Greatness & the Garden (Luke 22:21-46)
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An Honest Assessment and Greatness Granted (verses 21-30)
As the disciples begin to consider who among them is the one betraying Jesus (each one honestly considering whether he might be the betrayer himself), their minds are quickly taken up with the consideration of who among them is the greatest. In other words, at the depth of Christ’s humiliation, the disciples are arguing about their own greatness. We see similar discussions taking place all throughout the Gospel accounts (Luke 9:46; Mark 9:33-34; 10:37; Matthew 20:21). However, Jesus makes clear that their understanding of greatness is far too worldly. The Gentile version of government, domination from the top, is to be rejected. Instead, the Servant-King model that had been practiced right before their eyes in the life of Jesus was the way of greatness (Philippians 2:3ff). Christian greatness is a humble readiness to do any good work cheerfully and willingly, no matter how seemingly menial the task. Jesus makes this point crystal clear by offering Himself as the perfect example.
– In what ways do we see this pattern of humility at different stages in the person of Christ?
– What are opportunities that you have today and this week to model this pattern of service and humility in your own life? Take a few moments to think of several practical and specific ways that you can serve others.
Peter, Permission, Prayer (verses 31-34)
Upon hearing Jesus’ words regarding Peter’s betrayal, rather than believing Christ and asking for strength and help, Peter decides instead that he knows better than Jesus and that he was sufficiently prepared already. However, even though Peter would deny His Savior, Jesus assures him that he will not be lost ultimately. Until Christ’s disciples enter finally into His Kingdom, they will be vulnerable to Satan’s attacks, they will suffer, and they will experience temporary defeats, but the lifeline of their faith in the Savior will be maintained by the intercessions of that same Savior in whom they trust. Jesus was praying for Peter and there was no question as to whether or not Peter would “turn again” and strengthen his brothers. Not only was Jesus praying for Peter, but He continues to pray for all who believe in Him (Hebrews 7:25).
– With relentless enemies and such weak hearts, it seems sometimes an impossibility to reach heaven. What comfort do these verses offer us? What about Christ’s person makes that comfort even more certain?
Fulfillment and the Future (verses 35-38)
Jesus knows that ministry in the near future for the disciples is not going to be easy, and they must make necessary preparations. Verse 51 of this same chapter verifies that Jesus is not speaking literally about a sword, but he is using “sword” metaphorically to symbolize the conflict and danger that lay before them as Christians in a hostile world (2 Corinthians 10:4, Ephesians 6:12).
The Garden of Gethsemane (verses 39-46)
In the garden, all the forces of hell united to prevent the will of God from being accomplished. The solution Jesus offers to counteract this attempt is simply, “Pray” (verse 40). He was convinced that prayer was the key to securing an irreversible victory in the battle that lay before Him. The Messiah-King must establish the rightful Kingdom by perfect obedience to the established will of God (Romans 5:19). In honest sincerity, Christ prayed that the cup might be removed. He makes no pretense that the task would be easy, nor the cup sweet, and unlike Peter (verse 33), there was no superficial enthusiasm with regard to what devotion would look like.
Nonetheless, for all the desire that Jesus had to not take the cup, He desired and was devoted even more deeply to doing His Father’s will. As Jesus considered the cup that He was to drink, the bitter brew of God’s righteous and awful judgment, his sweat poured out as profusely as if it were blood flowing from an open wound. Along with the dread of actual physical suffering, there was the greater reality of being utterly forsaken by His Father. And yet, in the midst of the most intense agony imaginable, Jesus was concerned for His disciples, ensuring that they were remaining prayerful that they might not enter into temptation.
– Matthew records Jesus’ words in the garden, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death.” Take a few moments to consider what the following Scripture references reveal about Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane: Psalm 18:4-5; 22:14-15; 55:4-5; 69:1-3.
– In what sense was your sin causing Him to undergo such agony? What comfort can the Christian draw even from such a horrible picture as that which is painted in these verses? What all do these verses reveal about the character of Christ?