Luke Chapters 20-24
Printable Download – Alastair Begg-The Human Face of God
READ - Luke 19:28–48 (NLT)
28 After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. 29 As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. 30 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
32 So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. 33 And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?”
34 And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on.
36 As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. 37 When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.
38 “Blessings
on the King who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace
in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”
39 But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!”
40 He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”
41 But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. 42 “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. 43 Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. 44 They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not recognize it when God visited you.”
45 Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people selling animals for sacrifices. 46 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”
47 After that, he taught daily in the Temple, but the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the other leaders of the people began planning how to kill him. 48 But they could think of nothing, because all the people hung on every word he said.
OVERVIEW:
In Luke
chapters 1-9 Jesus was in Galilee, in chapter 9-19 He was on the road
and now He is ready to enter Jerusalem. He has focused on his mission
and is still resolute as he prepares to enter the city (see Luke
9:51). In today’s study we find Jesus giving unusual
instructions to arrange for his ride into Jerusalem. This is a
summary statement for the next large section. (Luke 19:28—21:38).
For Jesus, the road to Jerusalem has included miracles, parables,
acceptance, and rejection. The week ahead will be eventful. First, a
great crowd will accompany Him up the hill to the Temple Mount,
crying His praises as king . But along the way, Jesus will catch
sight of the city of Jerusalem and weep over its coming destruction
by the Romans. Next, He will enter the temple courts and find them
filled with merchants and vendors hawking items visitors need for the
Passover in the area reserved for faithful Gentiles.
The
Pharisees have set the scene better than the multitudes of Jesus'
disciples. They told Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples"
vs. 39. In this moment, they represent the Jewish leadership who will
not follow the crowds in welcoming Jesus' arrival. They will reject
their King and Messiah and manipulate the Roman governor to crucify
Him.
Notice that this is no weak Jesus who becomes a victim of circumstances. He has a mission, and he’s in charge. His command is simple: “Go … you will find a colt … Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?’ say, 'The Lord needs it.’” And that is enough. Jesus identifies himself as Lord, able to give commands and expect them to be obeyed. As Lord, he is fully aware of fulfilling a prophecy about riding a colt and proclaiming peace when he enters Jerusalem as King (see Zechariah 9:9-10). He brings the message of God’s love and salvation for all who believe in him, but he’s no pushover. He’s on a mission, and he will complete it. What he’s about to do, no one but the Son of God himself can do.
Still today, Jesus is not a Savior whom we may mold to our liking. He is “Lord,” expecting our acknowledgment and full obedience. Do you honor and obey that Jesus?
DEVOTIONAL ALLEGORY: Triumph and Tragedy
Have you ever had a day that started out amazing but ended on a sour note? Maybe you got a promotion, aced a test, or finally had a long-overdue heart-to-heart with a friend. But then, just when everything seemed to be going right, something happened that left you feeling crushed—a harsh word, an unexpected problem, or a deep disappointment.
That’s a little like what we see in Luke 19:28–48. Jesus enters Jerusalem to the cheers of a joyful crowd. People wave palm branches, lay down their cloaks, and shout, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Luke 19:38,). It’s a moment of triumph. But not long after, Jesus looks over the city and weeps. He sees the spiritual blindness of the people, their rejection of Him, and the coming destruction of Jerusalem. Then He enters the temple and, instead of finding a place of prayer, He sees corruption and greed—so He flips the tables and calls it out.
This passage reminds us that joy and sorrow often go hand in hand. Sometimes, we expect life to be all triumph, but Jesus shows us that even in the midst of celebration, there can be heartbreak. The good news? Jesus didn’t turn away from the hard moments. He still entered Jerusalem, knowing what was coming. And He does the same for us—walking with us through both the victories and the struggles, always offering His love and truth.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Have you ever been praised one moment but rejected the next? How did that feel?
2. Why do you think Jesus got so upset about people buying and selling in the temple?
3. Jesus wept over Jerusalem. What do you think He would weep over in our world today?
EXAMINE THE TEXT
Jesus Enters Jerusalem as King (Luke 19:28–40)
– Jesus is heading toward Jerusalem and sends two disciples ahead to get a young donkey. He knows exactly where it will be and tells them what to say if anyone asks.
– The disciples find the donkey just as Jesus said. When asked why they are taking it, they reply, “The Lord needs it,” and everything goes smoothly.
– The disciples place their cloaks on the donkey for Jesus to sit on. As He rides, the people spread their cloaks on the road, a sign of honor, like rolling out a red carpet.
– The crowd praises Jesus loudly, calling Him King. They shout, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” They recognize Him as the Messiah.
– The Pharisees don’t like this and tell Jesus to quiet the people. Jesus replies, “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out!” He is saying that this moment is so important, even creation itself would praise Him if people didn’t.
Jesus Weeps for Jerusalem (Luke 19:41–44)
– As Jesus gets close to the city, He begins to cry. He knows that Jerusalem is missing its chance to recognize the Savior.
– Jesus prophesies that enemies will come and destroy the city because the people didn’t recognize “the time of God’s coming.” This points ahead to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
Jesus Clears the Temple (Luke 19:45–48)
– Jesus enters the Temple and sees people using it as a marketplace instead of a place of worship. He drives them out, quoting Scripture: “My house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers.”
– Jesus continues teaching in the Temple daily. The religious leaders want to get rid of Him, but they can’t because the people love listening to Him.
This passage shows both triumph (Jesus being welcomed as King) and tragedy (His sadness over Jerusalem’s future and the corruption in the Temple). Let me know if you’d like me to tweak anything!
THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU
One surprising part of this passage is Jesus weeping over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41). We often picture Jesus as strong and confident, but here, He shows deep sorrow. The city that was supposed to welcome the Messiah would ultimately reject Him. Jesus wasn’t just sad—He was grieving like someone mourning a lost loved one. This moment teaches us something powerful: God’s heart breaks when people turn away from Him. Jesus doesn’t just offer salvation; He longs for people to accept it. His tears show His deep love and the reality that rejecting Him has serious consequences.
CROSS-REFERENCE
Matthew 23:37 – “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”
Like in Luke 19, Jesus expresses deep sorrow over Jerusalem’s rejection of Him.
John 12:13 – “They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!’”
This shows the excitement of Jesus’ triumphal entry, but we know it won’t last.
Isaiah 56:7 – “These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
Jesus referenced this verse when cleansing the temple, reminding people of its true purpose.
Revelation 3:20 – “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Jesus’ sorrow over people rejecting Him reminds us that He still invites everyone to accept Him today.
Study 27 - Jesus Answers—and Issues—Challenges (Luke 20:1–21:4)
READ - Luke 20:1–21:4 (NLT)
Alastair Begg — Parable of the Tenants & Teaching at the Temple
1 One
day as Jesus was teaching the people and preaching the Good News in
the Temple, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and
the elders came up to him. 2 They demanded, “By
what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the
right?”
3 “Let
me ask you a question first,” he replied. 4 “Did
John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely
human?”
5 They
talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he
will ask why we didn’t believe John. 6 But if we
say it was merely human, the people will stone us because they are
convinced John was a prophet.” 7 So they finally
replied that they didn’t know.
8 And
Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell
you by what authority I do these things.”
9 Now
Jesus turned to the people again and told them this story: “A
man planted a vineyard, leased it to tenant farmers, and moved to
another country to live for several years. 10 At
the time of the grape harvest, he sent one of his servants to collect
his share of the crop. But the farmers attacked the servant, beat him
up, and sent him back empty-handed. 11 So
the owner sent another servant, but they also insulted him, beat him
up, and sent him away empty-handed. 12 A
third man was sent, and they wounded him and chased him away.
13 “‘What
will I do?’ the owner asked himself. ‘I know! I’ll send my
cherished son. Surely they will respect him.’
14 “But
when the tenant farmers saw his son, they said to each other, ‘Here
comes the heir to this estate. Let’s kill him and get the estate
for ourselves!’ 15 So
they dragged him out of the vineyard and murdered him.
“What
do you suppose the owner of the vineyard will do to them?” Jesus
asked. 16 “I’ll
tell you—he will come and kill those farmers and lease the vineyard
to others.”
“How
terrible that such a thing should ever happen,” his listeners
protested.
17 Jesus
looked at them and said, “Then what does
this Scripture mean?
‘The
stone that the builders rejected
has
now become the cornerstone.’
18 Everyone
who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will
crush anyone it falls on.”
19 The
teachers of religious law and the leading priests wanted to arrest
Jesus immediately because they realized he was telling the story
against them—they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of
the people’s reaction.
