Today’s study is divided into several titles. Verses 1-6 The plot against Jesus. Verses 7-23 The last supper. (check out Appendix’s 156 and 157 in the Companion Bible). Verses 24-30 Who is great? Verses 31-38 Jesus foretells Peter’s denial. Verses 39-46 Jesus prays in the garden. Verses 47-53 Jesus is betrayed and arrested. Verses 54-65 Peter denies Jesus. Verses 66-71 Jesus before the council. Luke 22 and verse 1 reads.
Luke 22:1] Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
This will is called the last supper when it should be considered the last Passover.
Luke 22:2] And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
Wanting to kill Jesus, but they feared the people would never let them kill Jesus openly because they believed he was the Messiah, the Christ. Christ means; the anointed one. Let’s go to Psa.2 and verse 1 reads.
Psa.2:1] Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
[2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,.
Prophesied a thousand years earlier. These Pharisees and scribes are Kenites, their father was the first murderer. But we also read something very interesting in John 11 and verse 47 reads.
John 11:47] Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
[48] If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
Worrying about their status as they were left in charge of the Jews. For the Romans cared nothing of their religion, they perceived it as superstition.
John 11:49] And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
[50] Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
[51] And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
[52] And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
But for the Gentiles also. First, Caiaphas spoke this not of his own thoughts but the LORD put this in his mouth. Second, what is this that he said? Let’s go to Isaiah 49 and verse 6 reads.
Isa.49:6] And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
[7] Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.
Do not overlook that it shows us here that the LORD himself is Redeemer and Savior. Caiaphas continues in John 11 and verse 53 reads.
John 11:53] Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
Caiaphas was prophesying the crucifixion of Psalms 22, remember the LORD put these words in his mouth. Psa.22 and verse 22 reads.
Psa.22:22] I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
[23] Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.
Fulfilled in John 11:50.
Psa.22:24] For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.
[25] My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.
[26] The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.
[27] All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
Fulfilled in John 11:52 and Isa.49:6, for the Gentiles also. Do not overlook the ends of the world, this would include the second advent.
Psa.22:28] For the kingdom is the LORD’s: and he is the governor among the nations.
[29] All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul.
[30] A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.
For the fig tree generation that began in 1948, when Israel became a nation again.
Psa.22:31] They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.
This “Hath done this” is equivalent to “It is finished” quoted by Jesus in John 19:30. Suggesting he taught the entire Psalm 22 from the cross. Back to Luke 22 and verse 3 reads.
Luke 22:3] Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
Here we have it written that Satan entered into Judas. We know as disciples of Christ, Satan cannot enter into us, accept the LORD allows it. Written in John 13 and verse 2 reads.
John 13:2] And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;
Back to Luke 22 and verse 4 reads.
Luke 22:4] And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
[5] And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
[6] And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
For thirty pieces of silver and the promise of the potter’s field. Let’s go to Isaiah 41 and verse 9 reads.
Isa.41:9] Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
This is why I always say be careful not to judge Judas, the LORD chose him for this reason. Someone had to betray Jesus. Now, let’s go to Zechariah 11 and verse 12 reads.
Zec.11:12] And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.
[13] And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.
Not only were these thirty pieces of silver meant to buy the potter’s field, but it was to be given back to the Pharisees in the house of the LORD. Let’s talk about this a minute. What is in a potter’s field? Broken pottery, the analogy is this, Christ can put the broken in spirit back together again when they come to repentance and seek the LORD. Back to Luke 22 and verse 7 reads.
Luke 22:7] Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
Before we get into the Passover, let’s go to 1 Corinthians 5 and verse 6 reads.
1Cor.5:6] Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
Leaven is said for sin, a little sin spreads also within the church. Speaking of both oneself and as a congregation of the church.
1Cor.5:7] Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
Just like for one to repent and be anew. Don’t overlook it said here that Christ became our Passover. We do not sacrifice anymore for he was the sacrifice for once and all time. Christ became the Passover Lamb. Not one mention of easter is made here.
1Cor.5:8] Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
The unleavened bread of sincerity and truth is The Word of God. It is written in Exodus 12 and verse 14 reads.
