Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
Study note
As the Feast of Unleavened Bread approaches, the chief priests and scribes seek a way to kill Jesus but fear the people. Satan enters Judas Iscariot, who goes to the chief priests and temple captains to arrange Jesus' betrayal for money. Luke's mention of Satan's involvement reveals that spiritual forces are at work behind the human conspiracy, recalling the devil's departure in chapter 4 'for a time' -- that time has now arrived.
1 The Festival of Unleavened Bread, also known as Passover, was getting close. Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
2 The chief priests and religion teachers were plotting how to kill Jesus. But they were nervous because the people loved him. And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
3 Then Satan took hold of Judas, the one called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples. Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
4 Judas went to the chief priests and the temple guards and worked out a plan to hand Jesus over to them. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
5 They were thrilled and offered to pay him money. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
6 Judas agreed to the deal. He started looking for a good time to hand Jesus over when no crowds were around. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
The Last Supper
Study note
Jesus sends Peter and John to prepare the Passover, which they find exactly as He described. At the table, Jesus expresses His deep desire to share this meal before His suffering. He takes the cup and bread, reinterpreting the Passover elements: the bread is His body given for them, the cup is the new covenant in His blood poured out for them. He instructs them to do this in remembrance of Him. He then announces that one at the table will betray Him, causing distress among the disciples.
7 The day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread came. This was the day the Passover lamb had to be killed. Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
8 Jesus told Peter and John, "Go get the Passover meal ready for us to eat." And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
9 They asked, "Where should we set it up?" And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
10 He explained, "When you walk into the city, you will see a man carrying a water jug. Follow him to whatever house he goes into." 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.
11 "Tell the homeowner, 'The Teacher wants to know: where is the room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?'" 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 "He will take you upstairs and show you a big room that is already set up. Get everything ready there." And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
13 They left and found everything exactly as Jesus had described. They prepared the Passover meal. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
14 When evening came, Jesus sat down at the table with his twelve apostles. And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
15 He told them, "I have wanted so badly to eat this Passover meal with you. I wanted it before my pain begins." And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
16 "I am telling you, I will not eat this meal again until everything it points to has come true in God's kingdom." For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
17 Then he took a cup of wine, thanked God for it, and said, "Take this and share it among all of you." And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
18 "This is the last time I will drink wine with you until God's kingdom arrives." For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
19 Then he picked up a loaf of bread, thanked God, tore it into pieces, and gave it to them. He said, "This bread represents my body, which is being given up for you. Keep doing this to remember me." 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 After the meal, he took another cup of wine and said, "This cup stands for the new agreement between God and his people. It is sealed with my blood that is being poured out for you." Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
21 "But notice -- the hand of the person who is going to betray me is here at this table with me right now." But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
22 "The Son of man will go down the path that has been planned. But how terrible it will be for the person who turns him in!" And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
23 The disciples started looking at each other around the table. They argued about which one of them could do such a thing. And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
Dispute About Greatness and Peter's Denial Predicted
Study note
Even at this solemn moment, the disciples argue about who is greatest. Jesus teaches that among His followers, the greatest must become like the youngest and the leader like a servant -- He Himself is among them as one who serves. He promises them a kingdom and thrones. He then warns Peter that Satan has demanded to sift them like wheat, but He has prayed for Peter's faith. Peter declares his willingness to die, but Jesus predicts Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows.
24 Then an argument broke out among them about which of them was the most important. And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
25 Jesus told them, "The kings of other nations push people around. People with power demand to be called heroes." 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 that is not how it works with you. The most important person among you should act like the newest member. The person in charge should act like a servant." 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.
27 "After all, who is more important -- the person eating the meal or the person serving it? Most people would say the one eating. But look at me -- I am right here among you as a servant." 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 "You are the ones who have stuck by my side through all the tough times." Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
29 "And so I am passing on to you a kingdom, just as my Father passed one on to me." And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
30 "You will eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones and lead the twelve tribes of Israel." That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31 The Lord said, "Simon, Simon, hear me out. Satan has asked for permission to shake all of you up like grain being tossed in a sieve." 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 specifically for you, Simon, that your faith will hold up. And once you have gotten through this and come back to me, help your brothers stand strong." But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
33 Peter declared, "Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you. I am even ready to die with you." And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
34 Jesus replied, "Peter, let me tell you what is going to happen. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will have said three separate times that you do not know me." And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
35 Then Jesus asked them, "When I sent you out that time without a wallet, a bag, or extra sandals, were you ever in need of anything?" They answered, "Not a thing." And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
36 He said, "Things are different now. If you have a wallet, bring it. Same with a bag. And if you do not have a sword, sell your coat and buy one." 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 "What the Scriptures say about me still needs to happen: 'He was counted as one of the criminals.' Everything written about me is coming to its conclusion." 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.