20 Watching
for their opportunity, the leaders sent spies pretending to be honest
men. They tried to get Jesus to say something that could be reported
to the Roman governor so he would arrest Jesus. 21 “Teacher,”
they said, “we know that you speak and teach what is right and are
not influenced by what others think. You teach the way of God
truthfully. 22 Now tell us—is it right for us to
pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
23 He
saw through their trickery and said, 24 “Show
me a Roman coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”
“Caesar’s,”
they replied.
25 “Well
then,” he said, “give to
Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
26 So
they failed to trap him by what he said in front of the people.
Instead, they were amazed by his answer, and they became silent.
27 Then
Jesus was approached by some Sadducees—religious leaders who say
there is no resurrection from the dead. 28 They
posed this question: “Teacher, Moses gave us a law that if a man
dies, leaving a wife but no children, his brother should marry the
widow and have a child who will carry on the brother’s
name. 29 Well, suppose there were seven brothers.
The oldest one married and then died without children. 30 So
the second brother married the widow, but he also died. 31 Then
the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them,
who died without children. 32 Finally, the woman
also died. 33 So tell us, whose wife will she be in
the resurrection? For all seven were married to her!”
34 Jesus
replied, “Marriage is for people here on
earth. 35 But in the
age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither
marry nor be given in marriage. 36 And
they will never die again. In this respect they will be like angels.
They are children of God and children of the resurrection.
37 “But
now, as to whether the dead will be raised—even Moses proved this
when he wrote about the burning bush. Long after Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob had died, he referred to the Lord as ‘the God of
Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 So
he is the God of the living, not the dead, for they are all alive to
him.”
39 “Well
said, Teacher!” remarked some of the teachers of religious law who
were standing there. 40 And then no one dared to ask
him any more questions.
41 Then
Jesus presented them with a question. “Why
is it,” he asked, “that
the Messiah is said to be the son of David? 42 For
David himself wrote in the book of Psalms:
‘The Lord said
to my Lord,
Sit
in the place of honor at my right hand
43 until
I humble your enemies,
making
them a footstool under your feet.’
44 Since
David called the Messiah ‘Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?”
45 Then,
with the crowds listening, he turned to his disciples and
said, 46 “Beware of these
teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing
robes and love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the
marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues
and the head table at banquets. 47 Yet
they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend
to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they
will be severely punished.”
21 While
Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their
gifts in the collection box. 2 Then a poor widow
came by and dropped in two small coins.
1 “I
tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this
poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. 4 For
they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she
is, has given everything she has.”
OVERVIEW:
In this
passage, Luke describes how Jerusalem's religious leaders fight with
Jesus over His authority. Among these critics are scribes, priests,
Pharisees, and Sadducees. The religious leaders challenge Jesus'
authority (Luke 20:1–8). Jesus uses a parable to compare His
authority to that of the religious leaders (Luke 20:9–18). The
scribes and chief priests use the Law to try to discredit Jesus (Luke
20:19–26). The Sadducees use the Law to try to discredit Jesus
(Luke 20:27–40). Jesus uses Scripture to compare His authority to
that of the King David (Luke 20:41–44). Jesus challenges the
religious leaders' authority (Luke 20:45–47).
THIS
MAY SURPRISE YOU:
One
surprising part of this passage is how Jesus answers tricky questions
with His own questions. In Luke 20:1-8, the religious leaders ask
Jesus, “By
what authority are you doing these things?”
Instead of answering directly, Jesus asks them about John the
Baptist’s authority. Why? Because He knows their motives. If they
admit John’s message was from God, they must also admit Jesus is
the Messiah. But if they deny it, the people will turn on them. This
strategy shows that Jesus isn’t just wise—He understands hearts.
Sometimes, the best way to respond to a challenge isn’t with a
quick answer, but by making people think for themselves.
DEVOTIONAL
ALLEGORY:
It was
common in Jesus’ day for one person to own land farmed by another.
This is still true today. Understandably, at harvest time, a payment
for the use of the land is expected. But in Jesus’ story, the
tenants refused to pay, and they violently attacked the landlord’s
representatives—even killing his own son.
Jesus told
this story as a warning to his opponents among the religious leaders.
Just as past generations had ignored and mistreated God’s Word
through the prophets, the religious leaders of his day were rejecting
God’s own Son.
Jesus’
words are intended to draw our attention to the harvest day too. The
Bible makes clear that what we have does not belong to us; we are
stewards of all that God has made us to be and given us to use.
Though we may not literally beat and kill prophetic figures, we too
may tend to live as if God were not present with us each day. Jesus
warns that eventually, our harvest time will come, either through
death or at Christ’s return. Then we will have to give an account
of our relationship with him as stewards of his gifts.
Our lives
are not our own; we belong to God, and we are called to live for God.
What are you doing to deepen your relationship with the Son so that
you are prepared at harvest time?
DISCUSSION
QUESTIONS:
1.
Have you ever been asked a tough question about your faith? How did
you respond?
2.
Why do you think Jesus praised the widow who gave only two small
coins?
(Luke
21:1-4)
3.
Jesus warns about religious leaders who love attention but lack
sincerity (Luke 20:46-47). How does this apply to us today?
EXAMINE
THE TEXT
Jesus’
Authority Challenged (Luke 20:1–8)
– The
religious leaders ask Jesus, “By
what authority are you doing these things?”
They want to trap Him into saying something they can use against Him.
– Jesus
responds with a question about John the Baptist: “Was
his baptism from heaven, or was it from men?”
– The
leaders realize they’re stuck. If they say “from heaven,” Jesus
will ask why they didn’t believe John. If they say “from men,”
the people will turn on them because they believed John was a
prophet. So they refuse to answer.
– Since
they won’t answer, Jesus doesn’t tell them by what authority He
acts. He exposes their dishonesty.
The
Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Luke 20:9–19)
– Jesus
tells a story about a landowner who rents his vineyard to tenants.
When he sends servants to collect what is due, the tenants mistreat
them.
– Finally,
the owner sends his beloved son, thinking they will respect him.
Instead, they kill him, hoping to take the vineyard for themselves.
– Jesus
explains that the owner (God) will remove the wicked tenants
(religious leaders) and give the vineyard (God’s kingdom) to
others. The leaders realize Jesus is talking about them and want to
arrest Him, but they’re afraid of the crowd.
Paying
Taxes to Caesar (Luke 20:20–26)
– The
leaders try another trap. They ask Jesus if it’s right to pay taxes
to Caesar, hoping to get Him in trouble with either the Romans or the
Jewish people.
– Jesus
asks for a Roman coin and points out Caesar’s image on it. Then He
says, “Give
back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
He avoids their trap by teaching obedience to both government and
God.
– His
enemies are amazed and fall silent.
Marriage
at the Resurrection (Luke 20:27–40)
– Some
Sadducees (who don’t believe in resurrection) ask a trick question
about a woman who had seven husbands—whose wife will she be in
heaven?
– Jesus
explains that life after resurrection is different. People won’t
marry in heaven because they will be like angels.
– He
proves resurrection is real by quoting Moses, showing that God is
“not
the God of the dead, but of the living.”
– Some
leaders are impressed and say, “Well
said, teacher!”
After this, no one dares to challenge Him further.
Jesus
Questions the Leaders (Luke 20:41–44)
– Jesus
asks them how the Messiah can be both David’s son and his Lord
(Psalm 110:1). They can’t answer, showing they don’t fully
understand the Messiah’s identity.
Warning
Against Hypocrisy (Luke 20:45–47)
– Jesus
warns the people about teachers of the law who seek power and
recognition but mistreat widows. He says they will face severe
judgment.
The
Widow’s Offering (Luke 21:1–4)
– Jesus
sees rich people giving large amounts at the Temple, but also notices
a poor widow giving two small coins.
– He
says she gave more than all the others because she gave everything
she had,
while they gave only a little from their wealth.
This
passage shows how Jesus skillfully answers tough questions, exposes
hypocrisy, and challenges people’s hearts. It ends with a beautiful
moment of faith from the widow, reminding us that God values our
hearts, not just our actions.
CROSS-REFERENCE
Matthew
10:16
– “I
am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as
snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Jesus’
wisdom in answering the religious leaders reflects this principle—He
was both wise and pure in His responses.
James
1:5
– “If
any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to
all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Just as
Jesus demonstrated wisdom in His responses, we too can ask God for
wisdom when we face challenges.
2
Corinthians 9:7
– “Each
of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not
reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This
connects to the widow’s offering—giving is about the heart, not
the amount.
Micah
6:8
– “He
has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require
of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your
God.”
This
contrasts with the religious leaders Jesus warned about. True faith
isn’t about status but about humility and justice.