Exo.12:14] And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
Now verse 7 read “When the Passover must be killed”, this means on the 14th day of Abib (some call Nisan). We must keep in mind that when the sun goes down, the next day begins. The Passover is the fifteenth day of Abib which is the first month in the Hebrew calendar. Now let’s go to the first Passover, Exodus 12 and let’s get the full picture of why we celebrate the Passover. Exo.12 and verse 1 reads.
Exo.12:1] And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,
[2] This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.
This month is called Abib, it begins at the spring equinox. Some today call it Nisan, but that is not Hebrew. Then what is it? It is Babylonian, it was the language those spoke when they came out of Babylon, confusion.
Exo.12:3] Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
[4] And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.
Many families were smaller than others, this is given so none of the sacrifice was wasted.
Exo.12:5] Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
Don’t give a sacrifice that isn’t good enough for you to keep. This is how we honor our Father.
Exo.12:6] And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.
[7] And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.
[8] And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.
Roast with fire and not sodden in boiling water. Let’s back up and understand the blood on the door post. Today we anoint our homes in this way with olive oil, keeping out all evil spirits.
Exo.12:9] Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.
[10] And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.
[11] And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’s passover.
Eat it at the ready to go out of Egypt because what comes next is the tenth judgement against Egypt.
Exo.12:12] For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
[13] And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
[14] And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
Keep this a feast throughout your generation forever. Even until today we keep the Passover. Back to Luke 22 and verse 8 reads.
Luke 22:8] And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
It will be at sundown on the thirteenth day that it becomes the fourteenth day. Also take note that here in Luke it is the only place that Peter and John are named for being called to do this for Jesus. We learn in Acts 3:1,11. 4:13,19. 8:14 that Peter and John do most of the important witnessing together. Peter being the rock that Christ would build his church on. And John whom Jesus loved.
Luke 22:9] And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
[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.
In these times it was for a woman to carry a pitcher of water, so this would stand out for them to see. The important thing I want you to take away from this is that the LORD is always in charge, and it will happen exactly as it is written or in this case spoken. A certain scholar thinks this is the house of Mark John. I cannot confirm, though it is interesting to consider.
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?
[12] And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
[13] And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
Everything as Jesus said it would be.
Luke 22:14] And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
[15] And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
[16] For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
[17] And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
[18] For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
[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.
[20] Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
In 1 Corinthians 5 verse 8 said “Keep the feast”, our sacraments became the feast. This is why here at The Christ Ministries we observe the three feast every year. The Passover, the Feast of Weeks (which became Pentecost) and The Feast of Tabernacles.
Luke 22:21] But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
[22] And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
[23] And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
In another gospel they each asked is it me? Not believing any of the others could do such a thing. Now here is where I suggest not to judge Judas, because he did repent. And if I feel Judas couldn’t receive Salvation, then I teach in vain. For who among us is not a sinner, and we know that he did not commit the unpardonable sin. If he didn’t commit the unpardonable sin, then it is pardonable and he was forgiven. Now, Judas was actually fulfilling prophecy, let’s go to Psalms 41 and verse 9 reads.
Psa.41:9] Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
The reason I say be careful in how you judge Judas. Back to Luke 22 and verse 24 reads.
Luke 22:24] And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
Which would be loved more by Jesus. This will get under Jesus’s skin a little, but he would use this to teach us not to become full of pride. Pride was Satan’s downfall, and Satan was the one that covered and protected the very mercy seat that belonged to Jesus. After Jesus just told them one of them would betray him, they seem to be more interested in who would be greater than the others in the kingdom.
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.
[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.
Joshua 24 and verse 15 reads.
Joshua 24:15] And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Back to Luke 22 and verse 27 reads.
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.
[28] Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
[29] And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
[30] That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Let’s find out about this kingdom and see who is greater than the other. Let’s first go to Matthew 19 and verse 28 reads.
Mat.19:28] And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Let’s now go to that kingdom and where it is written. Revelation 21 and verse 10 reads.
Rev.21:10] And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
[11] Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
[12] And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
[13] On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
[14] And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
We see here that the twelve apostles and the twelve patriarch’s of the twelve tribes make up the 24 thrones that are set for judgement against the children of Israel. Let’s now go to Revelation 4 and verse 4 reads.
