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Luke 22 Explained — The Last Supper And Gethsemane

Bread is broken and the cup is given, then Jesus prays in agony while Judas arrives with a kiss. This turning point matters because the new covenant is spoken as enemies close in, and Peter's fall shows the strain of the hour.

Summary

Luke 22:1–6 – Plot to Betray Jesus

What happens:
The Festival of Unleavened Bread approaches, and the chief priests and scribes seek a way to kill Jesus, but they fear the crowd. Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, agrees to betray Jesus in exchange for money and begins looking for an opportunity.

What it means:
Even as God’s redemptive plan unfolds, human treachery conspires against it. Judas’s betrayal highlights the tragic cost of greed and the depth of sin within close fellowship.

Luke 22:7–13 – Preparation of the Passover

What happens:
Jesus sends Peter and John into Jerusalem to make preparations for the Passover meal. They find a man carrying a jar of water who leads them to a furnished upper room. They prepare the Passover as Jesus directed.

What it means:
Jesus exercises divine foreknowledge and sovereignty, orchestrating every detail for the institution of the new covenant. Obedient disciples find provision when they follow his guidance.

Luke 22:14–20 – The Last Supper

What happens:
At the appointed hour, Jesus reclines with the Twelve. He takes bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and says it is his body given for them. He takes the cup, saying it is the new covenant in his blood, poured out for many. They sing a hymn and go out to the Mount of Olives.

What it means:
Jesus transforms the Passover into the sacrament of communion. His body and blood signify the sacrifice that seals the covenant of grace, inviting believers to remember his death until he returns.

Luke 22:21–23 – Prediction of Betrayal

What happens:
Jesus reveals that the hand of the one who will betray him is with him at the table. The disciples ask who it is, and Jesus indicates that it is the one who dips bread into the bowl with him. They question among themselves and identify Judas as the betrayer.

What it means:
Betrayal arises not from strangers but from within the circle of trust. Jesus’ awareness of human hearts underscores his sovereign control, even over evil intentions.

Luke 22:24–30 – Question of Greatness and Promise of Kingdom

What happens:
A dispute arises among the disciples about who is considered the greatest. Jesus tells them that the greatest must be like the youngest and serve others. He promises that those who have remained faithful will eat and drink at his table in his kingdom and will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

What it means:
True leadership in God’s kingdom is marked by humility and service. Jesus assures his followers that sacrificial faithfulness will be honored in the age to come.

Luke 22:31–34 – Peter’s Denial Predicted

What happens:
Jesus tells Simon Peter that Satan has asked to sift all the disciples like wheat. He instructs Peter to strengthen his brothers. Peter insists he is ready to follow Jesus even to prison or death, but Jesus predicts that Peter will deny him three times before the rooster crows.

What it means:
Spiritual warfare targets even the most devoted. Jesus warns Peter of his vulnerability, offering him a role in restoration despite future failure.

Luke 22:35–38 – Instruction for Mission

What happens:
Jesus reminds the disciples of their previous lack of resources and how God provided. He tells them to carry a money bag, a traveler’s bag, and a sword. They say they have two swords, and Jesus replies, “That is enough.”

What it means:
Jesus prepares his followers for the times ahead—both for practical provision and for the stark realities of opposition. The reference to swords underscores the coming conflict, though his “enough” hints at reliance on him rather than weapons.

Luke 22:39–46 – Prayer on the Mount of Olives

What happens:
Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives to pray, instructing the disciples to stay alert. He prays that, if possible, the hour of suffering might pass from him, yet submits to the Father’s will. An angel appears to strengthen him. He returns to find the disciples sleeping and urges them to pray so they will not fall into temptation.

What it means:
Jesus models earnest, surrendered prayer in the face of agony. His reliance on communion with the Father provides strength, and he warns that spiritual vigilance is essential under trial.

Luke 22:47–53 – Arrest of Jesus

What happens:
While Jesus is still speaking, a crowd led by Judas arrives. Judas signals Jesus with a kiss, and the mob seizes him. One disciple cuts off the right ear of the high priest’s servant, but Jesus heals the ear and rebukes the violent resistance, saying this is your hour when darkness reigns.

What it means:
Even in betrayal and violence, Jesus shows compassion by healing. His statement about darkness marks the climax of humanity’s rebellion, yet his mercy shines through in suffering.

Luke 22:54–62 – Peter’s Denial

What happens:
Jesus is led away to the high priest’s house. Peter follows at a distance and, when accused three times of being with Jesus, denies him each time. Immediately a rooster crows, and Peter remembers Jesus’ prediction and weeps bitterly.

What it means:
Fear can lead to painful failure, even among the closest followers. Peter’s remorse points to the depth of repentance and the hope of restoration through grace.

Luke 22:63–65 – Mocking and Beating

What happens:
The men guarding Jesus mock him by blindfolding him, striking him, and demanding he prophesy. They taunt him with accusations, treating him as a common criminal.

What it means:
Jesus endures humiliation and injustice in solidarity with human suffering. His silent endurance fulfills prophecy and demonstrates his willingness to bear shame for the sake of redemption.

Luke 22:66–71 – Before the Council

What happens:
At daybreak, the council of elders, scribes, and chief priests assemble and question Jesus about his identity as the Christ. He affirms that he is the Son of Man, who will be seated at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven. They condemn him as blasphemous and send him to Pilate.

What it means:
Jesus openly declares his divine identity and future authority. The religious leaders’ verdict reflects their rejection of God’s revelation and sets in motion the path to crucifixion.

Application

  • Guard against betrayal by examining the motives of your heart and pursuing integrity
  • Follow Jesus’ guidance faithfully, trusting his provision when you obey his instructions
  • Embrace communion with Christ—through the Lord’s Supper and prayer—as central to your life
  • Cultivate humility and service as marks of true greatness in God’s kingdom
  • Rely on vigilant prayer to withstand spiritual trials and strengthen others in faith
  • Extend compassion even in the face of injustice, modeling Jesus’ love under suffering
  • Allow remorse over failure to lead you back to restoration and deeper dependence on God

Bible

1Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.

2And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

3Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

4And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

5And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

6And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

7Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.

8And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.

9And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?

10And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.

11And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

12And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

13And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

14And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.

15And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:

16For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

17And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:

18For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

19And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

20Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

21But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.

22And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!

23And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

24And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

25And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

26But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

27For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.

29And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

30That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

31And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

33And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

34And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

35And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

36Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

37For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

38And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

39And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

40And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

41And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

42Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

43And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

44And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

45And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

46And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

47And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

48But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

49When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

50And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

51And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

52Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

53When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

54Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.

55And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

56But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.

57And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.

58And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.

59And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.

60And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

61And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

62And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

63And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.

64And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?

65And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.

66And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,

67Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:

68And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.

69Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.

70Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.

71And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.

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