Study 28 -
Judgment in This Age and the Next (Luke 21:5–38)
Printable Download
Alastair Begg - "Who is This?" & A Death Predicted, a Disciple Restored
READ -
Luke 21:5–38 (NLT)
5 Some
of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the
Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus
said, 6 “The time is coming
when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone
will be left on top of another!”
7 “Teacher,”
they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that
these things are about to take place?”
8 He
replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead
you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the
Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t
believe them. 9 And
when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these
things must take place first, but the end won’t follow
immediately.” 10 Then he added, “Nation
will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There
will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in
many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous
signs from heaven.
12 “But
before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution.
You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand
trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. 13 But
this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. 14 So
don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against
you, 15 for I will give
you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will
be able to reply or refute you! 16 Even
those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and
friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. 17 And
everyone will hate you because you are my followers. 18 But
not a hair of your head will perish! 19 By
standing firm, you will win your souls.
20 “And
when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that
the time of its destruction has arrived. 21 Then
those in Judea must flee to the hills. Those in Jerusalem must get
out, and those out in the country should not return to the
city. 22 For those will
be days of God’s vengeance, and the prophetic words of the
Scriptures will be fulfilled. 23 How
terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in
those days. For there will be disaster in the land and great anger
against this people. 24 They
will be killed by the sword or sent away as captives to all the
nations of the world. And Jerusalem will be trampled down by the
Gentiles until the period of the Gentiles comes to an end.
25 “And
there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on
earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas
and strange tides. 26 People
will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the
powers in the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then
everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power
and great glory. 28 So
when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your
salvation is near!”
29 Then
he gave them this illustration: “Notice
the fig tree, or any other tree. 30 When
the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is
near. 31 In the same
way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that
the Kingdom of God is near. 32 I
tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene
until all these things have taken place. 33 Heaven
and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
34 “Watch
out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness,
and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you
unaware, 35 like a
trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the
earth. 36 Keep alert at
all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these
coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”
37 Every
day Jesus went to the Temple to teach, and each evening he returned
to spend the night on the Mount of Olives. 38 The
crowds gathered at the Temple early each morning to hear him.
OVERVIEW:
1 One day as Jesus was teaching the people and preaching the Good News in the Temple, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. 2 They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”
3 “Let me ask you a question first,” he replied. 4 “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?”
5 They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. 6 But if we say it was merely human, the people will stone us because they are convinced John was a prophet.” 7 So they finally replied that they didn’t know.
8 And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”
9 Now Jesus turned to the people again and told them this story: “A man planted a vineyard, leased it to tenant farmers, and moved to another country to live for several years. 10 At the time of the grape harvest, he sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers attacked the servant, beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed. 11 So the owner sent another servant, but they also insulted him, beat him up, and sent him away empty-handed. 12 A third man was sent, and they wounded him and chased him away.
13 “‘What will I do?’ the owner asked himself. ‘I know! I’ll send my cherished son. Surely they will respect him.’
14 “But when the tenant farmers saw his son, they said to each other, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’ 15 So they dragged him out of the vineyard and murdered him.
“What do you suppose the owner of the vineyard will do to them?” Jesus asked. 16 “I’ll tell you—he will come and kill those farmers and lease the vineyard to others.”
“How terrible that such a thing should ever happen,” his listeners protested.
17 Jesus looked at them and said, “Then what does this Scripture mean?
‘The
stone that the builders rejected
has
now become the cornerstone.’
18 Everyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.”
19 The teachers of religious law and the leading priests wanted to arrest Jesus immediately because they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the people’s reaction.
20 Watching for their opportunity, the leaders sent spies pretending to be honest men. They tried to get Jesus to say something that could be reported to the Roman governor so he would arrest Jesus. 21 “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you speak and teach what is right and are not influenced by what others think. You teach the way of God truthfully. 22 Now tell us—is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
23 He saw through their trickery and said, 24 “Show me a Roman coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
25 “Well then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
26 So they failed to trap him by what he said in front of the people. Instead, they were amazed by his answer, and they became silent.
27 Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees—religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. 28 They posed this question: “Teacher, Moses gave us a law that if a man dies, leaving a wife but no children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother’s name. 29 Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children. 30 So the second brother married the widow, but he also died. 31 Then the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them, who died without children. 32 Finally, the woman also died. 33 So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her!”
34 Jesus replied, “Marriage is for people here on earth. 35 But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. 36 And they will never die again. In this respect they will be like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection.
37 “But now, as to whether the dead will be raised—even Moses proved this when he wrote about the burning bush. Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, he referred to the Lord as ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 So he is the God of the living, not the dead, for they are all alive to him.”
39 “Well said, Teacher!” remarked some of the teachers of religious law who were standing there. 40 And then no one dared to ask him any more questions.
41 Then Jesus presented them with a question. “Why is it,” he asked, “that the Messiah is said to be the son of David? 42 For David himself wrote in the book of Psalms:
‘The Lord said
to my Lord,
Sit
in the place of honor at my right hand
43 until
I humble your enemies,
making
them a footstool under your feet.’
44 Since David called the Messiah ‘Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?”
45 Then, with the crowds listening, he turned to his disciples and said, 46 “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. 47 Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be severely punished.”
21 While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. 2 Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.
1 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. 4 For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”
OVERVIEW:
In this passage, Luke describes how Jerusalem's religious leaders fight with Jesus over His authority. Among these critics are scribes, priests, Pharisees, and Sadducees. The religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority (Luke 20:1–8). Jesus uses a parable to compare His authority to that of the religious leaders (Luke 20:9–18). The scribes and chief priests use the Law to try to discredit Jesus (Luke 20:19–26). The Sadducees use the Law to try to discredit Jesus (Luke 20:27–40). Jesus uses Scripture to compare His authority to that of the King David (Luke 20:41–44). Jesus challenges the religious leaders' authority (Luke 20:45–47).
THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU:
One surprising part of this passage is how Jesus answers tricky questions with His own questions. In Luke 20:1-8, the religious leaders ask Jesus, “By what authority are you doing these things?” Instead of answering directly, Jesus asks them about John the Baptist’s authority. Why? Because He knows their motives. If they admit John’s message was from God, they must also admit Jesus is the Messiah. But if they deny it, the people will turn on them. This strategy shows that Jesus isn’t just wise—He understands hearts. Sometimes, the best way to respond to a challenge isn’t with a quick answer, but by making people think for themselves.
DEVOTIONAL ALLEGORY:
It was common in Jesus’ day for one person to own land farmed by another. This is still true today. Understandably, at harvest time, a payment for the use of the land is expected. But in Jesus’ story, the tenants refused to pay, and they violently attacked the landlord’s representatives—even killing his own son.
Jesus told this story as a warning to his opponents among the religious leaders. Just as past generations had ignored and mistreated God’s Word through the prophets, the religious leaders of his day were rejecting God’s own Son.
Jesus’ words are intended to draw our attention to the harvest day too. The Bible makes clear that what we have does not belong to us; we are stewards of all that God has made us to be and given us to use. Though we may not literally beat and kill prophetic figures, we too may tend to live as if God were not present with us each day. Jesus warns that eventually, our harvest time will come, either through death or at Christ’s return. Then we will have to give an account of our relationship with him as stewards of his gifts.
Our lives are not our own; we belong to God, and we are called to live for God. What are you doing to deepen your relationship with the Son so that you are prepared at harvest time?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Have you ever been asked a tough question about your faith? How did you respond?
2. Why do you think Jesus praised the widow who gave only two small coins? (Luke 21:1-4)
3. Jesus warns about religious leaders who love attention but lack sincerity (Luke 20:46-47). How does this apply to us today?
EXAMINE THE TEXT
Jesus’ Authority Challenged (Luke 20:1–8)
– The religious leaders ask Jesus, “By what authority are you doing these things?” They want to trap Him into saying something they can use against Him.
– Jesus responds with a question about John the Baptist: “Was his baptism from heaven, or was it from men?”
– The leaders realize they’re stuck. If they say “from heaven,” Jesus will ask why they didn’t believe John. If they say “from men,” the people will turn on them because they believed John was a prophet. So they refuse to answer.
– Since they won’t answer, Jesus doesn’t tell them by what authority He acts. He exposes their dishonesty.
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Luke 20:9–19)
– Jesus tells a story about a landowner who rents his vineyard to tenants. When he sends servants to collect what is due, the tenants mistreat them.
– Finally, the owner sends his beloved son, thinking they will respect him. Instead, they kill him, hoping to take the vineyard for themselves.
– Jesus explains that the owner (God) will remove the wicked tenants (religious leaders) and give the vineyard (God’s kingdom) to others. The leaders realize Jesus is talking about them and want to arrest Him, but they’re afraid of the crowd.
