, who were a family, and a society of themselves, and were a sufficient number to eat the Passover together. (Mat.26:18).
http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/11933-passover

Luke 22:12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. (KJV)

And he shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready . . . a room in the highest part of the house, large enough for thirteen persons, which was the number of Christ and His apostles. Furnished . . . with a table, and a sufficient number of couches to sit or lie upon, and with all proper vessels necessary on such an occasion. There make ready for us . . . the Passover. (Mk.14:15).

Luke 22:13 And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. (KJV)

And they went . . . from Bethany to Jerusalem,
And found as he had said unto them . . . everything was just as Jesus had told them: they met the man with the pitcher of water, and by following him, found the house where Jesus meant to keep the Passover. They told the master of it, what Christ ordered them, who immediately showed them a very convenient room, just as Jesus had described to them.
And they made ready the passover . . . provided a lamb, and had it killed and dressed, and prepared everything necessary for the keeping of the feast, according to divine law. (Mat.26:19).

Luke 22:14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. (KJV)

And when the hour was come . . . when it was evening, (the last of the two evenings), when it was dark, at least after six o'clock. (Mat.26:20).
He sat down . . . or lay along on a couch, as was the custom,  
And the twelve apostles with him . . . for Judas, after he had made his bargain with the chief priests, Scribes, and elders, came and took his place with the rest of the apostles, both to cover his sin, and to watch the best opportunity to betray his Master.

It is reasonable to believe, Christ Jesus set out from Bethany with the other nine apostles, and came to Jerusalem, where they were joined by Judas, who had agreed with the chief priests to betray Jesus, and by Peter and John, who had been sent before to prepare the Passover. And when it was night, when the second evening had taken place, He went with all twelve of them to the house, where the provision to eat the Passover together was made for them. (Mat.26:20).
Notice that He came in the evening. The Passover begins at sundown, and I think He came in under cover of darkness. He is not going to force their hand until He is ready, but at the proper time He will deliver Himself into their hands and they will crucify Him. It will not be according to THEIR schedule but according to HIS schedule. He ate the Passover with them in a relaxing and informal way.

He ate the Passover supper here with them, and the next meal that He would had with them would be breakfast on the shores of the Sea of Galilee after His resurrection (Jn.21:9).

Luke 22:15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: (KJV)

And he said unto them . . . the twelve apostles, as they were eating the Passover, it being usual to talk at such a time. (Mat.26:21).
With desire have I desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer . . . Jesus earnestly longed to eat this Passover because: #1. That, since He was about to leave them, He wanted to see them together, and to partake with them of one of the religious privileges of the Jewish dispensation. Jesus was Man as well as God, and He never undervalued the religious rites of His country, or the blessings of social and religious association. #2. He wanted to take another opportunity to prepare them for His upcoming sufferings, and to impress upon them the certainty that He was about to leave them, that they might be prepared for it. #3. We may also suppose that He especially wanted to institute for their use, and for the edification of all Christians, the supper which is called by His Name . . . the Lord's Supper (or communion). ALL His sufferings expressed His love to His people, and He wanted to testify always His concern for their (and our) comfort and welfare.

Luke 22:16  For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. (KJV)

For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof . . . of the Passover, and which now, with the rest of the ceremonial law, was to be abolished.
Until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God . . . the words clearly express the same thought as those in Matthew 26:29. Here the word “fulfilled” has a deeper meaning. The “Passover” was fulfilled in the Kingdom of God: #1. in the sacrifice on the cross; #2. in every remembrance of that Sacrifice by the acts to which Jesus was appointed.  Every such act was one of Spiritual union, not only of the apostles with each other, but also with Him, and in it He is, as it were, joining in the feast with them. But after, as in the Promise of: Revelation 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (KJV) . . . There will be a yet fuller fulfillment for all God’s TRUE children in Heaven, see verse 18.

Luke 22:17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: (KJV)

And he took the cup and gave thanks . . . there were four cups of wine drank at the Passover, which the poorest man in Israel was obligated to drink; and over each cup, a blessing was pronounced. This cup was one of them, and seems to be the first; for the Passover was begun by mixing a cup of wine, and blessing or giving thanks over it. Every one drank of this cup, and put it on the table: accordingly to what follows,
And said, Take this and divide it among yourselves . . . meaning that every one drink of it.

After Jesus had kept the Passover in the usual manner, He established the Lord’s Supper which bears His Name, using the bread and wine which had been prepared for the Passover, and as a result joined the Lord's Supper to the Passover, OR outdated the Passover by another ordinance, which was intended to be perpetual.

Luke 22:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. (KJV)

For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine . . . meaning wine; see the blessing at the Passover cup in the notes on the preceding verse:
Until the kingdom of God shall come . . . meaning before the time of another Passover, because the Holy Ghost shall descend, the Gospel of the Kingdom shall be established, and the Lord’s Supper (Communion) shall take place of the sacrificial lamb. It would be just a few hours when His crucifixion was to take place. (Mat.26:29; Mk.14:25).

Wine is the fruit of the vine. There is NO proof that this wine was fermented and intoxicating, for it is called "wine" while it is still in the cluster of grapes (Isa.65:8).

Christ kept the ordinances of the law, particularly that of the Passover, to teach us to observe His Gospel and most of all that of the Lord's Supper. Those who obey Christ's Word, need not fear disappointment. According to the orders given them, the apostles were all ready for the Passover. Jesus welcomes this Passover, for He wanted it, although He knew very well that His sufferings would follow. He welcomed it because it was in order to His Father's glory and man's redemption. This will be His last Passover, meaning He would do away with all the ordinances of the ceremonial law, of which the Passover was one of the earliest and main ones. That type was laid aside, because now in the Kingdom of God, the main feature (Himself) was come.

The Lord's Supper Instituted (Lk.22:19-20)
(Mat.26:26-30; Mk.14:22-25; 1 Cor.11:23-26)

Luke 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. (KJV)

And he took bread and gave thanks . . . blessed it, as in (Mat.26:26; Mk.14:22). This begins the account of the Lord's Supper after the Passover was eaten.
And brake it, and gave unto them . . . the apostles, as is expressed in (Mat.26:26).
Saying, This is my body . . . since nothing but unleavened bread was eaten during the Passover, the bread which is here spoken of was unleavened, and that unleavened bread should still be used in the Lord's Supper today.
Which is given for you . . . or will soon be given for you, as an offering to pay for your sin debt. This means the Substitution and Sacrifice of Christ in the place of His people, and the voluntary willingness of it; and is only mentioned by Luke in this account. The Apostle Paul writes, which is broken for you, (1 Cor.11:24), indicating that the breaking of the bread in the ordinance, as conveying the bruises, wounds, sufferings and death of Christ Jesus. One version here adds, "for the redemption of many."
This do in remembrance of me . . . we are to eat the bread of the Lord’s Supper, in remembrance of Jesus love to us, and in remembrance of His Body being offered up for us.
1 Cor.11:24-25  And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. (KJV)

This is my body . . . See: John 6:53. The Catholic’s doctrine of transubstantiation means these words are to be understood literally, and that the bread, is transformed into the actual body of Jesus. I cannot go along with this!  NO way! Read my comment on Mat.26:26. Jesus does NOT mean for us to be cannibals!

