Notes on Luke 22:26-38

Luke 22:26-27

Christians must understand greatness differently than the Gentiles (v. 25). In Christ's kingdom true greatness doesn't come in recognition and privilege. It is found in humility, not power. That humility leads to service for others (v. 27). youngest. Culturally, the youngest would have been seen as the one with the least amount of greatness. serves. The one who sits down and is served is often considered greater than the one doing the serving. one who serves. Jesus modeled true greatness for his disciples. He was humble and served his followers (John 13:1-20; Phil. 2:3-8).

Luke 22:28

Jesus began and ended his ministry under significant Satanic attack (4:13; 22:3). The disciples had remained with him during these years of testing.

Luke 22:29-30

Jesus' call to discipleship included sharing God's kingdom in fellowship with his followers (13:29; 14:15; Matt. 25:34). It also meant the twelve apostles would have a special place of authority (see Acts 1:26). kingdom. See note on 4:43.

Luke 22:31-32

See WCF 14.3; WLC 195.

Luke 22:31

Simon, Simon. See note on 10:41-42. Satan. See note on 4:2. asked. Though Satan rages against God, he is still a created being under God's sovereign authority. He can do nothing without permission (see Job 1:8-12; 2:3-6). you. Plural word, which indicates all of the apostles were addressed. Yet, Simon Peter is singled out. Perhaps he was especially targeted by Satan as the first among equals (see Matt. 16:18; Acts 1:15; 2:14). If his faith was shaken, it would be easier for the others to fall.

Luke 22:32

Jesus interceded for Peter, ensuring his failure would only be temporary. Jesus fulfilled the role of priest who interceded for the people of Israel (Lev. 6:1-7; Joel 2:17; Heb. 9:24; 1 John 2:2). See WCF 11.5; 17.2; 18.4; WLC 79.

Luke 22:34

Peter insisted on his faithfulness. Yet, he would run away from danger (v. 54; Mark 14:50) and deny even knowing Jesus (vv. 55-62).

Luke 22:35

Jesus shifted the topic of discussion. He reminded them of his previous instructions for the disciples' mission (9:1-6; 10:1-12).

Luke 22:36

In their previous mission, Jesus' followers travelled around Israel. They were supported by the generosity of God's people and had no need to take provisions (see notes on 9:1-6; 10:1-12). But now their mission would change after Jesus' death and resurrection. They would go beyond Israel to the nations, preaching the gospel. This would involve difficulty and the need for provisions to support themselves among pagan Gentiles and protection against wild animals and highwaymen. Jesus prepared them for what was to come.

Luke 22:37

Jesus knew his death was in fulfillment of God's plan. He quoted Isa. 53:13 which he fulfilled on the cross. lawless. Jesus was blameless and without sin (23:20-24; 39-43; Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 2:22). Yet, in death he would be considered to be a blasphemer by the Jews (vv. 66-71; John 10:33), a criminal by the Romans (23:32-33), and a sinner by God (Isa. 53:4-6; Matt. 27:26). God knew Jesus was righteous. Yet, it was his will to send him as a substitute for his people. He was considered to be a sinner in their place, taking God's judgment for their sin (2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 3:5).

Luke 22:38

The issue of taking swords has confused many. The point isn't that Jesus expected his disciples to engage in a holy war (vv. 49-51; John 18:36). He could only be indicating that there would be dangers in their future (see note on v. 36).

Related Resources

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