Rev.4:4] And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
These twenty-four elders are the twelve patriarchs and the twelve apostles. Back to Luke and verse 31 reads.
Luke 22:31] And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
Here in Luke, we are given more information compared to the other gospels. We are given an example for the Elect in the end times.
Luke 22:32] But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Knowing what is about to be said he tells Peter after the denial, converted with the strength of Jesus Christ, strengthen the others because they scattered. Now comes Peters proclamation of faith for Jesus. The problem is Jesus knows that if they stopped the crucifixion, it would go against the Word of God. This will be painful, but for our sakes in these end times, God’s Word must come to pass exactly as it is written. Satan will know God’s Elect, he will tempt you with praise or with persecution, just be ready for either. Jesus called him Simon, meaning; hearing. Peter was not listening, and it will cost him much pain. Make sure we don’t make the same mistake.
Luke 22:33] And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
[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.
Jesus is the Living Word, what is written or spoken will happen exactly as so.
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.
[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.
[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.
Accomplished is fulfilled, coming to an end. Written in Isaiah 53 and verse 11 reads.
Isa.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.
[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.
They cannot understand that it is written and must come to pass, they think that they can protect Jesus. We know that at any time the LORD could have sent his angels and that the Son of God didn’t need any man to protect him. Back to Luke 22 and verse 38 reads.
Luke 22:38] And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
Apparently the “swords” was over their heads, let’s not let it go over ours. Rev.1 and verse 16 reads.
Rev.1:16] And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
Out of his mouth, the Word of God. these are the swords they needed to take with them. Jesus will tell Peter to put away his actual sword after he cuts the ear off of Malchus. Back to Luke 22 and verse 39 reads.
Luke 22:39] And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
Wont is accustomed. We see here, as in Luke 21:37, that it was the mount of Olives that Jesus would spend many nights at. Luke 21 and verse 37 reads.
Luke 21:37] And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.
Back to Luke 22 and verse 40 reads.
Luke 22:40] And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
Before we get into what Jesus is about to do, let’s look at what he told his disciples because it is written for the Elect of today. Let’s go to 1Corinthians 10 and verse 12 reads.
1Cor.10:12] Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
We as his Elect are to put on the gospel armor and stand against, be delivered up, the fiery darts of Satan. And this just said “take heed lest he fall.”
1Cor.10:13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
With the temptation he will show us a way out, be comforted by that verse and never forget it. Now, we come to the prayer of Jesus. Back to Luke 22 and verse 41 reads.
Luke 22:41] And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
[42] Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Many people teach that Jesus had a weak moment here. I find that absurd, it could be that they say this in ignorance, or by purposeful deceit, you be the judge. Let’s go to Isaiah 51 and verse 17 reads.
Isa.51:17] Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.
Showing here it is for the Elect in the end times, by his usage of Awake, awake, stand up. Watchmen are you awake?
Isa.51:18] There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up.
[19] These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?
Desolation and destruction are names for Satan. Don’t overlook famine (Amos 8:11) and sword (Rev.1:16). The famine in the end times is for hearing the Word of the LORD. The sword is the Word of God.
Isa.51:20] Thy sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, as a wild bull in a net: they are full of the fury of the LORD, the rebuke of thy God.
[21] Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:
[22] Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:
In Matthew 26:42 he spoke in his prayer lest I drink it. This cup is for the second advent and not for the first advent, because the first advent is for Salvation. Let’s go now to Jeremiah 25 and verse 15 reads.
Jer.25:15] For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.
[16] And they shall drink, and be moved, and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them.
[17] Then took I the cup at the LORD’s hand, and made all the nations to drink, unto whom the LORD had sent me:
It is good for one to study this cup of his fury. Here are some helpful passages from God’s Word. Isa.51:17-22, Jer.25:15-17, Eze.23:31-33, Zec.12:2, Rev.14:10, Rev.16:19, Rev.17:4, Rev.18:6. Now, let’s go over what we just learned. Jesus was praying for the cup to pass from his hands, lest he drinks it. Jesus is the Living Word, the Word of God. It would break the Word of God if it doesn’t come to pass. But we know there are two advents, this cup is for the second. Back to Luke 22 and verse 43 reads.
Luke 22:43] And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
Here is something new from the other gospels. But that it is said here in Luke completes the Fathers compassion for his Son.