Luke 22:20  Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (KJV)

Likewise also the cup after supper . . . both after the Passover, and the Lord's Supper; Jesus took the cup after they had eaten the bread, and gave thanks over it, and gave it to His apostles, telling them to drink of it, as in (Mat.26:27).
Saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you . . . Matthew 26:28  For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (KJV)
For this is my blood of the New Testament . . . the red wine represents Jesus’ Blood; it is a SYMBOL of His Blood . . . just as is the bread is a SYMBOL of His Body. Luke and Paul say this a little differently, adding what Matthew and Mark have omitted. "This cup is the new testament in my blood." By this cup, Jesus meant the wine in the cup, NOT the cup itself. As he lifted it, He probably said, "This wine represents My Blood about to be shed." The phrase, "new testament," should have been better rendered new covenant, referring to the covenant or contract that God was about to make with men through a Redeemer. The old covenant was that which was made with the Jews by the sprinkling of the blood of sacrifices. Exodus 24:8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words. (KJV) . . . In reference to that, Jesus says, this cup is the NEW covenant in His Blood . . . the meaning is ratified or sealed and sanctioned by His Blood. In ancient times, covenants or contracts were confirmed by slaying an animal; by the shedding of its blood; and cursing similar to vengeance if either party failed in the contract. My friends, Jesus says the covenant which God is about to form with men, the new covenant, or the Gospel agreement, is sealed or ratified with His precious Blood (1 Pet.1:18-19), which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But dear ones, in order that your sins may be remitted or forgiven, you MUST accept God’s One and Only Way of salvation (Jn.14:6; Acts 4:12), and that is JESUS . . . for this is the One and Only prearranged Way by which God will pardon sins. Jesus’ Blood alone is effective for the pardon of sin, because His life was given for sinners. He died in the place of sinners, as their substitute! By believing God (1 Jn.5:10-13), and accepting Jesus’ death on the cross, the eternal death or punishment in Hell, that is owed to sinners, is removed and their souls are saved. Jesus endured so much suffering, bore so much agony, that God was pleased to accept it in the place of the eternal torments of all the redeemed. Eternal death: (Pro.8:36; Jn.3:18,36; 8:24; Mat.25:41,46; Mk.9:43-48; 16:16; Acts 4;12; Rom.1:18; 4:15; 5:9; Gal.3:10; Eph.5:6; 1 Thes.1:10; 5:9;  Heb.2:3; 10:26-29; 12:25; Rev.6:16-17; 20:10,15).
For articles on Hell, see: . . . . . . . . . http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_is_it_there.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_is_there_really_a_hell.htm
God’s justice, and the honor and stability of His government are as secure in saving us by believing in faith, as if the suffering were inflicted on them personally in Hell. When God the Father gave His only begotten Son (Jn.3:16), to die for sinners, He revealed His infinite hatred of sin. According to Him, nothing else would show its evil nature, except the awful sufferings of His own Son. That Jesus died in the place of sinners, is abundantly clear from the following Passages: (Isa.53:10; Jn.1:29; Eph.5:2; Heb.7:27; 1 Jn.2:2; 4:10; Rom.8:32; 2 Cor.5:15).
Which is shed for many, for the remission of sins . . . meaning that was very shortly to be shed . . . and since has been shed for all the elect of God. Many were ordained to eternal life, and many were given to Christ (Jn.10:28-29). Many are justified by Him (Rom.3:24; 5:1,9), and many He will bring to glory, because the full forgiveness of all their sins was obtained, through the unfailing and honorable justice of God. FULL satisfaction was made to the law of God, for ALL their transgressions, because of faith in Jesus. Isaiah 53:11  He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. (KJV) (Mat.26:28).

The Lord's Supper is a sign or memorial that Christ has already come, and Who by dying delivered us from eternal death. Jesus’ death is in a special manner set before us in that ordinance, by which we are reminded of it. The breaking of Christ's Body as a sacrifice for us, is brought to our remembrance by the breaking of bread. Nothing can be more nourishing and satisfying to the soul, than the doctrine of Christ's making atonement for sin, and our assurance of an interest in that atonement. Let us do this in remembrance of what the Lord Jesus did for us, when He died for us; and for a memorial of what we do, as we join ourselves to Him in an everlasting covenant. The shedding of Christ's precious Blood, by which the atonement was made, is represented by the wine in the cup.

Jesus Announces His Betrayal (Luke 22:21-23)
 (Mat. 26:31-35)

Luke 22:21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. (KJV)

But behold the hand of him that betrayeth me . . . the "hand" is meant to be the literal hand of Judas, which was then dipping in the dish with Christ (Mat.26:23).  
With me on the table . . . this being an aggravation of his sin, that one that sat with Jesus at His table, ate bread with Him, and dipped His morsel in the same dish with Him, should be the one to betray Him. (Ps.41:9). From Luke's account it appears most clearly, that Judas was not only at the Passover, but at the Lord's Supper, since this was said when both were over.


Luke 22:22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! (KJV)

And truly the son of man goeth . . . meaning to die, which is going the way of all the earth. (Josh.23:14).
 As it was determined . . . in the counsels and purposes of God, and agreed to by Christ in the covenant of grace. (Acts 2:23; 4:28).The death of Christ, the way it came about, and the means by which it was brought about, were all predetermined by God . . . BUT . . . this did NOT excuse the sin of those concerned in it, nor exempt them from punishment.
But woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed . . . who not only came to an untimely end, and died a shameful death by his own hands, but went to his own place, the place of everlasting torments allotted him. “It had been good for that man if he had not been born” (Mat.26:24).

Luke 22:23 And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. (KJV)

And they began to inquire among themselves . . . two days before, at the supper in Bethany, when the same thing was said to them, they looked at one another (Jn.13:22), as persons in utmost surprise, but now they inquire among themselves, and of Christ as well (Mat.26:21).
Which of them it was that should do this thing . . . such a barbarous, shocking and horrible deed.

Apostles’ Position in the Future Kingdom (22:24-30)

 Luke 22:24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. (KJV)

And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest . . . It was only natural that, while Christ’s heart was full of His approaching sufferings, the apostles would be squabbling about their own self-worth. They thought that the predictions pointed to a brief struggle immediately preceding the establishment of the kingdom, and they wished to have their rank settled in advance. Maybe, too, they had been arguing as to whose office was the menial task of foot-washing.
The Lord was not so absorbed in His anticipations of the near Cross as to be unobservant of the wrangling among the Apostles.  Even then His heart was enough at ease from itself to observe, to pity, and to help. He at once turns to deal with the false ideas of greatness betrayed by the dispute. The world’s idea is that the true use and exercise of superiority is to lord it over others. It was sadly true, at that time, that power was used for selfish ends, and generally meant oppression.
Jesus lays down the law for His followers as being the exact opposite of the world’s idea. Discipleship carries obligations to serve. In His Kingdom, power is to be used to help others, not to glorify oneself. The right use of greatness is to become a servant, like Jesus was. That has almost become a thing of the past in today’s times.

Luke 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. (KJV)

And he said unto them . . . Jesus said to the apostles,
The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them . . . the Lord would discourage His apostles from seeking superiority over one another, since this was the practice of the Heathens, and the men of the world, and of ignorant Gentiles; whereas Christ's Kingdom was a spiritual Kingdom, and not of this world (Jn.18:36), and would not to be managed in the way of the world.
And they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors . . . it was a custom among the ancient Roman rulers to distribute part of the lands which they had conquered to their soldiers. Those who enjoyed such lands were called beneficiarii, beneficed persons; and the lands themselves were termed beneficia, benefices, as being held on the generosity of the sovereign. It is no wonder that such sovereigns, however tyrannical or oppressive they might have been in other respects, were termed benefactors by those who were so dependent on their bounty. Benefactors was a title the vain princes eagerly coveted.