Paying Taxes to Caesar (Luke 20:20–26)
– The leaders try another trap. They ask Jesus if it’s right to pay taxes to Caesar, hoping to get Him in trouble with either the Romans or the Jewish people.
– Jesus asks for a Roman coin and points out Caesar’s image on it. Then He says, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” He avoids their trap by teaching obedience to both government and God.
– His enemies are amazed and fall silent.
Marriage at the Resurrection (Luke 20:27–40)
– Some Sadducees (who don’t believe in resurrection) ask a trick question about a woman who had seven husbands—whose wife will she be in heaven?
– Jesus explains that life after resurrection is different. People won’t marry in heaven because they will be like angels.
– He proves resurrection is real by quoting Moses, showing that God is “not the God of the dead, but of the living.”
– Some leaders are impressed and say, “Well said, teacher!” After this, no one dares to challenge Him further.
Jesus Questions the Leaders (Luke 20:41–44)
– Jesus asks them how the Messiah can be both David’s son and his Lord (Psalm 110:1). They can’t answer, showing they don’t fully understand the Messiah’s identity.
Warning Against Hypocrisy (Luke 20:45–47)
– Jesus warns the people about teachers of the law who seek power and recognition but mistreat widows. He says they will face severe judgment.
The Widow’s Offering (Luke 21:1–4)
– Jesus sees rich people giving large amounts at the Temple, but also notices a poor widow giving two small coins.
– He says she gave more than all the others because she gave everything she had, while they gave only a little from their wealth.
This passage shows how Jesus skillfully answers tough questions, exposes hypocrisy, and challenges people’s hearts. It ends with a beautiful moment of faith from the widow, reminding us that God values our hearts, not just our actions.
CROSS-REFERENCE
Matthew 10:16 – “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Jesus’ wisdom in answering the religious leaders reflects this principle—He was both wise and pure in His responses.
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Just as Jesus demonstrated wisdom in His responses, we too can ask God for wisdom when we face challenges.
2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This connects to the widow’s offering—giving is about the heart, not the amount.
Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
This contrasts with the religious leaders Jesus warned about. True faith isn’t about status but about humility and justice.
Study 28 -
Judgment in This Age and the Next (Luke 21:5–38)
Printable Download
Alastair Begg - "Who is This?" & A Death Predicted, a Disciple Restored
READ - Luke 21:5–38 (NLT)
5 Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, 6 “The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”
7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?”
8 He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. 9 And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.” 10 Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.
12 “But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. 13 But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. 14 So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, 15 for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! 16 Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. 17 And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish! 19 By standing firm, you will win your souls.
20 “And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that the time of its destruction has arrived. 21 Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. Those in Jerusalem must get out, and those out in the country should not return to the city. 22 For those will be days of God’s vengeance, and the prophetic words of the Scriptures will be fulfilled. 23 How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. For there will be disaster in the land and great anger against this people. 24 They will be killed by the sword or sent away as captives to all the nations of the world. And Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the period of the Gentiles comes to an end.
25 “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. 26 People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. 28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”
29 Then he gave them this illustration: “Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. 30 When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near. 32 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
34 “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, 35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. 36 Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”
37 Every day Jesus went to the Temple to teach, and each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives. 38 The crowds gathered at the Temple early each morning to hear him.
OVERVIEW:
Here
Jesus gives more detailed teaching about two events: the destruction
of Jerusalem (Luke
19:43–44) and his second coming (Luke
9:26; Luke
17:22–37). According to Luke
21:5–24, what things must take place before “the end”—that
is, before Christ’s return? (Note that some of these “things”
are ongoing even today, while some occurred with the Romans’
destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.)
According
to Luke
21:25–27, what kinds of events will be associated with Jesus’
return?
What should followers of Jesus do to prepare
for the coming judgment (Luke
21:34–36)?
EXAMINE
THE TEXT
Jesus
Predicts the Temple’s Destruction (Luke 21:5–7) –
Some people admire the beauty of the Temple, but Jesus warns them:
“The
time will come when not one stone will be left on another.”
He is predicting its destruction, which happened in AD 70. – The
disciples ask, “When
will this happen? What signs should we look for?”
Signs
of the End Times (Luke 21:8–19) –
Jesus warns against false messiahs and not to be afraid when wars
break out because these things must
happen first. – He describes future troubles: wars, earthquakes,
famines, and plagues. – Jesus tells His followers that they will be
arrested and persecuted for His name. But He promises to give them
the wisdom to speak when they are put on trial. – He reassures them
that even though they will face hardship, their faithfulness will
lead to eternal life.
The
Destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 21:20–24) –
Jesus describes a future siege of Jerusalem. He warns that when they
see armies surrounding the city, they should flee to the mountains. –
This will be a time of great distress, and many will fall by the
sword or be taken captive. This prophecy was fulfilled when the
Romans destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70.
The
Coming of the Son of Man (Luke 21:25–28) –
Jesus shifts to talking about cosmic signs—strange things happening
in the sun, moon, and stars. People will be terrified. – Then,
Jesus will return in power and glory. – He encourages His followers
to stand firm because “your
redemption is drawing near.”
The
Parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 21:29–33) –
Jesus uses a fig tree as an example. Just as budding leaves show that
summer is near, these signs will show that God’s kingdom is near. –
He says, “This
generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have
happened.”
His words will never
pass away.
Be
Watchful and Ready (Luke 21:34–38) –
Jesus warns against getting distracted by worldly things. Instead,
His followers should stay
alert and pray
so they will be ready for His return. –
Jesus continues teaching at the Temple daily, and the crowds come
early in the morning to hear Him.
DEVOTIONAL
ALLEGORY: Judgment in This Age and the Next
Have you
ever watched the news and felt overwhelmed by everything going wrong
in the world? Wars, disasters, injustice—it can feel like things
are spiraling out of control. Even in our own lives, we face
struggles that make us wonder, What’s
next?
In Luke
21:5–38, Jesus’ disciples admire the beauty of the temple, but
Jesus warns them that it won’t last—one day, it will be
destroyed. He goes on to describe a future filled with hardship:
wars, earthquakes, famines, and persecution. But instead of telling
His followers to be afraid, He tells them to stand firm and trust
God.
Jesus
reminds us that while this world is temporary, God’s kingdom is
eternal. He warns about getting distracted by worries or caught up in
chasing things that won’t last. Instead, He calls us to stay alert,
pray, and keep our focus on Him.
It’s
easy to let fear take over when life feels uncertain. But Jesus gives
us a different perspective. No matter what happens, God is in
control, and His promises will never fail. Our job isn’t to
panic—it’s to stay faithful.
What
worries are weighing on your heart today? How can you shift your
focus from fear to faith?
THIS
MAY SURPRISE YOU:
One
surprising thing about this passage is that Jesus doesn’t tell His
followers to avoid hardship—He actually tells them to expect it. In
Luke 21:12-19, He warns about persecution, betrayal, and suffering.
But instead of offering a way out, He promises to give them the
wisdom and strength to endure. This challenges the idea that
following Jesus means life will always be easy. Instead, He calls His
disciples to stand firm, assuring them that no trial will separate
them from God’s plan. Even in the hardest moments, He is in
control.
DISCUSSION
QUESTIONS:
1.
Why do you think Jesus warned His disciples about the future instead
of just reassuring them?
2.
Jesus says, “Heaven
and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
(Luke 21:33) What do you think that means?
3.
Jesus tells His disciples to “be always on the watch” (Luke
21:36). What do you think He means by that? How can we apply it
today?
CROSS-REFERENCE
John
16:33
– “I
have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this
world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the
world.”
Jesus
never promises an easy life, but He assures us of His victory.
1
Thessalonians 5:6
– “So
then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake
and sober.”
This
echoes Jesus’ warning to stay spiritually alert.
Psalm
46:1-2
– “God
is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the
mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
Even when
the world feels chaotic, God is our unshakable foundation.
Revelation
22:12
– “Look,
I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each
person according to what they have done.”
Just like
in Luke 21, Jesus reminds us to live in expectation of His return.
Here
Jesus gives more detailed teaching about two events: the destruction
of Jerusalem (Luke
19:43–44) and his second coming (Luke
9:26; Luke
17:22–37). According to Luke
21:5–24, what things must take place before “the end”—that
is, before Christ’s return? (Note that some of these “things”
are ongoing even today, while some occurred with the Romans’
destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.)
According
to Luke
21:25–27, what kinds of events will be associated with Jesus’
return?
What should followers of Jesus do to prepare
for the coming judgment (Luke
21:34–36)?
