Notes on Luke 21:35-24:53

Luke 21:35

Jesus' return will not be revealed in secret or to a select few only. All will see him (Rev. 1:7).

Luke 21:36

In order to keep watch over themselves, believers should be alert and faithfully keep praying for strength from God (Rom. 12:12; Eph. 6:18; 1 Thess. 1:2; 2:13; 5:17; 1 Pet. 4:7). Son of Man. Jesus as the divine king over all things (see note on 5:22-24).

Luke 21:37-38

Luke revealed Jesus' heart in these final verses. Despite controversy and opposition by Israel's leaders, Jesus loved the people. He showed that love by continually teaching them God's word (19:47; 21:37; 22:53; see 4:4).

The Final Days of Jesus' Ministry in Jerusalem - Luke 22:1-24:53

The high point of Jesus' ministry was his sacrificial death on the cross (23:44-49), his triumphant resurrection (24:1-12), and ascension as Lord (24:50-53).

Jesus' Arrest, Trial, and Crucifixion - Luke 22:1–23:56

Luke helped his readers feel the tension of Jesus' approaching death. The long desired plans of the Jewish leaders to stop Jesus were being fulfilled. This tragically happened as one of Jesus' own disciples betrayed him. Yet, this was the fulfillment of God's plan as well.

Luke 22:1

Festival of Unleavened Bread. Annual Jewish festival that followed Passover, beginning on fifteenth day of the first month and lasted a week (see Exod. 12:16-19; Lev. 23:4-8; Acts 12:3). Passover. See note on 2:41-42. Since the Passover immediately followed the Festival of Unleavened Bread, both ceremonies were described as the Passover.

Luke 22:2

See notes on Luke 19:47-48. chief priests. See note on 19:47. scribes. See note on 5:17.

Luke 22:3-4

Satan. See note on 4:2. Part of Jesus' ministry was an attack on Satan's domain (11:20-22; Col. 1:13-14). Now, Satan actively attacks. He found the opportunity he wanted (4:13). Judas. Was not a believer who fell away (1 John 2:19). Judas never believed, and his lack of faith invited Satan's involvement (see John 6:64, 70). Judas was not forced to betray Jesus. He made a choice to give into Satan's design and was held responsible for his actions along with the Jewish leader (v. 4-6, 22; Mark 14:21; John 13:2, 27; Acts 2:23). He also felt the weight of his own guilt (Matt. 27:3-5). twelve. See note on 6:13.

Luke 22:4

chief priests. See note on 19:47. captains. Likely those in charge of the temple guards who would arrest Jesus (vv. 52-54). betray. The Bible never tells us why Judas betrayed Jesus. It only says that he went to the Jewish leaders planning to betray him (Mark 14:10).

Luke 22:5-6

Judas delighted the leaders because they had been looking for an opportunity to kill Jesus (v. 2). He was a lover of money and accepted it for handing over Jesus (John 12:6; see 1 Tim. 6:10). Despite their wicked planning, Jesus' death was part of God's plan to save his people (v. 22; Acts 2:23).

Luke 22:6-7

Because Jesus was from Galilee (v. 5), he could put him off on someone else. Pilate was more worried about maintaining political stability than freeing an innocent man. Herod. See notes on 3:1; 13:32.

Luke 22:7-38

Celebrating and Reinterpreting Passover in the Upper Room. Jesus spent his final hours with his disciples preparing them for his impending death. Their time and his teaching were centered around a Passover meal. Jesus used this to speak about his own death as a saving sacrifice.

Related Resources

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.