Shane L. Bishop
Right away in chapter 22, we see the religious establishment again trying to get rid of Jesus. Judas becomes their answer. The idea that “Satan entered Judas” is unique to Luke.
What questions does this idea raise for you?
The task for Judas is to catch Jesus when he is isolated and the crowds can’t protect him. Since Jerusalem was packed for Passover made this no early task. Luke’s comments about Jesus’ “commuting” from Bethany is the key. Catch him in transit.
Note the word “remembrance” in the liturgy.
Note how much material the first three Gospel’s share. Juxtaposing them to discover minor differences offers much insight.
This is our third Gospel in which we walk with Jesus to the cross. They are each essentially the same but offer some differences.
It is of interest that in Luke, Jesus mentions swords before the betrayal. The disciples had to be thinking revolution. It is equally of interest that he restores the ear cut off by the sword.
That Satan “asked” for Peter implies dialogue between Satan and Jesus. See the Job story in the Old Testament. Jesus prayed for Peter but Peter’s outcome was in his own hands. Note v. 32: Peter DID fail Jesus and then returned and led the disciples.
The juxtaposition between when the disciples were sent out with nothing and the present, suggests things will get a lot worse before they get better. “Sweat like drops of blood” reinforce this shift from ministry toward the cross.
Prayers against temptation are always in good order. We often think of temptation in small ways; the greatest temptation is to walk away from Christ and the life he came to give us. Why? Because it is too hard.
Luke’s description of Jesus looking at Peter after the denial is most gripping. When their eyes part, Peter goes out of the courtyard weeping bitterly. Jesus’ eyes must have been filled with hurt and disappointment.
Have you ever felt the hurt and disappointed eyes of Jesus looking at you?
Overcoming Failures
Many of us relate to Peter. He was not afraid to ask the simple questions and the hard questions alike. Because of this, Peter was no stranger to failure. However, Peter also had an incredible gift to not allow those failures to weaken him. Instead, his failures seemed to provide him motivation to pursue Christ even more! When we fail, we need to have an attitude like Peter. We need to be encouraged and strengthened to pursue the Lord even more fervently than before!
*Adapted from the Life Application Bible Commentary of Luke