EXAMINE THE TEXT
Jesus Predicts the Temple’s Destruction (Luke 21:5–7) – Some people admire the beauty of the Temple, but Jesus warns them: “The time will come when not one stone will be left on another.” He is predicting its destruction, which happened in AD 70. – The disciples ask, “When will this happen? What signs should we look for?”
Signs of the End Times (Luke 21:8–19) – Jesus warns against false messiahs and not to be afraid when wars break out because these things must happen first. – He describes future troubles: wars, earthquakes, famines, and plagues. – Jesus tells His followers that they will be arrested and persecuted for His name. But He promises to give them the wisdom to speak when they are put on trial. – He reassures them that even though they will face hardship, their faithfulness will lead to eternal life.
The Destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 21:20–24) – Jesus describes a future siege of Jerusalem. He warns that when they see armies surrounding the city, they should flee to the mountains. – This will be a time of great distress, and many will fall by the sword or be taken captive. This prophecy was fulfilled when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70.
The Coming of the Son of Man (Luke 21:25–28) – Jesus shifts to talking about cosmic signs—strange things happening in the sun, moon, and stars. People will be terrified. – Then, Jesus will return in power and glory. – He encourages His followers to stand firm because “your redemption is drawing near.”
The Parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 21:29–33) – Jesus uses a fig tree as an example. Just as budding leaves show that summer is near, these signs will show that God’s kingdom is near. – He says, “This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.” His words will never pass away.
Be Watchful and Ready (Luke 21:34–38) – Jesus warns against getting distracted by worldly things. Instead, His followers should stay alert and pray so they will be ready for His return. – Jesus continues teaching at the Temple daily, and the crowds come early in the morning to hear Him.
DEVOTIONAL ALLEGORY: Judgment in This Age and the Next
Have you ever watched the news and felt overwhelmed by everything going wrong in the world? Wars, disasters, injustice—it can feel like things are spiraling out of control. Even in our own lives, we face struggles that make us wonder, What’s next?
In Luke 21:5–38, Jesus’ disciples admire the beauty of the temple, but Jesus warns them that it won’t last—one day, it will be destroyed. He goes on to describe a future filled with hardship: wars, earthquakes, famines, and persecution. But instead of telling His followers to be afraid, He tells them to stand firm and trust God.
Jesus reminds us that while this world is temporary, God’s kingdom is eternal. He warns about getting distracted by worries or caught up in chasing things that won’t last. Instead, He calls us to stay alert, pray, and keep our focus on Him.
It’s easy to let fear take over when life feels uncertain. But Jesus gives us a different perspective. No matter what happens, God is in control, and His promises will never fail. Our job isn’t to panic—it’s to stay faithful.
What worries are weighing on your heart today? How can you shift your focus from fear to faith?
THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU:
One surprising thing about this passage is that Jesus doesn’t tell His followers to avoid hardship—He actually tells them to expect it. In Luke 21:12-19, He warns about persecution, betrayal, and suffering. But instead of offering a way out, He promises to give them the wisdom and strength to endure. This challenges the idea that following Jesus means life will always be easy. Instead, He calls His disciples to stand firm, assuring them that no trial will separate them from God’s plan. Even in the hardest moments, He is in control.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Why do you think Jesus warned His disciples about the future instead of just reassuring them?
2. Jesus says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Luke 21:33) What do you think that means?
3. Jesus tells His disciples to “be always on the watch” (Luke 21:36). What do you think He means by that? How can we apply it today?
CROSS-REFERENCE
John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus never promises an easy life, but He assures us of His victory.
1 Thessalonians 5:6 – “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”
This echoes Jesus’ warning to stay spiritually alert.
Psalm 46:1-2 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
Even when the world feels chaotic, God is our unshakable foundation.
Revelation 22:12 – “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
Just like in Luke 21, Jesus reminds us to live in expectation of His return.
Study 29 - The Significance of Jesus’ Death (Luke 22:1–22)
🔎 REGARD
Around and during the Last Supper, Luke tells of Judas, the desire to share the Feast of Unleavened bread with his friends and the specifics of blessing the cup and loaf.
🔎 READ - Luke 22:1–22 (NLT)
🔎 REGARD
🔎 READ - Luke 22:1–22 (NLT)
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is also called Passover, was approaching. 2 The leading priests and teachers of religious law were plotting how to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people’s reaction.
3 Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, 4 and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. 5 They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. 6 So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around.
The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is also called Passover, was approaching. 2 The leading priests and teachers of religious law were plotting how to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people’s reaction.
3 Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, 4 and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. 5 They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. 6 So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around.
The Last Supper
7 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread arrived, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John ahead and said, “Go and prepare the Passover meal, so we can eat it together.”
9 “Where do you want us to prepare it?” they asked him.
10 He replied, “As soon as you enter Jerusalem, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. At the house he enters, 11 say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ 12 He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where you should prepare our meal.” 13 They went off to the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover meal there.
14 When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. 15 Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. 16 For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.”
17 Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. 18 For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.”
19 He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
20 After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.
21 “But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. 22 For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him.”
🔎 REFLECT
7 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread arrived, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John ahead and said, “Go and prepare the Passover meal, so we can eat it together.”
9 “Where do you want us to prepare it?” they asked him.
10 He replied, “As soon as you enter Jerusalem, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. At the house he enters, 11 say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ 12 He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where you should prepare our meal.” 13 They went off to the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover meal there.
14 When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. 15 Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. 16 For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.”
17 Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. 18 For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.”
19 He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
20 After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.
21 “But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. 22 For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him.”
🔎 REFLECT
Even in the days leading up to his suffering and death, Jesus focused steadily on his heavenly origin and his glorious future. In our text for this week, he speaks again of his return at the end of time in power and glory!
Though Christians have sometimes puzzled over what Jesus meant by “signs in the sun, moon, and stars,” his overall message is clear: the Son of Man is Lord over all things. Just as death could not keep Jesus in its grip, neither can the anguish and perplexity of this world prevent God from fulfilling his good purposes for his people.
Jesus’ words contain a warning: final judgment will be a reality. The Jesus who walked this earth is also the ascended Lord who will return as Judge of all. All who ever lived will either find their redemption in Jesus or be shaken by God’s judgment.
Jesus’ words are actually a comfort for all who trust in him. We face plenty of “anguish and perplexity” in our world today. Weather patterns wreak havoc through storms, floods, and droughts. Nations threaten one another. Violence infects our cities—and even our homes. Jesus points us beyond the grim reality of death to future resurrection and glory.
Whatever you and your loved ones face today, may you “lift up your heads” toward Jesus, your ascended Lord.
🔎 REASON
In this text, Jesus portrays his death as the center point of God’s saving work. In what ways does he look backward, calling us to see his death as the fulfillment of Old Testament realities?
In what ways does Jesus look forward, suggesting that his death is essential for the future life and blessing of God’s people?
🔎 RESEARCH
Mark 14:1-2 It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”
John 11:55-57 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.
Leviticus 23:5-6 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight, is the Lord's Passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the Lord; for seven days you shall eat unleavened bread.
Exodus 12:6-23 and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs at twilight. “Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted, its head with its legs and its inner parts. And you shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn.
1 Corinthians 5:7-8 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Mark 14:12 And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?”
Matthew 26:2-5 “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”
Study 30 - Preparing for Coming Trials (Luke 22:23–65)
🔎 REGARD
Luke 22:24–25 shows the disciples defending their claims to authority by arguing over who is greatest. That is not how He called these men to be. Only Luke records this argument here, but this isn't the first time they've had this debate (Mark 9:33–34; Luke 9:46–48). Some scholars think it prepares the scene for Jesus' foot-washing in John 13:1–20.
🔎 READ - Luke 22:23–65 (NLT)
23 The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing.
24 Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. 25 Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ 26 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. 27 Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.
28 “You have stayed with me in my time of trial. 29 And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right 30 to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
🔎 REGARD
Luke 22:24–25 shows the disciples defending their claims to authority by arguing over who is greatest. That is not how He called these men to be. Only Luke records this argument here, but this isn't the first time they've had this debate (Mark 9:33–34; Luke 9:46–48). Some scholars think it prepares the scene for Jesus' foot-washing in John 13:1–20.
🔎 READ - Luke 22:23–65 (NLT)
23 The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing.
24 Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. 25 Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ 26 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. 27 Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.
28 “You have stayed with me in my time of trial. 29 And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right 30 to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”
33 Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.”
34 But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler’s bag, or an extra pair of sandals, did you need anything?”
“No,” they replied.
36 “But now,” he said, “take your money and a traveler’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one! 37 For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: ‘He was counted among the rebels.’ Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true.”
38 “Look, Lord,” they replied, “we have two swords among us.”
“That’s enough,” he said.
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”
33 Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.”
34 But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler’s bag, or an extra pair of sandals, did you need anything?”
