The were afraid of the people

Luke Chapter 22

LUKE 22:1-71

22:1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching. 2 The chief priests and the scribes were seeking how they might put Him to death; for they were afraid of the people.

3 And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve. 4 And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. 5 They were glad and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented, and began seeking a good opportunity to betray Him to them apart from the crowd.

7 Then came the first day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 And Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, so that we may eat it.” 9 They said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare it?” 10 And He said to them, “When you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house that he enters. 11 “And you shall say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’” 12 “And he will show you a large, furnished upper room; prepare it there.” 13 And they left and found everything just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.

14 When the hour had come, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. 15 And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; 18 for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 20 And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood. 21 “But behold, the hand of the one betraying Me is with Mine on the table. 22 “For indeed, the Son of Man is going as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!” 23 And they began to discuss among themselves which one of them it might be who was going to do this thing.

24 And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. 25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ 26 “But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. 27 “For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

28 “You are those who have stood by Me in My trials; 29 and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” 34 And He said, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.”

47 While He was still speaking, behold, a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him. 48 But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 When those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered and said, “Stop! No more of this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a robber? 53 “While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but this hour and the power of darkness are yours.”

54 Having arrested Him, they led Him away and brought Him to the house of the high priest; but Peter was following at a distance. 55 After they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter was sitting among them. 56 And a servant-girl, seeing him as he sat in the firelight and looking intently at him, said, “This man was with Him too.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.” 58 A little later, another saw him and said, “You are one of them too!” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 59 After about an hour had passed, another man began to insist, saying, “Certainly this man also was with Him, for he is a Galilean too.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.

63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking Him and beating Him, 64 and they blindfolded Him and were asking Him, saying, “Prophesy, who is the one who hit You?” 65 And they were saying many other things against Him, blaspheming.

66 When it was day, the *Council of elders of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and they led Him away to their council chamber, saying, 67 “If You are the Christ, tell us.” But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe; 68 and if I ask a question, you will not answer. 69 “But from now on THE SON OF MAN WILL BE SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND of the power OF GOD.” 70 And they all said, “Are You the Son of God, then?” And He said to them, “Yes, I am.” 71 Then they said, “What further need do we have of testimony? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.”

LUKE 22:1-6

For they were afraid of the people

Chapters 22-24, Luke the painter contrasts worldly leadership and Christ’s leadership. Repeatedly, we find the leaders around Jesus were like weathercocks in a hurricane. Unable to find their own values and vision at the core of their leadership, the religious and civic leaders of Christ’s time were constantly driven by appeasement. Either trying to appease their own overseers or the people they oversaw. They constantly looked up and down for direction rather than inward.

The winds that blew them included authority and popularity. The sole wind of Christ was the Holy Spirit. While the local leaders of the time sought to rule over people and gain power through authority and coercion, Jesus sought to lift up people and set them free with humility and service.

Is my leadership based on seeking promotion and popularity or vision and values? Contrast these four “drivers” of leaders and the results to which they will lead.

Satan entered into Judas

Let’s look closer at the word Luke uses here for Satan.

· [G4567 Santanas] the Evil One

· [H7854 Satan] means the superhuman adversary of God, the accuser, the adversary, the devil.

Luke and Jesus always speak of Satan as an entity — not a concept — a being that seeks to steal lives from God. The “ways” of Satan could not be more different than the way of Jesus. Jesus uses humility, invitation and relationship to liberate followers to an empowering relationship with God. Satan uses manipulation, coercion and denigration to make us feel unworthy of God’s love. His favorite phrase to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God… [Luke 4:3, 9].”

He wants us to doubt God’s unconditional love.

For us we might hear Satan’s influence in the question, “If you are truly loved by God…”

When we doubt that amazing love, be suspicious of Satan’s manipulation lingering somewhere in the background. Anyone who hints our dignity (approval) is conditional is manipulative. We need to spend more time teaching our young people — and adults — the fundamental differences between manipulation and love. We have manipulative systems surrounding children today, approving of them based upon academics or athletics.

In our school outreaches, we tell young people that manipulation is “performance-based approval.” “I will give you my approval if you do what Iwant.”

