Study 50. Luke 22:1-6

 Satan moved Judas to betray Jesus (22:3). Does that relieve Judas of responsibility for the betrayal? Why or why not? (Mt 27:3-5, Lk 22:22, Ac 5:1-6, 1 Pet 5:8-9)

 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” (Lk 22:22)

 

God, from all eternity, did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely, and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass: yet so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures; nor is the liberty or contingency ("a future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty") of second causes taken away, but rather established. (WCF 3.1)

 

= God works His will through agents who are held to be morally responsible. e.g. Gen 50:20; Ac 2:23, 4:27-28

 

Luke refers to the enormity of the betrayal only by saying that he was of the number of the twelve. Judas took the initiative and sought out the hostile party. (Morris)  

 

One motive was greed (Matt. 26:14f., which follows directly the story of the anointing with its ‘waste’, John 12:6). Jesus' enemies were glad at this defection. They agreed on the price (given only in Matt. 26:15).

 

 

7. What meaning did Jesus give to the shared bread (22:19)? What does it mean when Jesus said "This is my body"?

Jesus’ body was physically present at the time, so it could not have been a literal statement. 

 

It must be used in some such sense as ‘represents’, ‘signifies’, or, perhaps, ‘conveys’ (cf. Moffatt, ‘This means …’). The addition, 'which is given for you', looks forward to Calvary It speaks of Jesus’ death for his people (Morris)

 

 

8. Explain the meaning of the second shared cup (22:20).

Only Luke mentions 2 cups. The Passover meal involved 4 cups.

 The cup was evidently not taken immediately, but some little time later, after supper. The pouring out points us to the death on the cross where a new covenant would be inaugurated. Israel was in covenant relationship with God, but now there would be a new covenant brought about by Christ’s blood (Morris)

The hour is the time for their Passover meal. It is not clear whether Jesus is saying that he has desired to eat the Passover and is eating it, or that despite his desire he will not eat until its fulfilment in God’s kingdom. The reference to 'fulfilment' in the kingdom of God indicates that the Passover pointed to something greater.  It commemorated a deliverance but pointed forward to a greater deliverance, which would be seen in the kingdom of God

 

Judas had disguised his inner thoughts well, for the other disciples did not suspect him. They probably thought they would betray Jesus inadvertently (22:23)

 

9. What was the disciples' dispute about (22:24)?

 Their thoughts were very far from Jesus'. They were squabbling about primacy of place at a time when their Master was contemplating the greatest act of self-sacrifice ever.

 

 

10. How did behaviour typical of unbelievers differ from what Jesus expected of His disciples (22:25-26)?

"And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them" Position is sought after because it gives authority and power over others.

 

"...and those in authority over them are called benefactors". Worldly leadership likes to get credit and praise. We want recognition. A

 

11. What reasons did Jesus give for this expected behaviour of his disciples?
 

22:27  "I am among you as the one who serves". Jesus set the example of perfect servant leadership

 

22:28-30  "and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, ³⁰ that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus promises fellowship, glory and authority in eternity.

Why do Christians find it hard to act as the youngest or as servants? (22:25-26). How can we overcome these obstacles?

. In the ancient world it was accepted that age gave privileges; the youngest was, by definition, the lowliest. In the same spirit the leader must be as one who serves even though people naturally esteem the diner as higher than the waiter.  Jesus is not saying that if his followers wish to rise to great heights in the church they must first prove themselves in a lowly place. He is saying that faithful service in a lowly place is itself true greatness (Morris)