“No,” they replied.
36 “But now,” he said, “take your money and a traveler’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one! 37 For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: ‘He was counted among the rebels.’ Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true.”
38 “Look, Lord,” they replied, “we have two swords among us.”
“That’s enough,” he said.
Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
39 Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. 40 There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.”
41 He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. 44 He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.
45 At last he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.”
39 Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. 40 There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.”
41 He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. 44 He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.
45 At last he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.”
Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested
47 But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. 48 But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”
49 When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed, “Lord, should we fight? We brought the swords!” 50 And one of them struck at the high priest’s slave, slashing off his right ear.
51 But Jesus said, “No more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.
52 Then Jesus spoke to the leading priests, the captains of the Temple guard, and the elders who had come for him. “Am I some dangerous revolutionary,” he asked, “that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? 53 Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there every day. But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns.”
47 But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. 48 But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”
49 When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed, “Lord, should we fight? We brought the swords!” 50 And one of them struck at the high priest’s slave, slashing off his right ear.
51 But Jesus said, “No more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.
52 Then Jesus spoke to the leading priests, the captains of the Temple guard, and the elders who had come for him. “Am I some dangerous revolutionary,” he asked, “that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? 53 Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there every day. But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns.”
Peter Denies Jesus
54 So they arrested him and led him to the high priest’s home. And Peter followed at a distance. 55 The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there. 56 A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!”
57 But Peter denied it. “Woman,” he said, “I don’t even know him!”
58 After a while someone else looked at him and said, “You must be one of them!”
“No, man, I’m not!” Peter retorted.
59 About an hour later someone else insisted, “This must be one of them, because he is a Galilean, too.”
60 But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.
61 At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 62 And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.
63 The guards in charge of Jesus began mocking and beating him. 64 They blindfolded him and said, “Prophesy to us! Who hit you that time?” 65 And they hurled all sorts of terrible insults at him.
54 So they arrested him and led him to the high priest’s home. And Peter followed at a distance. 55 The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there. 56 A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!”
57 But Peter denied it. “Woman,” he said, “I don’t even know him!”
58 After a while someone else looked at him and said, “You must be one of them!”
“No, man, I’m not!” Peter retorted.
59 About an hour later someone else insisted, “This must be one of them, because he is a Galilean, too.”
60 But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.
61 At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 62 And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.
63 The guards in charge of Jesus began mocking and beating him. 64 They blindfolded him and said, “Prophesy to us! Who hit you that time?” 65 And they hurled all sorts of terrible insults at him.
🔎 REFLECT
It was the custom in Israel that at mealtime the father filled every family member’s cup. The cup became associated with one’s lot, one’s portion in life. The cup of life is filled not only with joys and blessings but also with pain and grief (see Psalm 16:5).
Jesus looked into the cup his Father had given him, and he was afraid to drink it. He wanted out. But not without his Father’s permission.
Sin does not ask for permission. That’s what makes it sin (disobedience, rebellion).
Jesus, however, was without sin. What was there in this cup that made Jesus so afraid to drink it?
Jesus saw a cup filled with the world’s brokenness. A cup full of wickedness, sickness, sadness, selfishness, hate, poverty, oppression, pride, pain, and death. All the agony of all the ages was in that cup.
There was also his Father’s hurt and anger at all the human sin that had ruined and wrecked his good creation and everything in it—it was all in that cup.
No wonder Jesus was afraid to drink it!
Was there no other way to rid the world and human life of all the poison and pain in that cup?
Jesus’ Father said no. It was his will that his Son would drink it.
And Jesus did. For us.
🔎 REASON According to Luke 22:23–46, what kinds of temptations and trials confront Jesus’ disciples as his betrayal and arrest grow near?
What instruction and encouragement does Jesus offer, whether by word or example, to prepare his disciples to face these trials?
At Gethsemane, Jesus asks the Father for strength to go willingly to his death. What evidence from Luke 22:43–65 indicates that God has answered Jesus’ prayer?
🔎 RESEARCH - KJV from (biblekinship.com - Powered by AI)
Matthew 10 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Acts 3 14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
Ezekiel 22 8 Thou hast despised mine holy things, and hast profaned my sabbaths.
Philippians 2 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
Psalms 71 11 Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.
Romans 11 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
2 Timothy 3 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Job 33 13 Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.
1 Corinthians 1 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
2 Timothy 2 13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
1 Timothy 5 12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
Matthew 26 34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Matthew 10 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Study 31 - Jesus Is Tried, Found Innocent—and Condemned (Luke 22:66–23:25)
🔎 REGARD
Luke 23 records the civil trials of Jesus, as well as His crucifixion, death, and burial. The long-time plan of the Jewish religious leaders (Mark 3:6) is finally coming to fruition. This was enabled by the betrayal of Judas, Jesus' own disciple (Luke 22:1–6). The Sanhedrin sent servants and soldiers to arrest Jesus in the dead of night. They beat Him, interrogated Him, and got Him to claim He is the Son of God (Luke 22:47–71). They believe they have sufficient charges against the Mosaic law to condemn Jesus, but they're afraid of the people (Luke 22:2) and they aren't authorized to execute people (John 18:31). They want the Roman governor, Pilate, to execute Jesus. So, they take Jesus to Pilate and use the teaching that the Messiah will be king to claim Jesus is a threat to the emperor.
🔎 READ - Luke 22:66–23:25 (NLT)
🔎 REGARD
Luke 23 records the civil trials of Jesus, as well as His crucifixion, death, and burial. The long-time plan of the Jewish religious leaders (Mark 3:6) is finally coming to fruition. This was enabled by the betrayal of Judas, Jesus' own disciple (Luke 22:1–6). The Sanhedrin sent servants and soldiers to arrest Jesus in the dead of night. They beat Him, interrogated Him, and got Him to claim He is the Son of God (Luke 22:47–71). They believe they have sufficient charges against the Mosaic law to condemn Jesus, but they're afraid of the people (Luke 22:2) and they aren't authorized to execute people (John 18:31). They want the Roman governor, Pilate, to execute Jesus. So, they take Jesus to Pilate and use the teaching that the Messiah will be king to claim Jesus is a threat to the emperor.🔎 READ - Luke 22:66–23:25 (NLT)
Jesus before the Council
66 At daybreak all the elders of the people assembled, including the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. Jesus was led before this high council, 67 and they said, “Tell us, are you the Messiah?”
But he replied, “If I tell you, you won’t believe me. 68 And if I ask you a question, you won’t answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man will be seated in the place of power at God’s right hand.”
70 They all shouted, “So, are you claiming to be the Son of God?”
And he replied, “You say that I am.”
71 “Why do we need other witnesses?” they said. “We ourselves heard him say it.”
66 At daybreak all the elders of the people assembled, including the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. Jesus was led before this high council, 67 and they said, “Tell us, are you the Messiah?”
But he replied, “If I tell you, you won’t believe me. 68 And if I ask you a question, you won’t answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man will be seated in the place of power at God’s right hand.”
70 They all shouted, “So, are you claiming to be the Son of God?”
And he replied, “You say that I am.”
71 “Why do we need other witnesses?” they said. “We ourselves heard him say it.”
Jesus’ Trial before Pilate
23 Then the entire council took Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor. 2 They began to state their case: “This man has been leading our people astray by telling them not to pay their taxes to the Roman government and by claiming he is the Messiah, a king.”
3 So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
Jesus replied, “You have said it.”
4 Pilate turned to the leading priests and to the crowd and said, “I find nothing wrong with this man!”
5 Then they became insistent. “But he is causing riots by his teaching wherever he goes—all over Judea, from Galilee to Jerusalem!”
6 “Oh, is he a Galilean?” Pilate asked. 7 When they said that he was, Pilate sent him to Herod Antipas, because Galilee was under Herod’s jurisdiction, and Herod happened to be in Jerusalem at the time.
8 Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been hoping for a long time to see him perform a miracle. 9 He asked Jesus question after question, but Jesus refused to answer. 10 Meanwhile, the leading priests and the teachers of religious law stood there shouting their accusations. 11 Then Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Finally, they put a royal robe on him and sent him back to Pilate. 12 (Herod and Pilate, who had been enemies before, became friends that day.)
13 Then Pilate called together the leading priests and other religious leaders, along with the people, 14 and he announced his verdict. “You brought this man to me, accusing him of leading a revolt. I have examined him thoroughly on this point in your presence and find him innocent. 15 Herod came to the same conclusion and sent him back to us. Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty. 16 So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him.”
18 Then a mighty roar rose from the crowd, and with one voice they shouted, “Kill him, and release Barabbas to us!” 19 (Barabbas was in prison for taking part in an insurrection in Jerusalem against the government, and for murder.) 20 Pilate argued with them, because he wanted to release Jesus. 21 But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
22 For the third time he demanded, “Why? What crime has he committed? I have found no reason to sentence him to death. So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him.”