38 The disciples said, "Look, Lord, we have two swords right here." He answered, "That is enough." And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
Study note
On the Mount of Olives, Jesus withdraws to pray, telling the disciples to pray that they will not fall into temptation. In His agony, He prays, 'Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Yet not my will, but yours, be done.' An angel strengthens Him, and His sweat becomes like drops of blood. Finding the disciples asleep from sorrow, He urges them again to pray. This scene reveals the full humanity of Jesus -- His genuine dread of the cross -- alongside His perfect submission to the Father's will.
39 Jesus left the room and headed, as he usually did, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples went with him. And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
40 When they arrived, he told them, "Pray that you will not give in when you are tested." And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41 Then he walked a short distance away from them -- about as far as you could throw a stone -- dropped to his knees, and began praying. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42 He prayed, "Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. But I want your plan, not mine." Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 An angel from heaven appeared and gave him strength. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
44 His inner pain was so intense that he prayed even harder. His sweat fell to the ground like thick drops of blood. 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.
45 When he got up from praying and went back to his disciples, he found them asleep, worn out from their grief. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
46 He said, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray so that you will not give in when you are tested." And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
Betrayal and Arrest
Study note
While Jesus is still speaking, Judas leads a crowd to Him and approaches with a kiss. Jesus asks, 'Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?' -- exposing the cruel irony of using an act of affection as a signal of treachery. When a disciple strikes the high priest's servant's ear, Jesus heals it even in the moment of His arrest, showing compassion to His enemies. He tells the armed crowd they did not arrest Him when He taught openly in the temple, declaring, 'This is your hour, and the power of darkness.'
47 He was still talking when a mob appeared. Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He walked right up to Jesus to give him a kiss. 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.
48 Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you truly using a kiss to hand over the Son of Man?" But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
49 When the disciples around Jesus saw what was about to happen, they asked, "Lord, should we use our swords?" When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
50 Before he could answer, one of them swung a sword and sliced off the right ear of the high priest's servant. And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
51 Jesus immediately said, "Enough of that!" He reached out, touched the servant's ear, and healed it. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
52 Then Jesus spoke to the chief priests, the temple guards, and the elders who had come to arrest him. He said, "Did you need swords and clubs, as if I were some kind of dangerous criminal?" 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 "I was with you in the temple day after day, and you never laid a finger on me. But this is your moment -- the hour when darkness rules." 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.
Peter's Denial
Study note
Peter follows Jesus to the high priest's house at a distance and sits by a fire in the courtyard. Three times he is identified as being with Jesus, and three times he denies it. Immediately the rooster crows, and Jesus turns and looks directly at Peter. That look -- across a courtyard, in the firelight -- breaks Peter, and he goes out and weeps bitterly. The power of this scene lies in the contrast between Peter's confident promise and his devastating failure.
54 They grabbed Jesus and marched him to the high priest's house. Peter trailed behind at a safe distance. Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
55 A fire had been lit in the center of the courtyard, and people sat around it. Peter joined them and sat down. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
56 A servant girl noticed him sitting in the firelight. She stared at him and said, "This man was with Jesus too." 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 Peter denied it right away: "Woman, I have no idea who you are talking about." And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
58 A little while later, someone else spotted him and said, "You are definitely one of them." Peter shot back, "No, I am not!" And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
59 About an hour after that, another person insisted, "I am sure this man was with him. You can tell he is from Galilee." 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 Galilæan.
60 Peter fired back, "I have no idea what you are talking about!" The words were barely out of his mouth when a rooster crowed. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
61 The Lord turned around and looked straight at Peter. In that moment, Peter remembered what the Lord had told him: "Before the rooster crows, you will say three times that you do not know me." 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 Peter walked outside and cried his heart out. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
Jesus Before the Council
Study note
The guards mock and beat Jesus, blindfolding Him and demanding He prophesy who struck Him. At daybreak, the council of elders, chief priests, and scribes gather. When asked if He is the Christ, Jesus says they will not believe His answer. He then declares that from now on the Son of Man will sit at the right hand of the power of God. When they ask if He is the Son of God, His reply -- 'You say that I am' -- is enough for them to condemn Him by His own words.
63 The men guarding Jesus started making fun of him and hitting him. And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
64 They covered his eyes, punched him in the face, and taunted him: "If you are a prophet, tell us who hit you!" And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
65 They hurled all kinds of horrible insults at him. And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.
66 At daybreak, the council of elders assembled -- both chief priests and religion teachers. They had Jesus brought before them. 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,
67 They demanded, "If you are the Messiah, say so." Jesus replied, "If I tell you, you will refuse to believe me." Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
68 "And if I ask you a question, you will refuse to answer." And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
69 "But from this point forward, the Son of Man will be seated in the position of power at God's right hand." Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
70 They all shouted, "So you are claiming to be the Son of God?" He answered, "You are the ones saying it." Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
71 They said, "Why do we need any more witnesses? We just heard him say it with his own mouth!" And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.