Betrayal, Last Supper, and Trial: A Turning Point in Redemption

Luke 22 poignantly captures the depth of Jesus' love for humanity and His commitment to God's redemptive plan. Despite facing betrayal, denial, and a painful death, Jesus remains obedient, compassionate, and truthful. This chapter encourages us to face our weaknesses, like Peter, and to seek strength in prayer, like Jesus, reminding us that in our darkest moments, God's redemptive work is unfolding.

The Plot to Kill Jesus (Luke 22:1-6)

As Passover nears, the chief priests and scribes plot to kill Jesus. Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus for money.

The Last Supper (Luke 22:7-23)

During the Passover meal, Jesus establishes the New Covenant, symbolized by the bread and wine, representing His body and blood. He also reveals that one of the disciples will betray Him.

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

Jesus predicts Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows, despite Peter's assurance of faithfulness.

Jesus Prays at the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39-46)

Jesus prays fervently, showing His agony and submission to the Father's will, while His disciples struggle to stay awake.

Jesus' Arrest (Luke 22:47-53)

Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, leading to His arrest. Jesus heals the servant of the high priest, whose ear was cut off by one of the disciples.

Peter Denies Jesus (Luke 22:54-62)

As Jesus predicted, Peter denies knowing Him three times, culminating when the rooster crows. Peter weeps bitterly when he realizes what he has done.

Jesus' Trial (Luke 22:63-71)

Jesus is mocked, beaten, and put on trial before the council of elders, where He affirms His identity as the Christ, the Son of God.

Luke 22 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel narrative, marking the shift from Jesus' public ministry to His passion. It begins with a dark plot to kill Jesus, progresses through the intimacy of the Last Supper and the prediction of Peter's denial, followed by Jesus' anguished prayer at the Mount of Olives, His arrest, and Peter's actual denial of Jesus. The chapter concludes with Jesus' trial before the council of elders.

Plot to Kill Jesus: Betrayal and conspiracy.
The Last Supper: Establishing the New Covenant.
Prediction of Peter's Denial: Human weakness and divine foreknowledge.
Jesus Prays at the Mount of Olives: Divine submission and surrender.
Jesus' Arrest: The beginning of the end.
Peter Denies Jesus: Fear and faithlessness.
Jesus' Trial: Condemnation and injustice.The Plot to Kill Jesus
The Last Supper
Prediction of Peter's Denial
Jesus Prays at the Mount of Olives
Jesus' Arrest
Peter Denies Jesus
Jesus' TrialJesus Christ
The disciples
Judas Iscariot
Peter
Chief priests and scribes
The council of elders
The rooster
The maid and the men who recognized PeterJerusalem
The Mount of Olives
The Upper Room

1. How does Judas' betrayal of Jesus challenge your understanding of loyalty and trust?

2. How do you interpret the symbolism of the bread and wine in the Last Supper?

3. What lessons can you learn from Jesus' prediction of Peter's denial?

4. How does Jesus' prayer at the Mount of Olives demonstrate His submission to God's will?

5. How can Jesus' response to His arrest inspire us in moments of injustice?

6. In what ways can we identify with Peter's denial of Jesus?

7. How can you apply the lessons from Jesus' trial in your personal life?

8. How does this chapter deepen your understanding of Jesus' love and sacrifice?

9. How can we maintain faithfulness in situations that may lead us to deny our beliefs?

10. How does Jesus' healing of the high priest's servant speak to His character?

11. What can we learn from the disciples' struggle to stay awake during Jesus' prayer?

12. How can Jesus' responses to betrayal, denial, and trial shape our responses to similar situations?

13. In what ways does the plot to kill Jesus reflect the darkness of human sin?

14. What steps can we take to avoid spiritual betrayal as Judas did?

15. How can the reality of Jesus' suffering and sacrifice impact your daily life?

16. How does Peter's bitter remorse after his denial speak to our own experiences of regret?

17. How does Jesus' affirmation of His identity during His trial inspire your confession of faith?

18. How should the events of this chapter affect our communion practices today?

19. How can we apply Jesus' submission to God's will in our decision-making processes?

20. How can we cultivate a prayer life that emulates Jesus' fervent communication with the Father?