Luke Chapter 22 brings us into the final hours before the cross. In Luke Ch21, Jesus taught about the temple, judgment, endurance, and the coming of the Son of Man. Now in Luke 22, the Son of Man prepares to suffer. The leaders plot, Judas betrays, the disciples argue, Peter is warned, and Jesus prays in agony. Yet through all of it, Christ remains sovereign. For more on Christ’s coming and His unfailing Word, see this point further in Luke Ch21.

The chapter begins with the chief priests and scribes seeking how to put Jesus to death. Judas then agrees to betray Him. This is evil, but it is not outside God’s plan. From a Christian Reformed lens, Luke 22 shows us that human sin is real and responsible, while God’s sovereign purpose still stands. Judas acts wickedly, but Christ is not surprised. The cross is not an accident. It is the appointed way of redemption.

Then Jesus prepares the Passover with His disciples. At the table, He says He has earnestly desired to eat this Passover with them before He suffers. That matters. Jesus is not dragged unwillingly into the cross. He moves toward it with holy purpose and love for His people.

During the meal, Jesus takes bread and says, “This is my body, which is given for you.” He takes the cup and says it is the new covenant in His blood. The Passover finds its fulfillment in Christ. The blood of lambs pointed forward to the blood of the Lamb of God. The meal is not centered on human achievement, but on Christ given for sinners.

This connects with John Ch19, where Jesus declares, “It is finished.” The body given and the blood poured out in Luke 22 are the finished redemption accomplished at the cross. See this point further in John Ch19.

Even at the table, the disciples argue about who is greatest. Jesus answers that greatness in His kingdom is not like worldly greatness. The greatest must become like the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. Then He says, “I am among you as the one who serves.” The Lord of glory serves sinners. This connects with Matthew Ch20, where Jesus says the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. See this point further in Matthew Ch20.

Jesus then warns Peter that Satan has demanded to sift him like wheat. But Jesus says, “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.” Peter will fall badly, but he will not finally be lost. Why? Because Christ intercedes for him. The perseverance of the saints rests not in the strength of the saint, but in the intercession of the Savior.

That should humble and comfort every believer. Peter is confident in himself, saying he is ready for prison and death. Jesus tells him that before the rooster crows, he will deny Him three times. Peter is weaker than he knows, but Jesus is stronger than Peter’s failure.

Then Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives and prays. He says, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” The cup is the suffering and judgment He will bear. Here we see the true obedience of Christ. Adam failed in a garden. Christ obeys in agony. He submits to the Father and walks toward the cross.

Judas arrives with a crowd and betrays Jesus with a kiss. Jesus is arrested, and one of the disciples strikes the servant of the high priest. But Jesus heals the man’s ear. Even while being betrayed and seized, He shows mercy. Darkness has its hour, but darkness does not have the throne.

Peter then denies Jesus three times. After the third denial, the Lord turns and looks at Peter. Peter remembers the word of Jesus and weeps bitterly. That look must have broken him. But it was not the end of Peter’s story. The same Christ who warned him and prayed for him would later restore him.

This connects with John Ch21, where the risen Jesus restores Peter and tells him, “Feed my sheep.” See this point further in John Ch21.

The chapter ends with Jesus mocked, beaten, and brought before the council. They ask if He is the Son of God. Jesus answers, “You say that I am.” The leaders think they are judging Jesus, but the truth is that the Judge of all the earth is standing before them.

Luke Chapter 22 shows us the suffering Servant who gives Himself for His people.

He is betrayed, but not defeated.

He gives the new covenant in His blood.

He serves those who still argue about greatness.

He prays for Peter before Peter falls.

He obeys the Father in agony.

He heals while being arrested.

He is mocked, but remains the Son of God.

The darkness is real.

The betrayal is real.

The suffering is real.

But greater still is the mercy of Christ, who gives His body and blood for sinners.