Luke 22 presents the pivotal events surrounding Jesus's final Passover meal and arrest. The chapter opens with the chief priests' murderous plot against Jesus, enabled by Satan's influence on Judas Iscariot, and closes with Jesus's condemnation by the Sanhedrin. Between these dark bookends, Luke records the institution of the Lord's Supper—Christianity's most sacred ordinance—where Jesus redefines the ancient Passover as a memorial of His atoning death. The chapter masterfully contrasts Jesus's sacrificial humility with the disciples' selfish ambitions, His steadfast obedience with Peter's shameful denial, and His submission to God's will in Gethsemane with the world's violent rejection of their Savior.
As the Feast of Unleavened Bread approaches, the religious establishment plots Jesus's death, restrained only by fear of public uprising (vv. 1–2). Satan then "entered" into Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve (v. 3). This tragic phrase does not suggest demon possession, but rather satanic deception and influence that finds fertile ground in Judas's own greed and pride. Judas negotiates with the chief priests for a fee, promising to deliver Jesus when the crowds are absent (vv. 4–6). The darkening of Judas's heart shows how spiritual rebellion opens the door to Satan's work.
Jesus directs Peter and John to prepare the Passover meal, revealing His omniscience by predicting they will meet "a man bearing a pitcher of water" (vv. 7–10). The disciples' obedient execution of these instructions demonstrates faith and readiness to serve their Master. This preparation underscores that Jesus's final meal was no accident but a divinely orchestrated event.
At the appointed hour, Jesus reclines with the Twelve (v. 14). His words reveal deep emotion: "With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer" (v. 15). Jesus then reinterprets the ancient Passover as a memorial of His coming sacrifice. He takes the cup, gives thanks, and instructs them to divide it, declaring He will not drink "until the kingdom of God shall come" (vv. 17–18). Jesus breaks bread and identifies it with His body "given for you," commanding, "this do in remembrance of me" (v. 19). The cup becomes "the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you" (v. 20). These words establish the central Christian ordinance, pointing forward to Christ's atoning death and backward to the Passover's liberation theology—Jesus is our Lamb, our ransom, our freedom from sin.
After Jesus announces His betrayer (vv. 21–22), the disciples shamefully quarrel over greatness (v. 24). Jesus's response is revolutionary: true greatness in His kingdom reverses worldly power. "He that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve" (v. 26). Jesus illustrates this by identifying Himself as their servant (v. 27). Yet He promises the faithful disciples a future kingdom role—eating and drinking at His table and judging the twelve tribes of Israel (vv. 29–30). Present humility precedes future honor.
Jesus addresses Peter by his birth name, "Simon," emphasizing gravity (v. 31). Satan desires to "sift" the disciples, testing their faith, but Jesus has prayed for Peter's perseverance (v. 32). Peter boasts of readiness for prison and death, yet Jesus predicts three denials before the cock crows (vv. 33–34). This painful irony teaches that spiritual confidence apart from reliance on Christ's intercession leads to failure.
Jesus reminds the disciples of their earlier provision without material resources (v. 35), then paradoxically instructs them to prepare for conflict—obtaining a purse, knapsack, and sword (v. 36). This signals the shift from His public ministry to passion. At Gethsemane, Jesus withdraws to pray, kneeling before the Father (vv. 39–41).
Jesus prays, "If thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done" (v. 42). An angel strengthens Him (v. 43). In deepest agony, He prays more earnestly, His sweat like "great drops of blood" (v. 44)—a vivid image of His inward struggle. The disciples sleep from sorrow, failing Jesus in His hour of greatest need (vv. 45–46).
Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss (
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