Luke 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. (KJV)

But ye shall not be so . . . this is not how it should be for Christian nations, as if there were to be no order of governing within them. Since they were all apostles of Christ, being equally qualified and sent, and put into the very same office by Him: the same holds true of all pastors of churches, who have NO pre-eminence over one another, or can or should exercise any lordly power and authority, over the rest (Mat.23:11; Mk.9:35; 10:43; 1 Pet.5:2-3). ALL the apostles were equally assigned with the same office power, one the same as another . . . if not, Jesus’ Kingdom would be the same as the nations of the world, and be of a worldly nature . . . whereas it is NOT worldly, but spiritual, and is not in worldly pomp and grandeur, and in external superiority and pre-eminence of one another. Jesus’ Kingdom was/is the spiritual administration of the Holy Word and ordinances; which EVERY pastor or teacher of a church has an equal right to exercise, and obedience to them lies in submitting to these things. (Mat.20:26).
But he that is greatest among you . . . whosoever wants to be considered a great man in the Kingdom of Christ, or under the Gospel dispensation, MUST be a minister (servant) to others IF he really wants to be truly great in the opinion of God and of men. He MUST do good service for Christ, and to the souls of men; and try to bring great glory to God, by faithfully ministering the Word and ordinances, and by denying himself worldly honor and glory, and by serving others in a willing and loving way, even though it might be through much reproach, difficulty and opposition.
Let him be as the younger . . . as John, the beloved disciple, who was the youngest of them; and be as modest, and as humble as he, and count himself as in his place, and be humble to men of low estates, and honor each other, even the youngest, better than himself.
And he that is chief . . . meaning a spiritual ruler and governor in the church of God, as all the apostles were. Chief = first, or to have the pre-eminence, the first place in the Kingdom of the Messiah.
As he that doth serve . . . or as Mark says: shall be servant of all. Not only a minister, but a servant . . . and not just a servant of some, but a servant of all (Mk.9;35; 10:44). This was verified in the Apostle Paul, who became a servant to all men, even though he was free, that he might gain some to Christ (1 Cor.7:22; 9:19) and by so doing was the chief, although he considered himself the least of the apostles yea, less than the least of all saints (Eph.3:8). The Jews have a good saying: “Everyone that makes himself as a servant, for the words of the law in this world, shall be made free in the world to come.”  (Mat.20:27).

Luke 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. (KJV)

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 . . . Jesus, the admittedly greater, had assumed the position of the less by becoming the serving man, instead of the guest at table. (Mat.20:28; Mk.14:45). Servant: (Jn.13:13-14; Phil.2:7).      
Christ took upon Him the form of a servant, and instead of being ministered unto, ministered to others; and had very lately, just two days before, gird Himself, and took a basin and a towel, and washed and dried the feet of His apostles (Jn.13:5-14). Now the Lord, by His own example, would discourage them from their ambitious views of superiority over each other, and learn of him who was meek and lowly, and by love, serve one another.

The Lord is telling them that He has taken the lower position. THAT is exactly what He did when He took my place on the cross. It is like a Master getting up from the table and telling His servant, "You sit down and eat, and I will serve you." When Christ Jesus came to Earth, all of mankind should have been His servant! But, instead, He served mankind. He set the table with salvation and has invited us to this great feast. Have you accepted His invitation? If not, why not?

Luke 22:28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. (KJV)

Ye are they which have continued with me . . . the apostles were with Him from the beginning of His ministry. From that beginning, to now, they abode with Him, never departing from Him, even when other disciples withdrew and walked no more with Him (Jn.6:66).
In my temptations . . . not in His afflictions, not by the accusations, and complaints, not by the ensnaring questions of the Scribes and Pharisees, not by their attempts upon Him to take away His life by stoning (Jn.10:31,39) which were trials and temptations to Him. In His affliction, the apostles had stood their ground, and firmly stood by Him in all His trials. He would have them still continue with Him and His interest, but they would NOT have that temporal glory and grandeur they expected! Just the opposite, new troubles, criticism, persecution and death itself was ready to fall on Him and them. For their encouragement, He promises both pleasure and honor, although of another kind, than what they were seeking.

Luke 22:29  And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; (KJV)

And I appoint unto you a kingdom . . . NOT a temporal one, but a spiritual one. This Promise refers to this life on Earth. The apostles, and their successors in His Church would sway over men's hearts. His Kingdom would be administered by them. With strange accuracy, this Promise has been fulfilled. From the hour when the despised Master, already doomed to a shameful death, uttered this seemingly improbable prediction, His kingdom over men's hearts has been extended. At that time, at most the kingdom numbered a few thousand; but today it can only be counted by millions. For centuries the story of the civilized world has been the story of this Kingdom.
As my Father hath appointed unto me . . . this was part of the New Covenant with the apostles.  They were to share in His glory, just as they had shared in His afflictions. “As the Father hath appointed unto Me,” conveys the thought that His throne also was bestowed on the fulfilment of like conditions. The “sufferings” came first, and then the glory (1 Pet.1:11). He was to endure the cross before He entered into joy (Heb.12:2). The Name that is above every name was the crowning reward of His obedient humility (Phil.2:8-9).

Luke 22:30  That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (KJV)

That ye may eat, and drink, at my table, in my kingdom . . . in the Gospel dispensation, or Gospel church state, Christ has a table, called the table of the Lord (1 Cor.10:21), which is the Lord's Supper, and is a table well furnished with the best of provisions, which is His spiritual flesh and blood, of which believers may eat and drink with a hearty welcome from Christ Jesus Himself being present to sup with them (Rev.3:20). In His personal reign on Earth, where the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev.19:9) to which all the saints will be called, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and be delighted with joys and pleasures which cannot be expressed, and in ultimate glory, when the Lamb shall feed them, and shall lead them to fountains of water; and they shall never hunger nor thirst more (Rev.7:16), but shall have fullness of joy, and be flooded with pleasures that will never fade nor end.
And sit on thrones . . . this symbolizes the great honor and dignity they were raised to, both in this and the other world, from a low and corrupt estate, being before like beggars from a dunghill, but now among princes, and on thrones, even on the same throne with Christ. (1 Sam.2:8; Rev,3:21).
Judging the twelve tribes of Israel . . . accusing the Jews, and blaming them for the crucifixion of Christ; passing sentence upon them, and condemning them, and declaring that they should be damned for their disbelief and rejection of Him. (Mat.19:28).

It is certain that the apostles will have a special place in the Kingdom. They bridged the gap between the Old and New Testaments, coming out of the Old Testament economy and moving into the New Testament economy. We today, are not in that position. None of us fits into their particular place. They will be given a prominent position and will not only eat and drink at the Lord's table but will also sit on thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. That will be their position.
But, God’s children also has some great things in store for the future. The redeemed will occupy exalted positions. Are you striving for a place in Heaven? I do NOT mean that you should work for your salvation. NO one can work for salvation, BUT, you do work for your place in Heaven. The redeemed go to Heaven by the grace of God! (Eph.2:8-9). BUT, my dear friend, you are going to be judged according to your works to see what position will be yours.

I believe that one thing God will judge is using the gift He gave us. He gives each of us a gift when we enter into the body of believers at the time of our salvation. There are many gifts. Do you know what one of the gifts was in the early church? Sewing. There was a woman named Dorcas who sewed. Sewing was her gift. She made clothes for widows who otherwise would not have had any clothes (Acts 9:36,39). You will be rewarded according to how faithful you are in exercising the gift God has given to you. The way we live our Christian life is important to God. To see some of the things Judge Jesus shall judge, see:
http://www.hisservants.org/judgment_seat_h_s.htm

Peter's Denial (Luke 22:31-34)

Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: (KJV)