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.
Again, it is taught that Jesus sweated blood, not true. As it were drops of blood, not that it was drops of blood. Be careful as you read God’s Word, and check your teachers.
Luke 22:45] And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
For the sorrow of Jesus Christ. Written to the watchmen of the end times.
Luke 22:46] And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
Back to the temptation, for you and me in these end times. 1Cor.10:13. In Mat.26:40 he says “And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?” this is the hour of temptation, which is divided into two half hours. The first is for the first beast (the one world order) the second is for the second beast (the Dragon) Satan.
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.
It wasn’t for his disciples at that time but for his watchmen of the end times, that’s you and me. As for this time, his prayer was answered, the Word of God would come to pass. The prophecy of David would soon come to pass, Psalms 22, he would be crucified.
Luke 22:48] But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
[49] When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
Remember they couldn’t get what Jesus taught them in verse 38. Now, let’s not let it go over our heads.
Luke 22:50] And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
[51] And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
This servant of the high priest is Malchus. Let’s go to Rev.13 and verse 9 reads.
Rev.13:9] If any man have an ear, let him hear.
Don’t tell me the LORD doesn’t have a sense of humor.
Rev.13:10] He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
Remember the sword of the LORD is the tongue of Christ, his Word. Back to Luke 22 and verse 52 reads.
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?
[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.
Telling those who came to take him that they could have taken him when it was legal to do so. But we know that they feared the people. Now, this “But this is your hour, and power of darkness” is said directly to Satan. Jesus is the Light, and the Darkness comprehended it not.
Luke 22:54] Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.
It is night time now and illegal to hold court in the evening. Just remember they feared the people. Peter did follow to see what would happen, he said he didn’t care if he was imprisoned or put to death, we’ll see.
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.
[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.
[57] And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
Strike one.
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.
Strike two.
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.
His clothes and speech gave him away. This one would be Malchus as we learn in John 18:10. I’d think for sure he would know who cut his ear off.
Luke 22:60] And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
[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.
[62] And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
What the Word speaks or what is written will happen exactly as so. Now, this was done for the watchmen, God’s Elect in these end times. We must remember what was said to Peter back in verses 31-32, let’s read it again.
Luke 22:31] And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
[32] But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Done so that he would be able to strengthen his brethren. They scattered, but Peter stayed with Christ, though he would deny him. He prayed for Peter, for his faith’s sake. Back to verse 63 and it reads.
Luke 22:63] And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
[64] And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
This angers me beyond words, and is quite difficult to hold my feelings in check. But, let’s go to Zechariah 13 and verse 6 reads.
Zec.13:6] And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.
These wounds come from being crucified on the cross.
Zec.13:7] Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
Peter should have known this verse from the prophet Zechariah, then he would have understood the swords. But the shepherd had to be struck. Back to Luke 22 and verse 65 reads.
Luke 22:65] And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.
These would be the false witnesses that they brought in to testify against him.
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,
This being around midnight. Again, it is illegal to hold trial at night in Hebrew law.
Luke 22:67] Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
[68] And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
They claimed to be disciples of Moses. Did not Moses say that the Messiah would come?
Luke 22:69] Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
Stephen would say “Behold I see the Son of God sitting on the right hand of God” this drove them to kill Stephen, because it convicts them of crucifying the LORD. Another place it speaks of both advents is Psalms 110 and verse 1 reads.
Psa.110:1] The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
The reason the Kenites go crazy when they hear “The Son of man sitting on the right hand of God.”
Psa.110:2] The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
[3] Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
[4] The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
The reason it is so important to understand Melchizedek, KING of Kings and LORD of Lords. From the king line (of the tribe of Judah) and the priest line (from the daughters of Aaron).
Psa.110:5] The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.
This verse doesn’t happen until the second advent, the seventh trump. Back to Luke 22 and verse 70 reads.
Luke 22:70] Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
I didn’t say that, you said that, is what Jesus just said. Notice that Jesus used his Holy name, I Am.
Luke 22:71] And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
They didn’t need any more false witnesses, he said it himself, I Am. Another great chapter in God’s Word, let’s go to his throne.
Father, we thank you for your word and ask that you bless all that love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.
KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible