Luke Chapter 22 – Commentary and Bible Study Reflection
Luke chapter 22 is one of those long chapters where the story slows down but also feels like it speeds up at the same time. You know those moments in life where everything is happening all at once—family arguments, work stress, random memories, even the smell of food cooking in the kitchen mixing with your thoughts? That’s how Luke 22 feels. It’s loaded, heavy, and yet strangely intimate too.
We are stepping into the last hours before the crucifixion of Jesus. The Passover, the betrayal, the Last Supper, Gethsemane, Peter’s denial, the arrest—all packed in here. It’s like the air is tense with something about to break.
Let’s walk through it piece by piece, and I’ll share reflections, commentary, and some personal notes the way I’d talk it out in a group Bible study.
Verses 1–6: The Plot to Kill Jesus and Judas’ Betrayal
The chapter opens straight with tension: “Now the feast of unleavened bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.”
They feared the people. Isn’t that something? Religious leaders who should fear God are instead afraid of losing popularity. I’ve noticed in life, sometimes we fear what others think of us more than what God says. Maybe that’s why betrayal happens—not just Judas’ betrayal, but ours too when we choose comfort instead of obedience.
And here comes Judas. Satan entered him. That line gives me chills. Judas goes to the priests and discusses betraying Jesus. They were glad. They agreed to pay him. Judas consented and sought an opportunity to betray Him in the absence of the multitude.
Now, we love to point fingers at Judas, but if we’re honest, how often do we sell Jesus for cheap things? For some approval, for some habit, for a few coins worth of comfort? I remember a time when I stayed quiet at work because I didn’t want people to know I was Christian. That moment still bothers me, because it wasn’t even money—it was just fear of people’s opinion. Judas’ betrayal feels closer to home than I like to admit.
Verses 7–20: The Passover and the Last Supper
Then the scene shifts—Passover. The disciples ask where to prepare the meal. Jesus gives this mysterious instruction: a man carrying water will meet them, follow him into the house. Almost like a secret code. It’s both ordinary (a man carrying water) and extraordinary (Jesus knows exactly how it will unfold).
They prepare, and then comes the Last Supper. I imagine the room: the smell of roasted lamb, the bitterness of herbs, the flat bread, the sound of laughter mixed with uneasiness, because everyone feels the tension even if they don’t fully get it.
Jesus sits with them and says, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” That line—He desires fellowship, even knowing betrayal is near. I think of moments when I knew hard conversations were coming, but I still wanted one last warm memory.
Then He takes bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and says, “This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” The cup too—His blood, the new covenant.
This is huge. It’s the institution of communion. And notice—He says “for you.” Not just “for the world” in some vague way, but for you. Sometimes when I take communion, I whisper those words to myself: for me. Because my heart needs reminding.
Verses 21–30: Betrayal Revealed and Greatness Redefined
Right after the sacred meal, Jesus drops the bomb: “But behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.”
Imagine the awkward silence, the sideways glances. They start questioning each other, even themselves. Have you ever doubted your own loyalty? I have. Sometimes I wonder, could I really stand firm if things got hard?
And then, as if they can’t handle the weight, the disciples shift into another argument—about who among them is the greatest! Can you believe that? The world is crashing, Jesus is hours from the cross, and they’re debating status.
But isn’t that so human? Even in church, even in families, we do this. I remember once in a volunteer group, people argued about who deserved recognition for planning an event, while the main purpose of the event (to help others) got lost. Same spirit here.
Jesus doesn’t scold them harshly but teaches: “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship… but you shall not be so. The greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.”
He flips leadership upside down. Greatness isn’t about authority, it’s about service. I picture Jesus washing feet, serving bread, carrying a cross. That’s greatness.
And then He gives them hope: “I appoint unto you a kingdom… that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom.” Even with their immaturity, He sees their future. That’s mercy.
Verses 31–34: Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
Now Jesus turns to Simon Peter: “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
Whew. There’s so much here.
First, Satan wants to sift us too—shake us, test us, break us. But Jesus prays. Think about that—Jesus prays for Peter. And He prays for us too (John 17). That gives me strength on days I feel like dust.
Peter, bold as always, says, “Lord, I am ready to go with you, both into prison, and to death.” I almost laugh here, not because it’s funny, but because I’ve said the same with my lips while my actions told another story.
Jesus replies, “Before the cock crow, thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.” And Peter probably shook his head, “Not me, Lord.” But it was him. And honestly—it’s me too.
Verses 35–38: New Instructions
Jesus reminds them of earlier days—when He sent them without purse or bag and they lacked nothing. But now, He tells them to take provision, even a sword. It’s a shift. The peaceful Galilean days are ending; dark times are near.
They misunderstand though, showing two swords. Jesus says, “It is enough.” Not meaning they literally needed swords to fight (He rebukes violence later), but signaling the coming conflict.
Verses 39–46: Gethsemane – The Agony in Prayer
Now comes one of the most moving parts: Jesus in the garden.
He goes out as usual to the Mount of Olives. The disciples follow. He tells them, “Pray that ye enter not into temptation.” Then He withdraws a stone’s throw, kneels, and prays.
I always pause here. Picture it. The cool night air, the rustle of olive leaves, the smell of damp earth. Jesus sweating drops of blood in anguish. His prayer: “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”
This is raw surrender. The Son struggling, but choosing obedience. That line has carried me through many decisions. Not my will. Even when I want out, even when it’s bitter, even when it hurts. Not my will.
An angel strengthens Him. Yet He still prays earnestly. His sweat becomes like drops of blood. Have you ever prayed so hard your body shook? I haven’t reached this level, but I’ve felt my chest tighten and tears burn. That’s just a shadow.
He comes back, finds the disciples sleeping. Out of sorrow, they slept. Sometimes sorrow makes us numb, sleepy, escaping reality. Jesus says again, “Rise and pray.”
Verses 47–53: The Betrayal and Arrest
Then—torches, soldiers, Judas leading them. Judas betrays with a kiss. A kiss! A symbol of love twisted into betrayal. That image haunts me.
One disciple (John says Peter) swings a sword, cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Jesus heals the ear. Even in arrest, He’s healing. What kind of love is that?
Jesus addresses the crowd: “Are you come out as against a thief, with swords and staves? 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.”
The hour of darkness. Yet we know—it won’t last forever.
Verses 54–62: Peter’s Denial
They seize Jesus and lead Him away. Peter follows from a distance. That phrase hurts—from a distance.
In the courtyard, by the fire, a servant girl says, “You were with Him.” Peter denies it. Two more times—denial. Then the rooster crows.
And here’s the heartbreaking moment: “The Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.” Can you imagine that look? Not angry, I think, but sorrowful, loving, piercing. Peter remembers the word, goes out, and weeps bitterly.
I’ve had my Peter moments—times I denied Him, not with words but with silence, with compromise. And I know that look too, in my heart. Yet I also know His forgiveness, like Peter later received.
Verses 63–71: Jesus Mocked and Questioned
The guards mock Him, beat Him, blindfold Him, taunt Him. Cruel laughter echoing in the night.
Morning comes. The council asks, “If you are the Christ, tell us.” Jesus answers, “If I tell you, ye will not believe: and if I also ask you, ye will not answer, nor let me go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.”
They ask, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replies, “You say that I am.”
And they say, “What need we any further witness?”
The trial begins, and injustice takes center stage.
Reflections and Takeaways
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Betrayal feels close to home. Judas isn’t just history; he’s a mirror. Anytime I choose myself over Christ, I taste his story.
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Jesus desires fellowship even in suffering. He longed to share the Passover. He longs to share life with us, even in our weakness.
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Greatness means serving. The world screams status, but Jesus whispers service.
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Prayer is where surrender happens. Gethsemane shows me that true strength is found on my knees.
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Denial doesn’t end the story. Peter fell hard, but Jesus restored him. There’s always hope after failure.
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The hour of darkness is real but temporary. Evil has moments, but resurrection is coming.
Personal Note
I remember reading Luke 22 one night during a storm. Rain pounding the roof, thunder rumbling. The whole house smelled of wet earth and something damp. As I read about Gethsemane, it felt like the storm outside echoed the storm inside Jesus. And yet, by the end, I felt peace. Because even in the darkest chapter, there’s love, there’s purpose, there’s hope.
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