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon . . . Peter is on the whole, and by name, spoken to, either because he possibly was a principal person in the debate and argument about superiority, mentioned above, or because he would suffer mostly in the following temptation of Satan; or because he was usually the mouthpiece for the rest of the apostles. He is addressed, NOT by the name of Peter, the name Christ Jesus gave him, when He first called him, indicating his future determination, firmness, steadfastness and solidness; because in this instance, Peter would not give any proof of these characteristics; but by his former name, Simon, which is repeated, partly to show the seriousness of Christ in the delivery of what follows, and partly to express his loving concern for him. God's calling, "Moses, Moses" (Ex.3:4), the doubling of the name is expressive of love, and finding grace and favor; even as it is said, "Abraham, Abraham", (Gen.22:11), or it may be to excite attention to what Jesus was about to say.
Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you . . . not only Peter, but ALL the apostles; for the word "you", is plural. Satan, the enemy of the woman's seed (Gen.3:15), the accuser of the brethren (Rev.12:10), the wicked one (1 Jn.2:13-14), and the tempter (Mat.4:3; 1 Thes.3:5), desired, and asked permission of God, for he can do nothing without  permission; that he might have these disciples under his power, and in his hand; just as he got permission to have the goods, and even the body of Job in his hand, and would have had his life, and soul too, could he have obtained that permission; and he would have the lives and souls of others; for he goes about, seeking to devour whom he may (1 Pet.5:8). He then had an evil eye upon the apostles, and wanted an opportunity to satisfy his malice and envy. Satan’s end in desiring to have them in his power was,
That he may sift you as wheat . . . not to separate the chaff from the wheat, but to make them look like all chaff, by covering the wheat of grace with the chaff of sin and corruption; or to destroy the wheat, if it were possible; or to toss them to and fro as wheat is in a sieve; to afflict and distress them. (Amos 9:9), by scattering them from Christ, and from one another; by filling them with doubts that Jesus was the Messiah and Redeemer. Satan would also frighten them with fears of enemies and death, and this, he did obtain. (Mat.26:56; Jn.20:19).

Luke 22:32  But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (KJV)

But I have prayed for thee . . . Jesus prayed for all the apostles; but especially for Peter, because he was in the greatest danger. I do not know if the prayer Christ refers to was that in John 17 or not. There are many Passages in the true “Lord’s Prayer” relating to the preservation, sanctification, final perseverance and glorification of the apostles, as well as of the other saints who follow the apostles. (Jn.17:9,11,15,17,20,24).  
That thy faith fail not . . . Satan in his temptations strikes mainly at the faith of God's people. Faith is a grace which gives much glory to God, which angers Satan, and in the exercise of faith, believers have much peace, joy and comfort. Satan envies and hates faith because it is also a shield which keeps off, and quenches his fiery darts, and faith is a piece of armor in (Eph.6:11-18). Satan is greatly disturbed with faith, and therefore he does all he can to weaken and destroy it, or snatch it out of their hands.                    
And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren . . . Peter was a converted man, and had been for some years. When he would fall by temptation into the very great sin of denying his Lord, circumstances made Peter look like an unregenerate man. His recovery by the renewed exercise of faith in Christ, and repentance for his sins, was not his own act, but was owed to the power and ability of divine grace (Jer.31:18-19).

ALL the apostles forsook Christ, and fled, some one way, and some another. Peter, after his recovery, gathered them together again, and returned with them to Jerusalem. When they with Peter assembled together, until the third day Christ was risen: Peter strengthened their faith in the Messiah, and on the day of "Pentecost" Peter preached an outstanding sermon, which was useful in the conversion of three thousand souls (Acts 2:41), and was no doubt, a means of confirming the minds of the apostles. Peter has also left two extremely useful letters to strengthen his brethren in all ages of time. His plan was to establish the saints in faith and holiness, so that they would not be drawn away from Christ, nor fall from the steadfastness of their faith, either by the lusts of the flesh, or by the persecutions of men, or by the temptations of the wicked one (1 Jn.2:13-14).

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

And he said unto him . . . meaning Peter, or Simon, made a reply to Jesus, saying, as one fearless of danger, and very confident in himself.
I am ready to go with thee, both into prison and to death . . . Peter says that he was not afraid of Satan, nor his temptations, of being sifted, shaken, and tossed by him. Peter would not be scared out of his faith by Satan, or to be frightened with prison, and even death itself. Peter really did think that he was ready for both; and come when they would; he would NOT deny his Lord. Peter thought that he was ready to go with Jesus, no matter what. I really do feel deeply for Peter.

Luke 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. (KJV)

And he said . . . Jesus said to Peter,
I tell thee . . . Jesus knew Peter, better than Peter knew himself, and too, Jesus well knew what was about to come, and what would happen to Him. Jesus therefore clearly states it with the greatest assurance and certainty, that which would come to pass.
The cock shall not crow this day . . . in this night, as in (Mk.14:30), or this night, as in (Mat.26:34), for it was now night. A natural day includes both night and day. (Lk.2:8,11).
Before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me . . . Jesus tells Peter that he would not only be offended because of Him, and flee from Him, and be scattered with the rest of them, but that Peter would deny that he even knew Jesus, and would not only do this once, but three times that very night, before the cock was done crowing. In Mark it is said, "that this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice" (Mk.14:30). 

Jesus Warns the Disciples of the Future (Luke 22:35-38)

Luke 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. (KJV)

To the apostles, not to Peter only, but to them all.
When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes . . . Jesus here refers to His assignment to them in (Mat.10:5,9-10). It is amazing the way the apostles were provided for during that time when the Lord sent them to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Now, He is now going to send them on a new assignment with a new message. They will have a new audience because they will not be confined to Israel but will carry the message to the world. 
Lacked ye any thing? . . . did you lack food to eat, or raiment to wear?
And they said, nothing . . . they did NOT lack anything. Wherever they came, they was friendly accommodations; they were provided with everything necessary. They had food, clothing and good lodgings in every place. The houses and hearts of men were opened by Christ to receive them, even though they were sent out by Him empty and penniless.


Luke 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. (KJV)

Then said he unto them . . . Jesus said unto them,
But now he that hath a purse let him take it, and likewise his scrip . . . indicating that from this time forward, immediately after His departure from them, after His death, resurrection, and ascension, they would be sent into all the world to preach the Gospel, it would be different with them than before. They would be reduced to great poverty and distress, would have neither food, nor money to buy any with; and that they would suffer hunger, thirst and nakedness, and have no certain dwellingplace to live, as was their case. (1 Cor.4:11). They would NOT be received, and entertained in the manner they had been before; and therefore it would be wise, if they had any provisions, to take them with them in their scrips (bags); or if they had any money, to carry it with them in their purses.
And he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy a sword . . . this shows that the former instructions (Mt.10:9-10) no longer held good, because He would not be with them to supply their needs, and because the time had come when hospitality would be scarce because of the persecution of the new religion. They were to make preparations for their journeys in preaching the Gospel. He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one, can be taken literally for it meant protection from wild beasts, and robbers that filled Judea, which, if they found them unprotected, would not hesitate to take their lives. The swords were NOT to be offensive weapons to spread the Gospel. They were living in days that required a sword. We too need to recognize that fact in today’s time. If we do not resist evil today (Jam.4:7), ALL kinds of evil will befall us.
 
Luke 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. (KJV)

For I say unto you, that this that is written . . . in Isaiah 53:12,
Must yet be accomplished . . . it having not been as yet.
And he was reckoned among the transgressors . . . Isaiah 53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (KJV) . . . This entire prophetic chapter belongs to the Messiah, and was fulfilled in Jesus; who, although He was NO transgressor, yet being in the likeness of sinful flesh, and dwelling among, and conversing with sinners, was considered as one, and was linked with Barabbas, a murderer, a thief, and a robber, and placed with him for the people to choose which of the two they would have released. Jesus was at last crucified between two thieves; and more than this, standing in the place of His people, and having their sins laid upon Him, and credited to Him, He was made and accounted, not only a sinner, but sin itself; and as such, was considered in the eye of the law, and by the justice of God, and was treated accordingly (Mk.15:28).
For the things concerning me have an end . . . have an end . . . this may mean, "shall be surely accomplished," or "they are about to be fulfilled," or "are now fulfilled." This means that every prophecy in regard to Christ would certainly be accomplished. Prophecies about Christ: (Gen.3:15; Ps.22:12; Isa.53:5012; Dan.9:26; Zec.12:10; 13:6-7).