23 But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. 25 As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished.
🔎 REFLECT
23 Then the entire council took Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor. 2 They began to state their case: “This man has been leading our people astray by telling them not to pay their taxes to the Roman government and by claiming he is the Messiah, a king.”
3 So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
Jesus replied, “You have said it.”
4 Pilate turned to the leading priests and to the crowd and said, “I find nothing wrong with this man!”
5 Then they became insistent. “But he is causing riots by his teaching wherever he goes—all over Judea, from Galilee to Jerusalem!”
6 “Oh, is he a Galilean?” Pilate asked. 7 When they said that he was, Pilate sent him to Herod Antipas, because Galilee was under Herod’s jurisdiction, and Herod happened to be in Jerusalem at the time.
8 Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been hoping for a long time to see him perform a miracle. 9 He asked Jesus question after question, but Jesus refused to answer. 10 Meanwhile, the leading priests and the teachers of religious law stood there shouting their accusations. 11 Then Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Finally, they put a royal robe on him and sent him back to Pilate. 12 (Herod and Pilate, who had been enemies before, became friends that day.)
13 Then Pilate called together the leading priests and other religious leaders, along with the people, 14 and he announced his verdict. “You brought this man to me, accusing him of leading a revolt. I have examined him thoroughly on this point in your presence and find him innocent. 15 Herod came to the same conclusion and sent him back to us. Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty. 16 So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him.”
18 Then a mighty roar rose from the crowd, and with one voice they shouted, “Kill him, and release Barabbas to us!” 19 (Barabbas was in prison for taking part in an insurrection in Jerusalem against the government, and for murder.) 20 Pilate argued with them, because he wanted to release Jesus. 21 But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
22 For the third time he demanded, “Why? What crime has he committed? I have found no reason to sentence him to death. So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him.”
23 But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. 25 As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished.
🔎 REFLECT
For the Roman governor Pilate, it was not that he might have known better if he’d just had more information. It was not that he might have acted differently if he’d had a better understanding of how things worked among the people he ruled in the province of Judea. The case that confronted Pilate was not vague or unclear.
Several times Pilate gave the Jewish high priests the chance to submit all the evidence they could. Repeatedly Pilate recognized that the evidence added up to no case at all under Roman law.
Pilate had personally interrogated Jesus. Perhaps he figured that something Jesus might say would prove incriminating, even if the priests’ evidence had not. After these thorough reviews, Pilate returned each time with the same judgment. There has been no crime; there is no basis for charges, no reason for a sentence of any kind. The obvious legal outcome of this case was to release the defendant.
But Pilate sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion. Why? Because he recognized the power of the priests. They could make or break his governorship; they could cooperate in keeping things running smoothly in Judea, or they could make things difficult. Jesus had no power that mattered to Pilate. Jesus could be discarded and dispensed with.
And so he was, and in God’s design, for the sake of all of us.
🔎 REASON
In these verses, what accusations are brought against Jesus by his opponents?
In what ways do these accusations reflect truth (even if it is misunderstood by Jesus’ accusers)? In what ways are these accusations simply false?
🔎 RESEARCH - KJV from (biblekinship.com - Powered by AI)
John 18 29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?
John 19 1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.
Matthew 27 24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
John 19 4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.
Mark 15 9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
Matthew 27 13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
1 Timothy 6 13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
John 19 10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
John 19 6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.
John 18 35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
John 19 19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Luke 23 52 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
Acts 4 27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
Study 32 - The Death of the Son of God (Luke 23:26–56)
🔎 REGARD
Roman soldiers are marching Jesus to the cross. Simon of Cyrene is carrying the crossbeam. A "great multitude of the people" are following the spectacle. And in the crowd, women are mourning and lamenting (Luke 23:26–27). Scripture offers no precise details about who these women are. They might be Jesus' supporters, including His mother, aunt, and Mary Magdalene. During the crucifixion, multiple different parties heckle Jesus. Passersby sneer and challenge Jesus to get Himself down from the cross.
Luke mentioned two criminals during the march to the cross, and then turned his focus to Jesus. A criminal is hanging on a cross next to Jesus. He understands that God is just and he deserves his cross. Yet Jesus is innocent and doesn't deserve the cross.
🔎 READ - Luke 23:26–56 (NLT)
🔎 REGARD
Roman soldiers are marching Jesus to the cross. Simon of Cyrene is carrying the crossbeam. A "great multitude of the people" are following the spectacle. And in the crowd, women are mourning and lamenting (Luke 23:26–27). Scripture offers no precise details about who these women are. They might be Jesus' supporters, including His mother, aunt, and Mary Magdalene. During the crucifixion, multiple different parties heckle Jesus. Passersby sneer and challenge Jesus to get Himself down from the cross.
Luke mentioned two criminals during the march to the cross, and then turned his focus to Jesus. A criminal is hanging on a cross next to Jesus. He understands that God is just and he deserves his cross. Yet Jesus is innocent and doesn't deserve the cross.
🔎 READ - Luke 23:26–56 (NLT)
The Crucifixion
26 As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A large crowd trailed behind, including many grief-stricken women. 28 But Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For the days are coming when they will say, ‘Fortunate indeed are the women who are childless, the wombs that have not borne a child and the breasts that have never nursed.’ 30 People will beg the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and plead with the hills, ‘Bury us.’ 31 For if these things are done when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
32 Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. 33 When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.
34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.
35 The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. 37 They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”
39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
26 As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A large crowd trailed behind, including many grief-stricken women. 28 But Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For the days are coming when they will say, ‘Fortunate indeed are the women who are childless, the wombs that have not borne a child and the breasts that have never nursed.’ 30 People will beg the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and plead with the hills, ‘Bury us.’ 31 For if these things are done when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
32 Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. 33 When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.
34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.
35 The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. 37 They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”
39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
The Death of Jesus
44 By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. 46 Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.
47 When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” 48 And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. 49 But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching.
44 By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. 46 Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.
47 When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” 48 And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. 49 But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching.
The Burial of Jesus
50 Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph. He was a member of the Jewish high council, 51 but he had not agreed with the decision and actions of the other religious leaders. He was from the town of Arimathea in Judea, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come. 52 He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock. 54 This was done late on Friday afternoon, the day of preparation, as the Sabbath was about to begin.
55 As his body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where his body was placed. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body. But by the time they were finished the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law.
🔎 REFLECT
50 Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph. He was a member of the Jewish high council, 51 but he had not agreed with the decision and actions of the other religious leaders. He was from the town of Arimathea in Judea, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come. 52 He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock. 54 This was done late on Friday afternoon, the day of preparation, as the Sabbath was about to begin.
55 As his body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where his body was placed. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body. But by the time they were finished the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law.
🔎 REFLECT
“They do not know what they are doing.”
Whom was Jesus referring to when he spoke these words from the cross? Was he talking about the soldiers who had just driven spikes through his hands and feet and were now rolling dice for his clothes? Surely they must not have known they were crucifying the Lord of heaven and earth!
Or could Jesus have been referring to people who were walking by, mocking and insulting him?
Or was it possible that he was speaking of his own disciples? They had abandoned him in his hour of deepest need!
Or maybe Jesus was thinking of the religious leaders, whose scheming had led to his sentencing. Or of Pilate, who gave in to the demands of the angry crowd even though he knew Jesus was innocent.
Isn’t it true that none of them really knew what they were doing?
Where do we stop when we think of whom Jesus had in mind when he said this?
The Bible teaches that Jesus’ statement included even you and me. Jesus’ plea of forgiveness on the cross didn’t apply to any one person or group of people. Instead, it was about forgiveness “for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).
🔎 REASON
In Luke 23:26–43, how does Jesus demonstrate concern for other people? What response would you expect in these circumstances from an ordinary human being?
How do the similarities between Luke 23:35–39 and Luke 4:3–13 suggest that the cross is the “opportune time” (Luke 4:13) for Satan’s final temptation of Jesus? In what ways is this final temptation more severe than the earlier wilderness temptation?
Many in the first century would have seen Jesus’ crucifixion, which represented a divine curse (see Deut. 21:22–23; Gal. 3:13), as grounds to reject him. How should we respond to Jesus instead, based on Luke’s descriptions of the repentant criminal (Luke 23:41–43), the centurion (Luke 23:47), and Joseph of Arimathea (Luke 23:50–51)?
🔎 RESEARCH - KJV from (biblekinship.com - Powered by AI)
John 19 18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.
Mark 15 24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
John 19 32 Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.
