Notes on Luke 22:32-53

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).

Luke 22:38

Those crucified often had the charges against them nailed to the cross above their heads. It was a great irony that they accused Jesus of being a king and then mocked him for it (vv. 36-37). Ironically, as the promised Christ, Jesus was the true King of the Jews (see note on 2:11). They were unwittingly speaking the truth.

Luke 22:39-53

Jesus' Test and Prayer in Gethsemane. Jesus prayerfully struggled to prepare himself to bear the sins of the world. His resolve to do God's will is an example and stands in contrast to his disciples who struggled to watch and pray.

Luke 22:39

Jesus and his disciple left the upper room (vv. 7-13) and went to the place Jesus spent his evenings that week (21:37). The other Gospels give us more details and tell us that Jesus went to a specific place called Gethsemane (Matt 26:36).

Luke 22:40

Jesus often instructed his disciples to pray about temptation. He never promised temptation would not come. Instead, he taught them to pray for divine help to overcome temptation and not fall into sin (vv. 31-32; 11:4; 21:36). Jesus exemplified his own instructions (vv. 41-44).

Luke 22:41

The custom for Jews in that day would have been to pray standing. Eventually, Jesus went from kneeling to lying face down on the ground (Matt. 26:38-39). Jesus' posture in prayer showed the weight of his burden.

Luke 22:42

cup. An Old Testament picture of divine wrath (Is. 51:17) and, more prominently, God's wrath (Isa. 51:17; Jer. 25:15). The agony of his experience is beyond our comprehension because we are sinful people and he was not. As the holy, divine Son of God, he understood better the horror and shame of sin. Thus, Jesus was not merely afraid of death. He recoiled at the thought of being the sin-bearer (see note on v. 37; Heb. 12:2). On the cross, he would satisfy God's wrath against sin (see note on Rom. 3:25). not my will. Jesus was not opposed to God's will. He would not consider the cup's removal unless the Father willed in. And because it was the will of the Father for him, he did drink fully the cup of wrath (John 18:11). See HC 124.

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