Luke 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. (KJV)

And they said, Lord, behold here are two swords . . . it is said, that the Galileans often went armed. The Essenes also did. The reason was that the country was full of robbers and wild beasts, and it was necessary to carry, in their travels, some means of defense. It seems that the apostles followed the customs of the country, and had with them some means of defense, although they had just two swords among the eleven.
And he said unto them, It is enough . . . that is sufficient. It is enough may mean there is enough said on the subject; as immediately after this He entered into His agony.
I must admit that the matter about two swords appear to me unclear. I simply do not understand it, and I can find no one who does. Some translate it a knife, which was necessary on long journeys for providing forage and fuel; as they were to depend solely on their own work for all the necessaries of life, while going through the nations of the Earth, preaching the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles. You decide.

Christ rebukes the apostles, for it is very unbecoming for a child of God to have the worldly ambition of being the greatest. Christ Jesus, took upon Himself the form of a servant, and humbled Himself, even to the death of the cross!
As we travel life’s highway in this world of sin, God’s children are on their way to eternal happiness, BUT . . . we must expect to be assaulted and sifted by Satan. If he cannot destroy us, he will certainly try his best to disgrace or grieve us. Nothing more certainly predicts a fall, in a professed follower of Christ, than self-confidence, for it disregards all warnings and scorns spiritual danger. Unless we watch and pray always, we may be drawn onto the path that we were most determined against. BEWARE!!!
IF believers were left to themselves, they all would fall! The apostles should not expect their friends to be kind to them as they had been in the past. Jesus tells them that if he has a purse, let him take it, for he may need it. The apostles must now expect that their enemies would be fiercer than they had ever been, and they would need weapons. At that time the apostles understood Christ to mean real weapons, but I think that He very likely spoke only of the weapons of the spiritual warfare. The sword of the Spirit is the sword with which the apostles of Christ must furnish themselves with. My friend, that goes for us today!

Jesus at Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-44)
(Mat.26:36-46)

Luke 22:39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. (KJV)

And he came out . . . Jesus came out of the guest chamber, or upper room, out of the house where He had been keeping the Passover with His apostles; and He came out of the city of Jerusalem, to begin His sorrows and sufferings without the camp (Num.15:35-36), where He was to end His sufferings.
And went, as he was wont, to the Mount of Olives . . . this had been His practice for several nights in the past, as appears from (Lk.21:37). Judas well knew the place where He now went to, and could easily direct the soldiers and officers where to go, and to capture Him. I think this reveals the willingness of Christ to be taken, in order to suffer and die. If that were not so, Jesus would have gone to another place, not here!  
And his disciples also followed him . . . the eleven of them, for Judas was now gone to the chief priests to advise them where Christ was going, so they might seize Him. The other apostles followed Jesus, which was so ordered, that they might be witnesses of His sorrows and agonies in the garden, and of his being betrayed by Judas, and apprehended by the Jews. It was when Jesus was taken that they forsook Him and fled.

Luke 22:40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. (KJV)

And when he was at the place . . . in the garden, at Gethsemane, which was at the foot of the Mount of Olives.  
He said unto them . . . to the apostles,  
Pray that ye enter not into temptation . . . this, according to Matthew and Mark, was said to them after Jesus had prayed the first time, and returned to the disciples, and found them sleeping. (Mat.26:41; Mk.14:34).
 

Luke 22:41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, (KJV)

And he was withdrawn from them . . . that is, from the three disciples, Peter, James, and John, whom he took along with him, leaving the rest at some further distance. From these three Jesus departed.   
About a stone's cast . . . or fifty or sixty feet from the place where they were.
And kneeled down and prayed . . . the following prayer.

Luke 22:42  Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. (KJV)

Saying, Father, if thou be willing . . . if it be possible (Mat.26:39; Mk.14:35).
Remove this cup from me . . . meaning, either His present sorrows and anguish, or His approaching sufferings and death, which He had in view, or both.
Nevertheless not my will . . . as Man, Jesus had a human will separate from, though not contrary to, His divine will,
But thine be done . . . God’s will was that which Jesus had undertaken, and came into this world to do; and it was His meat and drink to do it (Jn.4:34), and was the same as His own will, as the Son of God. (Mat.26:39,42).

OH! That we would all learn to pray: "Nevertheless not my will, but thine be done." We would be SO much better off!

Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. (KJV)

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven . . . whether this was Michael the archangel, as some have supposed, or Gabriel, or a specific angel chosen for this job, is not for us to know, nor is it really important. All we need to know is that it was a good angel: and "an angel of God" since he came from Heaven, and was one of the angels of heaven, sent by God. It is also very clear that he was in a visible form, and was seen by Christ, since he is said to have appeared to Jesus. (Mat.4:11).
Strengthening him . . . because of His present distress, against the terrors of Satan, and the fears of death, by assuring Him of the divine favor, as Man, and of the fulfilment of the promises to Him to stand by Him, assist, strengthen, and carry Him through what lay ahead of Him.


Luke 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. (KJV)

And being in an agony . . . in conflict with the devil, who some say now appeared visibly to Jesus, in a horrible form. After Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness, Satan left Jesus for a season (Lk.4:13), until another opportunity would come, as now, and now the prince of this world (Jn.14:30) came to Him; and attacked Him in the garden, where the first start on His human nature was made. Now the battle between the two combatants, the serpent, and the seed of the woman began.
He prayed more earnestly . . . Jesus repeated the words He had said before with greater eagerness and persistence, with fervor of Spirit, with strong crying, and tears to Him that was able to save Him from death (Heb.5:7).
And his sweat was, as it were, great drops of blood falling to the ground . . . this account of Christ's bloody sweat is given only by Luke, who being a physician, as is thought, recorded things which fit in to his profession. That it is not mentioned by the other Gospel writers is no unusual thing with them, for one records that which is not in the others.
This sweat was, as it were, great drops of blood is a medical term called hematohidrosis.  Around the sweat glands, there are many blood vessels in a net-like form. Under the pressure of great stress the vessels tighten. Then as the anxiety passes “the blood vessels dilate to the point of rupture. The blood goes into the sweat glands. As the sweat glands are producing a lot of sweat, it pushes the blood to the surface, and it comes out as droplets of blood mixed with sweat. It seems that the intention of Luke is to clearly convey the idea that Jesus’ sweat was like drops of blood and was colored with blood from pure blood.

Jesus Betrayed By Judas (Luke 22:45-53)
 (Mat.26:47-56)

Luke 22:45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, (KJV)

And when he rose from prayer . . . from His prayer.
And was come to his disciples . . . to the three, which he had left about the distance of a stone's cast away from where He prayed.  
He found them sleeping for sorrow . . . many things might have made them sleepy: fatigue after they had prepared the Passover, or the big meal they had eaten at night. Maybe the main reason of their sleepiness was their sorrow. Christ had told them of His soul troubles, and what they had seen in Him, had filled their hearts with sorrow. There are other  instances of persons in excessive fatigue and grief and trouble falling asleep, as Elijah in (1 Ki.19:4-5) and Jonah in (Jonah 1:5-6), even Christ Himself (Mk.4:37-38; Lk.8:23), so that these did not fall asleep from a secure, lazy frame of mind; or from any disrespect to Christ, and neglect of Him.  They fell asleep because of their great sorrow of heart; for, the trouble and distress that their Master was in, in addition to the causes above mentioned. Too, Satan might have increased their sleepiness, so that he might more easily surprise them with the temptations he was preparing for them.
May we consider this: although the apostles fell into a natural bodily sleep, this sleep can be a symbol of the spiritual sleep and drowsiness of the people of God, as did the foolish virgins when the bridegroom tarried (Mat.25:10). (Mat.26:40).

