Luke Chapter 22

Luke 22 —

“The Covenant Given, the Son Tested, and the Faithfulness That Redeems Weakness”

Luke 21 called disciples to watchful endurance.
Luke 22 brings that vigilance into lived crisis. Betrayal emerges from within, the covenant is established through self-gift, prayer reveals the weight of obedience, and human loyalty falters under pressure. Yet through all of this, Christ moves deliberately toward redemption.

This chapter teaches one central truth:

Christ establishes the new covenant through sacrificial obedience, remains faithful amid betrayal and weakness, and transforms failure into the ground for restoration.

1. The Plot and Betrayal: Darkness Organised

“Satan entered into Judas…” (Lk 22:3)

Religious leaders seek opportunity; Judas provides access.

St Augustine writes:

“Evil advances where the heart yields to division.”
(Sermons)

Betrayal arises from proximity without surrender.

Typology

Judas represents divided allegiance.

Darkness exploits familiarity with holiness.

2. Preparing the Passover: Providence in Detail

“A man carrying a jar…” (22:10)

Jesus directs preparations precisely.

St Gregory the Great teaches:

“Divine purpose orders even hidden arrangements.”
(Homilies)

The Passover setting frames covenant transformation.

Typology

Old covenant deliverance prepares for new covenant redemption.

3. The Last Supper: Covenant Through Self-Gift

“This is my body… this cup…” (22:19–20)

Jesus interprets bread and wine as sacrificial self-offering.

St Ambrose writes:

“He gives what He will offer.”
(On the Mysteries)

Remembrance becomes participation.

Typology

Passover lamb → Christ’s sacrifice.

Liberation from Egypt → liberation from sin.

Communion unites believers to redemption.

4. Betrayal Foretold: Knowledge Without Prevention

“The hand… is with me…” (22:21)

Jesus names betrayal without retaliation.

St Augustine teaches:

“Foreknowledge does not cancel human responsibility.”
(Sermons)

5. Greatness Redefined: Authority Through Service

“The greatest… becomes as the youngest…” (22:26)

Disciples dispute status amid solemn moment.

St Gregory the Great writes:

“True authority bends downward.”
(Homilies)

Christ models servant kingship.

Typology

Kingdom leadership mirrors sacrificial humility.

6. Promise to the Faithful: Participation in the Kingdom

“You will sit on thrones…” (22:30)

Endurance shares in future glory.

St Ambrose teaches:

“Perseverance receives covenant reward.”
(On the Gospel of Luke)

7. Peter Warned: Fragility and Restoration

“I have prayed for you…” (22:32)

Jesus predicts denial yet promises strengthening.

St Augustine writes:

“Grace anticipates failure with restoration.”
(Sermons)

Typology

Peter embodies human weakness sustained by divine intercession.

8. Preparation for Conflict: Sobriety of Mission

“Let the one who has no sword…” (22:36)

Symbolic readiness for coming trial.

St Gregory the Great teaches:

“Disciples must awaken to spiritual seriousness.”
(Homilies)

9. Gethsemane: Obedience Under Agony

“Not my will…” (22:42)

Christ wrestles in prayer.

St Ambrose writes:

“He reveals the cost of surrender.”
(On the Gospel of Luke)

An angel strengthens Him.

Typology

Gethsemane reverses Eden:

Adam resists God’s will.
Christ embraces it.

10. Arrest and Healing: Mercy Amid Betrayal

Judas approaches with a kiss.

A servant is wounded; Jesus heals.

St Augustine teaches:

“Mercy continues even while injustice advances.”
(Sermons)

Typology

Healing amid arrest reveals unbroken compassion.

11. Peter’s Denial: Fear and Awakening

“I do not know him…” (22:57)

The rooster crows; Jesus’ gaze meets Peter.

St Gregory the Great writes:

“Remorse begins where pride collapses.”
(Homilies)

Tears signal repentance.

12. Mockery and Trial: Truth Misjudged

Jesus endures ridicule and interrogation.

“If I tell you…”

St Ambrose teaches:

“Truth stands firm when rejected.”
(On the Gospel of Luke)

Typology

The innocent judged prepares the way for redemption.

The Meaning of Luke 22

This chapter teaches:

• betrayal arises from divided hearts
• covenant is established through sacrifice
• authority is service
• grace anticipates weakness
• obedience requires surrender
• mercy persists amid injustice
• repentance follows failure
• truth endures rejection

It proclaims:

Christ’s faithful obedience transforms human betrayal into the pathway of redemption.

Christ Revealed in Luke 22

Jesus is:

• covenant giver
• servant King
• intercessor for the weak
• obedient Son
• merciful healer
• silent sufferer
• redeemer amid betrayal

Spiritual Application

Guard against divided loyalty.

Receive covenant grace.

Serve humbly.

Trust Christ’s intercession.

Pray through trial.

Respond to failure with repentance.

Practise mercy under pressure.

Stand with truth.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
giver of the covenant and obedient Son,
You remain faithful
when human strength fails.

Teach us humility and surrender.
Strengthen us in temptation.
Restore us when we fall.

Let Your mercy shape our lives
until we share fully
in the redemption You secured
for ever and ever.

Amen.