However love is unconditional dignity. “I will always seek your dignity, no matter how you behave.” With our littlest children we ask them — prior to making rash decisions — they consider asking, “What is best for you, for me, for everyone I see?”

“What action would bring dignity to the person I’m with, to myself and to other people (or communities) that might be affected, now or in the future?”

LUKE 22:7-13

“When you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water…”

Even though Jesus stated he was the Lord of the Sabbath [Matthew 12:8, Mark 2:28, Luke 6:1, 6:5], we see him continuing to observe it with his disciples.

The Sabbath Law extends to the root of Judaism [Exodus 20:8-11].

Technically, the Jewish people observe the Sabbath (or Shabbat in Hebrew), from sunset to sundown beginning on Friday night to Saturday night. Those who broke the Sabbath law could be punished by death [Numbers 15:32-36].

The early Christians continued to observe the Sabbath [Acts 13:14, 17:1-2, 18:1-4]. However, because Jesus rose on the first day of the week, they began to celebrate, “The Lord’s Day [Acts 1:10, 1 Corinthians 16:2, Revelation 1:10].”

In A.D. 49, at the Jerusalem Council, Church leaders met with Paul, Peter and James and decided it was not necessary for Christians to observe Sabbath laws and other aspects of Jewish tradition [Acts 15:29, Romans 14:5-6, Colossians 2:16]. When Constantine became the first Christian Emperor of Rome he proclaimed Sunday a day of rest ordering all judges, city-people and craftsman to rest (A.D. 321).

The reference to a man carrying a pitcher of water points to some front work on Jesus’ part prior to entering Jerusalem for his last time. In his day (and in many countries today), it was a females job to carry water so when the disciples would see a man carrying water on the Sabbath that person would definitely stand out.

This points to three more leadership traits of Jesus.

1. Fore planning

2. Attention to detail

3. Delegation

Jesus doesn’t leave details to chance; he knows it is going to be both crowded and dangerous during this last Passover trip to Jerusalem. He knows the Religious leaders are already on the lookout for him. So he delegates the task of locating a space for the Passover meal to someone else and has his apostles seek out the man in the market who will lead them to their destination.

There are a six solid statements I’ve heard about delegation I have found very helpful.

1. You can delegate a task, but not a responsibility

2. If you are going to delegate a task, be precise about the end result you seek

3. Once you delegate a task, let the task go but continue to affirm the relationship with the person to whom you’ve delegated — make sure he/she knows you are approachable and welcome any conversations, challenges, problems or questions.

4. Create a climate of reasonable failure. If you are a perfectionist, you won’t make a great delegator and that might undermine your ability to be a great leader. If you want the task done in some manner that only you can do, then do it yourself. However, as long as you continue doing every task yourself, you will undermine others and limit the growth of your ministry or business.

5. Great leaders spend more time empowering people than accomplishing tasks. While mediocre leaders begin the week planning what they need to do, great leaders plan their week by whom they need to motivate.

6. If the person to whom you’ve delegated a task doesn’t fulfill it to your expectations, check with yourself before blaming her/him. “Was I unclear about my expectations? Did I offer rewards that were relevant and desired by the delegate?”

They prepared the Passover

Passover or Pesach (Yiddish) is one of three important pilgrimage festivals for the Jewish people. The others are Pentecost (Shavuot) and Tabernacles (Sukkot). The entire population of Judah was required to go to Jerusalem at this time while all the Samaritans were required to go to Mount Gerazim (in modern day Palestine).

The Passover celebration lasts for seven days in Israel and eight days in the diaspora. It begins with the Seder meal commemorating the liberation of God’s people from Egypt (as told in Exodus). During this time, God sent ten plagues upon Egypt, the worst being the last — the firstborn of all Egyptians were slain by an angel of the Lord. The Israelites were instructed to mark their doors with the blood of a spring lamb and thus the angel of God would know to pass over that house.

Though Jesus (and his Apostles) knew that going to Jerusalem would ultimately end in his arrest and death [John 11:13-16].