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

And said unto them, Why sleep ye? . . . he woke them and rebuked them for sleeping.
Rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation . . . together with words recorded in Matthew 26:45-46).

Every account of Christ's agony in the Garden give of the state of mind in which the Lord Jesus entered upon in this conflict. It proves the tremendous nature of Satan’s assault, and the perfect foreknowledge of its terrors possessed by the meek and lowly Jesus.
Below are three things not recorded by the other Gospel writers:
#1. When Christ was in His agony, there appeared an angel from Heaven to strengthening Him. #2. Being in agony, he prayed more earnestly. Prayer, although never out of season, is in a special way that is always seasonable when we are in an agony. #3. In this agony, His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down. This revealed the tremendous struggle of His soul.

Luke 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. (KJV)

And while he yet spake . . . the above words to His apostles.
Behold a multitude . . . Mat.26:47 says: great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. The multitude consisted partly of Roman soldiers, and partly of the officers of the chief priests.
And he that was called Judas, one of the twelve. .  . sometimes called Iscariot, to distinguish him from another Judas, who was also one of the apostles.
Went before them . . . Judas went ahead as their guide, to show them where Jesus was, and to point Him out to them. (Acts 1:16).
And drew near unto Jesus to kiss him . . . this being the signal Judas had given them, by which they would know Him. (Mat.26:48).

Luke 22:48  But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? (KJV)

But Jesus said unto him, Judas . . . calling him by his name, that Judas might know He knew him, and to worsen his sin.
Betrayest thou the son of man with a kiss! . . . Jesus, who had assumed human nature for the good of mankind, who is the Messiah spoken of by the prophets, under the character of the Son of man, and who is holy, harmless, and never did any hurt or injury to mortal man. Judas had betrayed such a harmless One into the hands of His most coldhearted adversaries, and in such a hypocritical and deceitful way! All which Christ said, was to show Judas that Jesus was no stranger to what he was about to do. (Mat.26:50).

Luke 22:49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? (KJV)

When they which were about him saw what would follow . . . meaning the eleven apostles that were around Christ, and with Him in the garden, and that their Lord and Master was about to be betrayed by Judas, and would be seized, and carried away by the multitude, which were with him.
They said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? . . . with the two literal swords which they had with them. This they said, not knowing the mind of Christ in this matter, whether they should use the actual sword or not. Maybe they chose to show this boldness to stand by Him, and defend Him, remembering how recently they had said, that although they would die with Him, they would not deny Him.

Luke 22:50  And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. (KJV)

And one of them smote the servant of the high priest . . . the person that drew his sword, and did this daring action, not waiting for an answer from Christ, was Peter, and the high priest's servant, Malchus, is the one that Peter smote. (Jn.18:10).
And cut off his right ear . . . Peter aimed, no doubt, at his head, but missing his blow, took off his right ear. It is very likely, that this servant was very busy and one of the first to lay hold on Christ, and showed much virulence, and great malignity; and therefore Peter singled him out, and levelled his blow at him.
 
Luke 22:51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. (KJV)

And Jesus answered and said . . . not to the question of the disciples, but probably to Peter, who had done this rash action.
Suffer ye thus far . . . said to Peter to stop him from proceeding further, but instead to put up his sword.  
And he touched his ear and healed him . . . this shows, that even though the human nature of Jesus was in a very low condition, He still had power to do miracles.  And too, His great loving kindness, by which example He confirmed His rule of doing good to enemies. One would have thought this would have put a stop to their wickedness, having convinced them of the truth of His being a divine Person, and the Messiah.

Luke 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? (KJV)

Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and the elders which were come to him . . . after He had done the miracle, and had quieted the mob, and restrained them from falling upon the apostles, and cutting them to pieces, which in all likelihood they would otherwise have done. Jesus then addressed Himself to "the chief priests" who were members of the Jewish Sanhedrim. (Lk.22:4).
Be ye come out as against a thief, with swords and staves? . . . Matthew says it a little differently: Matthew 26:55  In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. (KJV) . . . They came against harmless Jesus as if He were a thief, a robber, in a manner they would have to take a highwayman of desperate character, and armed to defend his life. This just adds to the depth of His humiliation, that He consented to be hunted down in this way, and to be treated as if He were the worst of mankind.
I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me . . . His business on Earth was not robbing and stealing, but teaching the health-giving doctrine, which He, as Man, had received from His Father, and as the great prophet in Israel taught. He taught it with such power and authority, not as the Scribes and Pharisees did. The place where He taught was the Temple; NOT in a corner or a private place, but a place of public worship, and the time when He taught there, was the day.  This multitude had NO need to take such extraordinary methods to capture Him, and to use one of His apostles to betray Him. To come in the middle of the night to take Him, and with such great numbers, and with swords and staves, when He was in the Temple every single day with them, was ridiculous. (Mat.26:55).

Luke 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. (KJV)

When I was daily with you in the temple . . . as He had been for some days past, teaching the people, and disputing with the chief priests.
Ye stretched forth no hands against me . . . they never tried to lay hold upon Him, and kill Him . . . WHY? Because his time was not come (Jn.7:6,8), and they had no permission to hurt him, nor any power given them against Him from above.
But this is your hour . . . the time had NOW come for the betraying of Jesus by Judas; for the seizing and apprehending Him by the Roman soldiers and officers; and for the delivery of Him into the hands of the "chief" priests and elders. The time had come for them to insult, mock, buffet, scourge and spit upon Him: and putting Him to death on that horrid cross. The hour fixed by God the Father and His only begotten Son for the crucifixion of Him, was now come. The time had come, so now they could lay hold of Him, and do to Him whatever they planned. And the power of darkness . . . the power of your darkness is what some versions read. These evil ones were darkness itself, born and brought up in darkness; were walking in darkness, and in their ignorance, willingly did works of darkness, shunning the light, because their deeds were evil. It was for that reason they chose the night, to fulfil their wicked plans upon Christ.
This perhaps could refer to the power of the prince of darkness, that power which he seized, and now allowed him to use against Jesus.

Nothing can be a greater insult or grief to the Lord Jesus, than to be betrayed by those who profess to be His followers, and say that they love Him.
Jesus here gave a wonderful example of his own rule of doing good to those that hate us, as He did of praying for those that despitefully use us. Corrupt and immoral nature warps our conduct to the limits. We should ALWAYS seek the Lord's direction and guidance BEFORE we act in difficult circumstances. The hour and the power of darkness was short, and such will be the triumphs of the wicked always.

There are several parts of the sufferings of the Messiah that are foretold in the writings of the Old Testament. The spirit of Christ, in the prophets, testified of the following:
#1. He would be reproached and despised of men (Ps.22:6-8; Isa.53:3).
#2, He would be spit upon, smote, and buffeted (Isa.1:5-6; Mic.5:1).
#3. He would be put to death (Ps.22:15; Isa.53:12).
#4. That the death was on the cross (Ps.22:15-16; Zec.12:10).
#5. He would be buried (Isa.53:9).
#6. The selling of Him for thirty pieces of silver (Zec.11:12-13).
#7. His betrayal by one of His familiar friends (Ps.41:9).
#8. Seizing and apprehending Him, and which is mainly referred to here (Isa.53:7-8).
#9. His disciples forsaking Him (Zec.13:7).
#10. Even God, His Father forsaking Him (Ps.22:1).
#11. His suffering between two thieves (Isa.53:12)
#12. The parting of His garments, and casting lots on His vesture (Ps.22:18).
#13. Giving Him gall and vinegar when He was on the cross (Ps.69:21).
#14. None of His bones broken (Ps.34:20).
#15. His Resurrection (Ps.16:10).
For many more Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment, see Messianic Prophecies: . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_messianic_prophecies.htm

Jesus Arrested and Taken To the High Priest's House (Luke 22:54) (Mat.26:57-68)

Luke 22:54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. (KJV)

Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house . . . the band of soldiers, the captain, and the officers of the Jews, laid hold on Jesus, and bound Him (Jn.18:12). They led him out of the garden; even after the miracle He had done, and the kindness He had shown in healing the servant's ear. They took Him to the high priest's house. (Mat.26:3).
And Peter followed afar off . . . dear one, there is great danger for anyone who follows Jesus afar off. John 18:15-16 tells us that another disciple had also followed Jesus and went in with Him. Peter also gained entrance to the courtyard. He waited there to "see the end" and it would be very soon that he would deny the Lord. (Mat.26:58).