He still follows the law giving us — his followers — an understanding that being Lord of the Sabbath was not an excuse Jesus used to flaunt tradition.

Great leaders also understand the importance of tradition in building trust among followers. Something followers can rely on — especially in times of change. I suggest building traditions in the following 5c’s.

1. Communication — opportunities to celebrate challenges and even (especially) failures where followers can see their endeavors won’t be punished or their questions/reticence mocked

2. Creativity — creativity in the marketplace is called innovation and innovation is simply applied creativity. Create a climate of creativity by creating a climate of acceptance, transparency and trust

3. Celebration — publicly celebrate success and failure. There is great potential in public praise and private challenges (I steer away from the word criticism)

4. Collaboration — dispel job silos by helping people cross-train and job share. People grow a better understanding and empathy when they see the work of those around them and especially if they are allowed to see how each piece fits into the whole

5. Courtesy — you can tell the health of any relationship (or organization) by the level of courtesy in that relationship or group. If courtesy is strong, the relationship (entity) is strong when courtesy is weak the relationship is failing. Focusing on building courtesy is one of the simplest things a leader can do to grow trust in their organization.

Jesus realized the time of his sacrifice was upon him, he was now focusing on leaving a structure for ongoing growth with his followers that would survive him. Great leaders do this as well. They ensure traditions that will keep the group operating in their absence. However, Jesus was not rigid in his traditions. The Religious Leaders of his time would have sentenced Jesus to death for breaking the Sabbath by letting his disciples glean grain when they were hungry and healing a cripple on the Sabbath [Matthew 12:10, Mark 3:2, John 9:14-16]. John best records the rigidity of the Pharisees in seeking to kill Jesus for breaking the law of the Sabbath [John 5:16-18].

Jesus was not rigid in his traditions, if it meant healing someone or preventing hunger, he would focus more on that person than the tradition. In our study from Mark 3, we said that it is almost as if Jesus is saying, “Compassion is the Lord of the Sabbath.”

Leaders should see this as an analogy about policies and leadership as well. The more you lead by vision the less your entity has to rely on policy.

LUKE 22:14-23

“I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer…”

There are three words in this passage worth our extra study.

1. Earnestly [G1939 Epithimia], passionately longing, coveting, longing for

2. Desired [G1937 Eipthumeō] from [G1909 Epi] about, around, among, before, together, against and [G2372 Thumos] passion, flaring tempers, fierce, wrath

3. Suffer [G3958 Paschō] to suffer, endure, akin to [G3997 Penthos] mourning

Together these words should give us a sampling of how much Jesus was prepared to suffer on our behalf. He was longing for this meal, but also for the fulfillment of the cup (mission) he had been given to fulfill.

Once again as an example of great leadership, Jesus shows us how great leaders long for their mission to be fulfilled (completed fully) even at the risk of great personal suffering. Most great leaders know (and can articulate) a compelling vision that will engage others to follow. In fact, this is what makes people influential.

1. They can articulate a vision

2. That compels others to pursue it with them

What is the vision for which I would earnestly desire to suffer? This should be the primary emphasis of our education system, helping young people find a vision and either articulate it or support it.

And when He had taken a cup and given thanks

There are two very critical words to the Followers of Christ in this sentence.

1. Given thanks [G2168 Eucharisteō] to be perfectly grateful

2. The cup [G4221 Potērion] could mean a wine cup or symbolically, a task or mission ending in suffering or death

Jesus was perfectly thankful to give his life for us. It is not something he did with resignation or reticence. It was a mission he longed to complete throughout his ministry.

In what areas of my life am I perfectly grateful to completely give myself? Some might say for a spouse, partner or child, Jesus was willing to give himself for all. Here are three aspects of a great vision.

1. A great vision is all encompassing.

2. It is bigger than my personal relationships and reaches further than my own networks.

3. It is not temporal and will rarely be measured within the course of my own life.

This is My body

These four words have caused the opposite of what Christ intended. He longed for this last meal to be an example to generations forever, a new covenant with his people [Luke 22:20]. Instead, in typical human fashion, we have allowed our interpretations of these words to divide theologies between Catholic and Protestant and even further among other denominations.

Catholics believe Jesus meant this was his actual body, the Protestants believe his words were representative (symbolic) of his body.

This is [G3778 Houtos] is the word Luke uses. The word is derived from [G3588 Ho] which was mostly used for “This, those, who, whoever and whom.” Houtos, which Luke uses, can mean “this thing, these things.” This thing is my body. Mark and Luke also add the word Lambanō [G2983] that means, “take and receive, marry, grasp this amazing concept.”

If Luke had used the word Houtōs [G3778] it would have completely changed the meaning. Houtōs means, “in this manner, in this way, similarly.”

Personally, I go with the interpretation, “Accept this and be amazed for this thing has become my body.”

Still, I must be firm that I also believe the intent is far more important than the interpretation. The intent of the meal was to unite believers forever, not divide them. If you have one preference that differs from mine, that doesn’t drive me away. Let’s agree to meet together at the table and celebrate our common unity in the Lord. That was his true intent.

They began to discuss among themselves

Instead of focusing on the amazing words Jesus just shared with them and the suffering that Jesus must have been experiencing. The disciples focus on the peripheral issue. “Who is the criminal?”

How often are we distracted from the amazing by the mundane, the “blame game?”

Instead of attending to the primary issue — Jesus’ sacrifice and sorrow and his upcoming trials. They focus on pointing fingers. We often want a person to point at rather than an issue to resolve. An issue might involve us in the fix. If we can point to a person, it makes it that much easier.

But are we called to “easy” or are we called to “challenging?”

When we look at the problems in our world it is always easiest to say, “They,” or “Someone,” as opposed to “I” or “We.” It is so much easier to say, “Someone should do something.” As opposed to, “I (we) need to make a commitment and take action.”

Leaders focus on “I will” not “They should.”

LUKE 22:24-30

The leader like the servant

Look at how the disciples switch from the pain of Christ to pointing fingers at each other to once again arguing about who is the greatest [G3173 Megas]. The last time they argued about this, Jesus picked a child from the crowd and said, “Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great [Luke 9:48].”

In a culture that pays screen stars and sport figures a hundred plus times more than we pay our teachers, I think we would measure poorly on Christ’s greatness scale. Let’s examine closer some of the words Jesus uses.

· Lord it over them [G2961 Kurieuō] to be master over, to rule over

· Youngest [G3501b Neōteros] youngest, newest, younger

· Leader [G2233 Hēgeomai] to lead, chief

· Servant [G1247 Diakoneō] to serve, minister, support, contribute, care serve as a deacon

In John’s version of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus not only tells the disciples to become servants, but he models this attitude by taking off his cloak to wash their feet like a servant [John 13:5-17].

As the youngest disciples, the responsibility of washing the Lord's feet would have fallen to John the Beloved or Andrew (Peter’s younger brother). Ignoring the washing of feet after a journey wasn’t an oversight, it was an insult — as when Simon the Pharisee refused to wash Jesus’ feet when the Lord visited his house [Luke 7:36-39].

If John or Andrew overlooked this obligation, then it fell to every disciple in reverse chronological order. Every one of them neglected their responsibility, perhaps thinking, “If they are not going to do it, I’m not going to do it.”

Twice that night our Lord falls to his knees. Once in prayer for God’s will.

Luke 22:42

Saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”

Then, again in service to his disciples. He finishes the action by saying we are “blessed [G3107 Makarios]” when we have the opportunity to serve each other.

Books have been written and college courses developed about Jesus’ style of leadership. Perhaps the best resource is Servant Leadership, A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness, © Robert K. Greenleaf 1977 Robert K. Greenleaf, Paulist Press.

Do we consider ourselves blessed when we are given the opportunity to serve one another — especially in the most menial manner? It cannot be overstressed how dirty and caked with sweat these disciples’ feet would be after walking miles on the dusty roads of Israel. This was not a ceremonialwashing, this was a habitual task in every household in the Middle East especially during pilgrimages such as these Feast Days.