Jesus Denied By Peter (Luke 22:55-62)
 (Mat.26:69-75)

Luke 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. (KJV)

And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall . . . it was cold in the night time, even though it was at the Passover, and the beginning of harvest. The servants and officers of the high priest made a fire in the middle of the hall, whilst Jesus was being examined before the Sanhedrim, at the other end of it of the hall.  
And were sat down together . . . to warm themselves.
Peter sat down among them . . . Peter too was cold. He acted as if he were one of them, which he did, not only to warm himself, but to prevent his being recognized, as he might have been, had he been wandering about.

Luke 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. (KJV)

But a certain maid beheld him . . . looked at Peter, and saw by his face and gesture, something which made her look at him again with some earnestness; (Mk.14:54).
And earnestly looked upon him, and said, this man was also with him . . . this man was with that Man being examined before the high priest. Her meaning was, that Peter was one of that religious circle, a disciple of Jesus, and was come here only as a spy.

Luke 22:57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. (KJV)

And he denied him, saying, woman, I know him not . . . startled at the maid's positive assertion, and not knowing how to clear himself any other way, forcefully denied that Jesus was His Master; or that he was a disciple of His; or that he knew anything about Him, nor did he have any contact with Him.
Do you remember what Peter had said? That he would die with him, rather than deny him! But now, Peter is afraid of a little servant maid, and denies Jesus upon the first attack upon him.
 
Luke 22:58  And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. (KJV)

And after a little while another saw him . . . maybe a half hour later, a man makes a second claim that Peter had been with Jesus.
Thou art also of them . . . one of the apostles of Jesus of Nazareth. You belong to that company, and you certainly are one of His followers.
And Peter said, man, I am not . . . this was after he had been out into the porch, and had thought about it, and came in again. The old devil is strong! Peter did NOT have enough courage to stand up to the temptation. So, a second time Peter denies that Christ was his Master, or that he was an apostle of His.

Luke 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. (KJV)

And about the space of one hour after . . . after the second assault, a third assault takes place.
Another confidently affirmed . . . this was one of them that stood by the fire, and heard what had been said, and not only so, but was kin to the man whose ear Peter had cut off, and who had seen him in the garden with Christ. This one was absolutely sure, and beyond any doubt.
 Saying of a truth, this fellow also was with him . . . forcefully saying that Peter was certainly an apostle and follower of Jesus, and was with him when Jesus was arrested. He said, I saw him there, and that is the truth.
For he is a Galilean . . . his speech betrays him; you may know him by his language, and which confirms my claim.

Luke 22:60  And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. (KJV)

And Peter said, man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately while he yet spake . . . sin is like cancer, it grows quickly if left unchecked. There is a progression of Peter's denials: In verse 57, he denied knowing Jesus; in verse 58, he denied being one of his followers; in verse 60, he denied even knowing what they were talking about. Sin is like a wildfire with a very strong wind behind it. It SPREADS! Dear one, the time to get a grip on sin is in the very beginning, BEFORE it has time to increase its deadly poisons in your life. But, the best answer is, KILL it before it begins! Confess your sins, or your desire to sin to the Lord. Ask Him for His help so you do not make Peter's mistakes.
The cock crew . . . the second time. (Mk.14:72).

Luke 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. (KJV)

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter . . . Jesus’ back was towards Peter while He was examined before the high priest. But he knew full well what was going on, and what had been said to Peter, and how often Peter had denied Him. Now, Jesus turned and looked at Peter. Oh, I cringe when I think of how poor Peter must have felt when Jesus’ Eyes met his! (Mat.26:75).
And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shall deny me thrice . . . by this one mere look, when there was no opportunity of speaking, the Lord Jesus stirred the whole attention, heart and mind of Peter.
Matthew 26:75  And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. (KJV)  
Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept. (KJV)

Luke 22:62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. (KJV)

And Peter went out and wept bitterly . . . he went out of the palace, I think he probably ran. He had to go and make this right. All of us are capable of denying Jesus, in some way or another! BEWARE! I have SO often thought of these words when I think of Peter: “I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.” I can actually feel, deep within me, Peter’s agony, when he heard that rooster crow. My friend, we ALL sin, including the beloved apostles of that day, and the most godly men and women today. We may have the best intentions, but we can slip and fall. The wonder of it all is that He forgives us when we repent (1 Jn.1:8-9). (Mat.26:75). Thank You Jesus!
Peter’s denial: (Mat.26:69-75; Mk.14:30,66-72; Lk.22:54-62; Jn.18:17,25-27; 1 Cor.10:12).                                     
                  
Simon Peter was put in the place of temptation. No alibi, no excuse can be offered for his dreadful denial. He was guilty of an atrocious act. But, Peter DID repent and Peter DID come back into fellowship with the Lord whom he dearly loved. In fact, Peter was the one to whom the Lord gave the special privilege of preaching the first sermon after the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and three thousand people were saved! (Acts 2:41).
Some things to consider in Peter's fall: 
#1. The danger of self-confidence. "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor.10:12). TRUE Christian confidence relies totally on God for strength, and feels secure only when we know that He is well able and very willing to keep us from temptation.
#2. The highest favors, the most exalted privileges, do NOT keep us from the ever present danger of falling into the pit of sin. Few men were ever favored as highly as Peter; and none ever so horribly departed from the Saviour.
 #3. When someone begins to sin, the fall from one sinful action to another is far too easy, and almost certain. At first Peter's sin was only simple denial; but it increased and worsened to a more violent declaration, and ending with open profaneness. BEWARE!!! That slippery, broad, downward road of sin is SO easy. (Mat.7:13. Rev.20:15). When you give in to just one tiny sin, the way is wide open for a full flood to come upon you. The progress is NOT easily stopped, and soon the soul is overwhelmed in dreadful and frightening guilt. BEWARE!
#4. TRUE repentance is ALWAYS deep, heart-felt and bitter. Peter wept bitterly. It was sincere sorrow . . . sorrow equal to the nature of the offence he had committed.
#5. One quick glance from Jesus . . . a look mixed with affection, pity and reprimand . . . produced bitter sorrow for Peter’s sin. It is our precious Jesus we injure by our sin, and it is his tender look, when we err, that pierces the soul through with many sorrows (1 Tim. 6:10), opens fountains of tears (Jer.9:1), and leads us to weep with bitterness over our transgressions (Eze.27:31).
#6. Any time that we fall into temptation, we should retire from the world, seek a place of seclusion, and pour out our sorrowful heart before God. He will hear us, and He will pity His children; and He will receive them, just as He did desperate and weeping Peter, back to His arms again.
#7. TRUE Christians may at times go far astray, but they shall NEVER be cast away! Sometimes God has to show them their weakness and make them check their self-confidence, to produce total dependence on Christ Jesus. We need to be shown just how weak, feeble and rash we really are. Peter was a TRUE believer. Jesus had prayed for him that his faith would not fail (Lk.22:32). Any time that Jesus prayed, He was always heard (Jn.11:41-42). Peter's faith did not fail; his belief in Jesus, his real piety, his true attachment to Jesus did NOT fail! He knew, all during the entire transaction, that Jesus WAS the Messiah, and that Peter himself was well acquainted with Him. But he felt forced to declare that which he knew was not true because of his fear of mankind (Job 28:28; Pro.29:25). Once a person is truly saved, they are ALWAYS saved.
Although a TRUE Christian may be tempted to go astray, and may fall into sin, we should always remember Peter.  When we sin, we need to grab hold of our self . . . realize we need to get back on track! Do not let indecision hold you back! Decide as soon as possible to get back into the grace of God. He that decides to sin, with the hope of repenting in the hereafter, CANNOT be a Christian . . .andis NOT a Christian. BEWARE! 
Forgetfulness of God, of His love, of His works, of His words, of His law, and of His revealed mind and will, is often the cause of sin; and remembering is absolutely necessary for the recovery of a fallen or backsliding sinner . . . for he is fallen from the love, grace, kindness and mercy of God, which was formerly shown to him. He must also remember his evil ways and evil works he is fallen into, and remember the Words and Truths of Christ, and that he has been very uncaring about Jesus and lukewarm to Him (Rev.3:16).
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_apostasy.htm
 http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_apostates_leaving_gods_word.htm