I am among you as the one who serves

The key word here is among you. Jesus’ credibility as a leader was not his authority (“The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them”), but his consistent presence. He was among them in all situations serving. Two Greek words are used for this one expression.

· [G1722 En] when, where, while, within, earnestly, undisturbed

· [G3319 Mesos] middle, among, between, center, midst, within, in the middle and in the way (journey)

While the root of the word for Pharisee [G6567a Parash] meant “separated.” In Aramaic the word is perishayya and means “separated, separatist.”

What is the basis of our ministry? Are we here to serve among or lord over and become a separate and separating factor in people’s lives?

LUKE 22:31-34

“I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

There are multiple insights in this verse, into Peter and into Satan. First, Satan demands permission, how insolent! Most people ask permission, but Satan thinks he has the right to demand permission from God. Is it really permission if I demand it? That’s like asking permission to borrow a car after you’ve already returned from a trip.

In addition, Jesus knows a couple of things. He knows Satan has asked permission and he knows that Peter will deny him. Yet, he does not ask either Judas or Peter to leave the table. Can we recline and dine with those we know will deny and betray us?

Imagine how embarrassing this would have been for Peter and yet, Peter himself relates the story to Mark — his mentee and biographer [Mark 14:29-31].

Here is a great insight into the Gospel writers; we see exactly how human they are because they don’t try to hide their failures. Think of how many autobiographers might glance over these “difficult parts.” But Peter lays the story out to Mark exactly as it happened and the other synoptic Gospel writers pick up the theme. John alone touches gently on the following interchange between Jesus and Peter, while dealing in more depth about the discussion with Judas and the Lord [John 13:36-38].

Luke also gives us an insight into how Jesus sees our inevitable stumbles in faith. He does it here at his last supper but also in the story of the Prodigal Son. Look at the words, “When once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

· Turned again [G1994 Epistrephō] to return, to turn around, to go back or take back

When Jesus speaks of the Prodigal Son, he uses similar terminology.

Luke 15:17

“But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!

· When he came to [G2064 Erchomai] to come, to go, to arrive, to enter, to have grown, to have turned

· His senses [G1438 Heautou] himself, herself, conscious, his mind, his senses

Peter would have been present when Jesus told this story for the first time. Surrounded by Religious Leaders who had been scoffing at Jesus and the moral of his story. Indeed, the one in the story who is errant is not the little brother who wastes his dad’s hard-earned fortune, but the older brother who refuses to join his family and chooses his self-righteous anger over his brother and father.

Jesus doesn’t define Peter (or us) by our mistakes — and then paint us into a corner by saying, “Peter (You) will always fail me.”

Instead, he looks at our greatest attempts and identifies that as our primary character. Indeed, one of the names of Satan (pointing to his character) is that he identifies our weaknesses and won’t ever let us leave them behind.

Which leader am I? Do I see the character in people and help them live up to it or do I see their faults and constantly remind them of their errors?

LUKE 22:47-53

“This hour and the power of darkness are yours”

John tells us the one who struck the guard with his sword was Peter [John 18:26]. Jesus would have none of that type of power. He began his ministry with peace and would end it in like manner. Instead of using the power of the sword, Jesus continues to choose the power of healing to represent his work.

Which power do I use in my leadership, teaching, ministry and relationships, the power to hurt or the power to heal?

Jesus then goes on to make a very interesting statement, “This hour and the power of darkness are yours.”

· Hour [G5610 Hōra] a time or period, a defining moment, short while, period

· Power [G1849 Exousia] the power to act, authority, to take charge or dominion, jurisdiction or liberty, right

· Darkness [G4655 Skotos] darkness, cessation of light

Darkness is the absence of God, not just the absence of light. Jesus was telling his disciples that for the moment, the power of darkness was allowed to rule — for the moment and only so that God’s will would be fulfilled. The Lamb of God had to be sacrificed, a debt had to be paid for the sin of the world and that debt was the life of God’s only son [Romans 6:23].

The disciple’s were still unable to understand this (the Holy Spirit had not yet descended upon them). Perhaps when Peter acted so brashly, he believed that, with the stroke of his sword, the angels would be called into action and he would eternally be remembered as the “Defense Secretary” of the Lord.

We can’t know about this until the Spirit also reveals it to us. But how many times have I “leapt into action” thinking the Lord needed my defense. This also happened in the Old Testament, when Uzzah thought the Lord needed to be defended [2 Samuel 6:3-11].

Uzzah’s first mistake was to treat God like he was cargo to be hauled around by oxen. His second was to dishonor God by believing he was God’s protector.

How often do I act rashly — judgmentally — on God’s behalf? God doesn’t need my defense. God wants me to go to the needy on his behalf. It didn’t work for Peter, it didn’t work for Uzzah, it won’t work for me? Where was the proper place of a leader? Look at David’s position relevant to Uzzah.

David is out front leading, not in the back protecting and herding. He is actually dancing in his underwear with musical instruments. I’m not suggesting leaders should cast aside their clothing and dance at board meetings, however the symbolism it quite clear. We need to be out front celebrating the mission not in the rear defending it if we are to be great leaders.

LUKE 22:54-62

But he denied it

Peter fails where most people wouldn’t dare go. He must have been within meters of Jesus for the Lord to hear him and turn to look at him. How terrified Peter must have felt, to be so close to Jesus, observing the brutality of the Roman soldiers and then to be recognized. It was probably the last watch of the morning, perhaps 0400 – 0600. The time it would have been most comfortable to be tucked away in the Upper Room where the disciples met later to console each other. No doubt he was sore afraid. Yet courage is not the absence of fear it is feeling afraid and doing what is right anyway.

We all fail the Lord at some time or other. Here is a prayer worth reciting, “Lord, help me fail closest to you not where it is comfortable and easy.”

The Lord turned and looked at Peter

At this moment, Peter’s heart must have broke. It is not that Jesus wants our hearts to break, but in order for us to follow Jesus completely sometimes our hearts will be broken — if that is what it takes to break our pride. We cannot follow God if we insist on leading him. Throughout Jesus’ life, Peter continually tried to take the lead.

· On the Sea of Galilee, impetuously insisting he could walk on water [Matthew 14:28]

· Scoffing at the Lord when a woman touched him to be healed [Luke 8:45]

· In Galilee insisting Jesus must not go to Jerusalem [Matthew 16:22]

· On the Mount of Transfiguration (some say it was Mount Tabor while others disagree), when Peter insisted they build an altar at the top and not go back down (becoming a third religion in the area centered on a Mountain) [Matthew 17:4, Mark 9:5, Luke 9:33]

· Asking Jesus how many times he had to forgive his fellow apostles [Matthew 18:21]

· Refusing to let Jesus wash his feet [John 13:6-8]

· At the Lord’s last supper when Peter said he would never deny Jesus [Matthew 26:33-35, Mark 14:29-31, Luke 22:34]

· On the Mount of Olives when he was unable to stay awake to pray with Jesus [Matthew 26:40, Mark 14:37]

· Striking off the soldiers ear in the Olive Garden [John 18:10-11]

Then, after Jesus’ resurrection

· Huddled in the Upper Room with the other Apostles and doubting the women when Jesus had revealed himself to them [Mark 16:7-14, Luke 24:10-12, John 20:2-3]

· Failing to ask forgiveness from Jesus after his denial (the Lord prompted his eventual redemption) [John 21:15-17]

· Turning the subject from his need for repentance and trying to put the focus on John instead [John 20-23]

· When he refused to eat from the bounty of the Lord in his dream about Gentiles [Acts 10:13-14]

· And yet again when he refuses to stand alongside Paul against the Jewish traditionalists seeking that Christianity become an extension of Judaism [Galatians 2:8-14]

Remember these stories come from Peter’s own mouth, professing his own weaknesses and not seeking to cover up his reliance on the Lord for any good that he had done. Of course, we also remember the incredible work of Peter after the resurrection, confronting the elders of Judaism (even the high priest) when he was brought to trial [Acts 5:29]. Later Peter would be found healing the sick [Acts 3:1-6, 9:34], preaching to the masses, brazenly eating with the Gentiles [Acts 2:38 4:8, 10:18-48], standing up to the Jewish leadership of the early church [Acts 11:2-4] and even raising a young woman from the dead [Acts 9:40].