WE MUST NOT DENY HIM

In the early morn’, as the rooster crows,
I think of Peter, and his sorrow.
He was so sure, he’d not turn away,
But he denied Christ, fore’ the break of day.

“I know Him not” were words Peter said,
These four little words, caused him dread.
Not once, not twice, but three times he’d deny,
Our precious Lord, whom they would crucify.

“If I have to, I will die with You,”
Peter’s heartfelt words, he thought were true.
But those very words, he spoke that night,
Early the next morn’ would cause him fright.

When the cock crow’d, Peter was mortified,
What had he done? Christ he’d denied!
Great tears welled up, as he sobbed in grief,
It would be a while, ‘fore he found relief!

Peter did sob, uncontrollably,
His heart and soul, were in agony.
He was so sorry, for what he’d done,
He denied Christ Jesus, God’s own Son!

There are many ways, we too can deny,
Our precious Saviour, who was crucified.
Are you afraid, of what friends might say?
If you stood for Jesus, this very day?

We can’t deny Christ’s death, and be forgiv’n,
We can’t deny He’s alive, and access Heav’n.
We can’t deny, He’s God and He’s Man,
We can’t deny, God’s one and only Plan

We need to stand close, to Jesus’ side,
This awesome Christ, who was crucified.
We need to follow Him, ev’ry day,
For He loves us and guides, in all right ways.
**************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Dec.23, 2002  # 931
Mat. 26:31-35, 69-75; Zec.13:7; John 3:15-18, 36; 14:6; 1 John 5:10-12

Jesus Is Mocked and Beaten (Luke 22:63-65)

Luke 22:63 And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. (KJV)

And the men that held Jesus . . . these were either the Roman soldiers, or the servants of the high priest, who kept hold of Him while Jesus was before the Sanhedrim.
Mocked him . . . insulted, ridiculed and scorned Him, using very damning and reproachful language with Him, and using Him in a very abusive way, even spitting on Him.
And smote him . . . these wicked fools did some horrendous to Jesus, who is Almighty God! They plucked the hairs of His beard, and the skin of His cheeks along with them; they pinched him, and tore off his flesh with their nails, and so fulfilled (Isa.50:6). Jesus IS God!
http://www.godcannotlie.org/is_jesus_god.htm

Luke 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? (KJV)

And when they had blindfolded him . . . they put a linen cloth over his eyes, as children do at play, to make some sport with Him.
They struck him on the face . . . either with their hands, or with rods.
And asked him, saying, prophesy, who is it that smote thee? . . . thus ridiculing His prophetic office, and using such language as children do at blind man’s bluff. (Mat.26:68; Mk.14:65).

Jesus Brought Before the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66-71)
(Mat.26:64-68; Mk.14:60-65)

Luke 22:65 And many other things blasphemously spake they against him. (KJV)

And many other things blasphemously spake they against him . . . such as denying and scorning His deity, and divine sonship; mocking and ridiculing His offices of prophet, priest, and king. They declared Jesus to be just a man, and a very wicked one; a profane sinner, a glutton and a winebibber (Lk.7:34; Mat.11:19); a Sabbath breaker (Lk.6:2,7), a blasphemer (Mk.2:7; 14:64); and One that had a devil (Jn.8:48). In this way, they spoke wicked falsehoods of Jesus’ Person, office, and character.

Luke 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, (KJV)

And as soon as it was day . . . see: (Mat.27:1).
The elders of the people . . . those chosen from among the people to sit in the Sanhedrim; as distinct from priests and Levites, and the doctors.
And the chief priests and the Scribes came together . . . which made up the great Sanhedrim, or the council of the nation.
And led him into their council, saying . . . to where the Sanhedrim sat, which was in the Temple, and in the chamber called "the paved stone chamber".  


Luke 22:67 Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: (KJV)

Art thou the Christ? tell us . . . are you the Messiah? The One promised and prophesied by Moses, and all the prophets? Tell us. (Jn.10:24).
And he said unto them, If I tell you, you will not believe . . . I have shown you many proofs that I am the Messiah, yet you will not believe. I ask you to show Me one prophecy of the Messiah that I have not fulfilled, but you cannot do it. You continue in your rebellion and unbelief. The next proof that I will give you is My exaltation at the right hand of God, and My coming again in glory (Lk. 22:67-69; Mat.26:63-65; Mk.14:65).

Luke 22:68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. (KJV)

And if I also ask you, you will not answer me . . .  the words were an indirect protest against their claim to question Him. They had proved themselves incapable to solving a primary problem as to the being and character of the Messiah. I think this is the Lord’s protest against the illegal violence of the whole proceedings.
Nor let me go . . . you cannot give me an answer that may prove I am not the Christ, you will not let me go; for you are determined to put me to death.

Luke 22:69 Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. (KJV)

Hereafter shall the son of man . . . meaning Himself, who was truly man, then in a low form, and thought by the Jews to be just a mere man; even though this character was known by them to belong to the Messiah, especially what follows; as that He should . . .
Sit on the right hand of the power of God . . . as He did after His resurrection, and ascension, and which was clear by the destruction of their city and temple. (Mat.27:64).

Luke 22:70 Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. (KJV)

Then said they all, Art thou the Son of God? . . . the whole Sanhedrim, with one voice, being greedy to lay hold on Him that they might have something to lay to His charge, for they knew that the Messiah, or the son of man, that was to sit at the right hand of God, and come in the clouds of Heaven, was the Son of God.
And he said unto them, Ye say that I am . . . or ye say right; it is the very truth, for I am the Son of God, which agrees with (Mk.14:62).  
 
Luke 22:71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth. (KJV)

And they said, What need we any further witness? . . . the Sanhedrim, or the whole body of them, need not go to any further trouble in getting witnesses, and hearing them.
For we ourselves have heard of his own mouth . . . His blasphemy, which is a sufficient charge upon which they all pronounced Him worthy of death, and firmly decided to deliver Him into the hands of Pilate the Roman governor, in order to pass sentence on Him, and put Him to death.

The ones who condemned Jesus for being a blasphemer, were themselves, the vilest of all blasphemers. Jesus mentioned His prophesied Second Coming, for full proof of His being the Messiah, to their utter confusion, since they would NOT admit the proof of it to their belief. He owns Himself to be the Son of God, even though He knew that He would suffer for it. Upon this they condemn Him. Their eyes being blinded, they rushed on in their wickedness.

Have you ever meditated on this astonishing transaction? Have you ever considered Him, Who endured such hostility and opposition of sinners against the Lord Jesus Christ Himself? His love for us is simply awesome! Thank You Jesus.

Gospel of Luke

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