The shaping of Peter is truly an incredible story about leadership and Jesus’ belief in this very common man — even when Peter lost confidence in his own abilities. It should be noted that Jesus didn’t so much call most of the disciples as welcome the two youngest (John and Andrew), who ran ahead inviting family and friends to meet the Lord. Jesus took very common people and turned them into extraordinary leaders.

LUKE 22:63-71

They were saying many other things against Him, blaspheming

One test of a person’s true character is how they treat someone they have defeated or lead (or someone in the service industry who is waiting on them — keep in mind that one of the meanings of the term used for disciple is “waiting” as in waiting on tables — when we wait upon the Lord, we are literally to serve others until God gives us direction).

These people thought they had defeated Jesus, but still they were relentless. Nothing shows their true character more than this evil treatment.

We’ve studied the word for Blasphemy before [G987 Blasphēmeō], to slander, make light or profane a sacred thing.

It is not just to use the Lord’s name in vein, but also to speak in the Lord’s name but not live out the Lord’s character. In Christ’s day, the king’s messengers who were sent to villages carried a scepter (a sign) that said they spoke on behalf of the king. If they carried the scepter but used it to further themselves or not speak as told, they could be punished by death.

When we speak on behalf of Christ but don’t share his message, we are blaspheming.

This is what it means to use the Lord’s name in vain (or in vanity). It is not just swearing — although that isn’t right either — It is to use God’s name to promote ourselves or to let God’s word come to naught in the world.

Indeed we all can be cited for blasphemy when we don’t help others reach their full potential or we give up on our own giftedness.

“If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I ask a question, you will not answer…”

This is what we might call a “contrary spirit,” it wouldn’t matter how Jesus defended himself, these people had already decided his fate — and apparently didn’t invite anyone to the trial that would oppose them.

Do I invite opposition and give opportunity for communication to those who might have a differing opinion than mine? Perhaps they just see through my blind spots. Great leaders create an atmosphere that allows for multiple opinions — not just their viewpoint of the world.

“Are You the Son of God, then?” And He said to them, “Yes, I am.”

Finally the leaders cut to the chase, perhaps they were tiring like a cat with a mouse in paw or an orca with a seal before the final kill.

Keep in mind that this is probably Luke’s testimony to a Roman Judge in defense of Paul, so he had to have three witnesses to every story and statement. Anything less and it wouldn’t be permissible.

Peter had already fled so the witnesses might have been the women and John who followed Jesus to the cross. It might also be that by this time Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea had caught up with the proceedings after being initially not invited. We do not know, but these are a few conjectures I would throw out as possibilities.

“What further need do we have of testimony?”

Now the religious leaders had all they needed to kill Jesus for Blasphemy.

There were multiple accusations of Jesus by the religious leaders.

1. Dining with and being a friend to sinners [Matthew 9:11, Matthew 11:19, Mark 2:16, Luke 5:30, Luke 7:34, Luke 15:1-2, Romans 5:8]

2. Healing on the Sabbath [Matthew 12:2, Matthew 12:10, Mark 2:24, Mark 3:2, Luke 6:2, Luke 6:6-7, Luke 13:10-16, Luke 14:1-5, John 5:10-16, John 9:16]

3. Disturbing the unjust system at the temple [Matthew 12:6, Matthew 21:12-46, Matthew 23:16-34, Mark 11:15-18, John 2:13-17]

4. Prophesying the destruction of the temple [Matthew 24:1, Matthew 26:61, Matthew 27:40, Mark 13:1-2, Mark 14:58, Luke 19:45-48, Luke 21:5-6, John 2: 18-22]

5. Claiming he was the Christ and had equality with God to forgive sin [Mark 2:4-13, Luke 5:19-26, Luke 22:70, John 5:15, John 5:18-31, John 8:12-20]

Would that we would bear such accusations in our lifetime, at least accusations 1-3. Can we be accused of dining with and befriending sinners? Healing people while others are in church? Disturbing unjust systems?