Revelation 20 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Hebrews 13 12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Daniel 8 12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.
Mark 15 13 And they cried out again, Crucify him.
Matthew 26 59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
Mark 15 15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
Matthew 16 21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Luke 9 22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
1 Corinthians 2 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
John 19 19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Matthew 27 31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
Luke 24 20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
1 Corinthians 1 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
Hebrews 2 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Mark 8 31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
Matthew 27 26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Mark 15 32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
Matthew 27 58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
Hebrews 10 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Mark 6 29 And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
Acts 14 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Leviticus 1 15 And the priest shall bring it unto the altar, and wring off his head, and burn it on the altar; and the blood thereof shall be wrung out at the side of the altar:
2 Kings 23 20 And he slew all the priests of the high places that were there upon the altars, and burned men's bones upon them, and returned to Jerusalem.
Acts 2 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Revelation 14 19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
Leviticus 9 24 And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.
John 19 17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:
Matthew 14 12 And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.
Study 33 - The Earliest Eyewitnesses of Jesus’ Resurrection (Luke 24:1–12)
🔎 REGARD
Luke 24 gives the account of Jesus' followers learning of His resurrection and how it fulfills Old Testament prophecy. Jesus has been crucified. Joseph of Arimathea buried Him. The women watched and then returned to the city to prepare more burial spices. They spend Friday evening to Saturday evening observing the Sabbath, then rise Sunday to buy more spices and go to the tomb.
🔎 READ - Luke 24:1–12 (NLT)
🔎 REGARD
Luke 24 gives the account of Jesus' followers learning of His resurrection and how it fulfills Old Testament prophecy. Jesus has been crucified. Joseph of Arimathea buried Him. The women watched and then returned to the city to prepare more burial spices. They spend Friday evening to Saturday evening observing the Sabbath, then rise Sunday to buy more spices and go to the tomb.🔎 READ - Luke 24:1–12 (NLT)
The Resurrection
But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 3 So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.
5 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”
8 Then they remembered that he had said this. 9 So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. 11 But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. 12 However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.
But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 3 So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.
5 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”
8 Then they remembered that he had said this. 9 So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. 11 But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. 12 However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.
🔎 REFLECT
Mark’s account of the resurrection left us unsure about Jesus on the loose. Luke agrees that the world can’t control Jesus, and then Luke goes even further.
Luke makes clear that Jesus is the one in control. “Remember how he told you . . .” the angels say. But Luke doesn’t focus on how unsettling it is to follow someone who will radically change our life. Rather, Luke aims to inspire awe in us for Jesus. Even though the odds seemed stacked against him, it turns out that everyone has played right into Jesus’ plan.
The resurrection of Jesus is the most awe-inspiring event in the history of the world. It’s not just that Jesus came back from the dead; Elisha had raised a dead boy to life, and Jesus himself had raised several people. The unique thing about Jesus’ resurrection is that it is permanent—Jesus is still alive! Jesus overcame death forever!
Because of Jesus, death no longer has the finality it once had. Jesus demonstrated his power over death so that we can have real hope that he will conquer our death as well. Like Jesus, many of his followers will die. But, because of Jesus, all who follow him will one day be raised back to life.
🔎 REASON
What details from these verses indicate that the earliest eyewitnesses did not expect Jesus to be raised from the dead?
What kinds of evidence did these eyewitnesses see and hear that changed their thinking?
🔎 RESEARCH - KJV from (biblekinship.com - Powered by AI)
1 Corinthians 15 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
Revelation 20 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Acts 23 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
Matthew 22 31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
Hebrews 11 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
Hebrews 11 19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
Mark 12 18 Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,
John 5 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Revelation 20 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
1 Corinthians 15 35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?
Study 34 - Jesus Persuades Skeptics on the Emmaus Road (Luke 24:13–35)
🔎 REGARD
Two men, disciples of Jesus, finally have the chance to leave Jerusalem. They had come for the Passover and stayed when the Romans crucified Jesus thanks to the Jewish Sanhedrin's manipulations. The men, as well as several other disciples, hid in a locked room for fear of the Jewish leaders. Now that the Sabbath is over and the sun has risen, they can leave.
A theme of Jesus' teaching throughout the Gospels is that those who do not have faith are shielded from further truth. This is one reason Jesus taught in parables: those who refused to understand Jesus' plain words were kept from understanding His spiritual allegories and metaphors (Luke 8:9–10). Jesus even thanked the Father that He concealed the truth from the so-called Jewish leaders and revealed it to uneducated men.
🔎 READ - Luke 24:13–35 (NLT)
🔎 REGARD
Two men, disciples of Jesus, finally have the chance to leave Jerusalem. They had come for the Passover and stayed when the Romans crucified Jesus thanks to the Jewish Sanhedrin's manipulations. The men, as well as several other disciples, hid in a locked room for fear of the Jewish leaders. Now that the Sabbath is over and the sun has risen, they can leave.
A theme of Jesus' teaching throughout the Gospels is that those who do not have faith are shielded from further truth. This is one reason Jesus taught in parables: those who refused to understand Jesus' plain words were kept from understanding His spiritual allegories and metaphors (Luke 8:9–10). Jesus even thanked the Father that He concealed the truth from the so-called Jewish leaders and revealed it to uneducated men.
🔎 READ - Luke 24:13–35 (NLT)
The Walk to Emmaus
13 That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”
They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. 18 Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”
19 “What things?” Jesus asked.
“The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. 20 But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.
22 “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. 23 They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! 24 Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.”
25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. 26 Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” 27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, 29 but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. 30 As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. 31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!
32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” 33 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, 34 who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.”
13 That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”
They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. 18 Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”
19 “What things?” Jesus asked.
“The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. 20 But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.
22 “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. 23 They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! 24 Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.”
25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. 26 Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” 27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, 29 but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. 30 As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. 31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!
32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” 33 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, 34 who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.”
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread.
🔎 REFLECT
35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread.
🔎 REFLECT
Two confused disciples were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They were struggling with how their long-awaited Messiah could have died by the hands of the Romans instead of powerfully displaying his might over Israel’s enemies. Meanwhile, the risen Jesus came up and walked with them unrecognized, explaining to them from the Old Testament how God always intended his Messiah to suffer and die for the sake of his people.
When we think of Jesus, we know he was the Christ who was sent to die and rise again. But that wasn’t what Jesus’ earliest followers expected.
Jesus’ identity was hidden from the two disciples walking to Emmaus that day. But their eyes, along with those of the early Christian community, were soon opened to see that all of the events of Jesus’ life, from his birth to his resurrection, were described in the Hebrew Scriptures all along.
God’s actions in our lives are often hidden as well. The Lord is always at work behind the scenes of everyday life. Look again, and ask Jesus to help you see him where you might not expect him. Jesus is with you in your struggles. He is trying to get your attention in your relationships. In your failures Jesus is teaching; in your conflicts, Jesus is deepening your character; and in your successes, Jesus is applauding. May Jesus be revealed in your life today!
🔎 REASON
While some details of this section are puzzling (see Luke 24:16, 28–31), it is clear that the disciples Jesus encounters are filled with grief and confusion. Based on Luke 24:19–24, how would you describe the states of mind and heart they had experienced?
According to Luke 24:25–35, what two kinds of evidence does Jesus provide to help these disciples embrace the reality of his resurrection?
🔎 RESEARCH - KJV from (biblekinship.com - Powered by AI)
Isaiah 63 13 That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?
Deuteronomy 2 8 And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.
Genesis 35 16 And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.
Deuteronomy 1 22 And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come.
Genesis 31 23 And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.
Habakkuk 3 15 Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, through the heap of great waters.
Numbers 33 1 These are the journeys of the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt with their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron.
2 Kings 3 8 And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.
John 6 19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
John 6 17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
2 Kings 3 9 So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom: and they fetched a compass of seven days' journey: and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed them.
Numbers 21 4 And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.
Numbers 33 8 And they departed from before Pihahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days' journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah.
Acts 19 1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
Zechariah 6 7 And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.
Study 35 - Jesus Provides Further Evidence of His Resurrection (Luke 24:36–43)
🔎 REGARD
The evidence that Jesus has risen from the dead comes in waves. First, the women discover His grave is empty (Luke 24:1–3). Next, Mary Magdalene bears witness to the empty tomb for Peter and John (John 20:1–2). Peter and John find the empty tomb (John 20:4–10). Mary and the other women meet Jesus (John 20:11–17; Matthew 28:9–10). The women tell the men (John 20:18; Luke 24:9–10). Two disciples meet Jesus while traveling to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–32). Peter meets Jesus (Luke 24:34). The three men bear witness to the others (Luke 24:35).
🔎 READ - Luke 24:36–43 (NLT)
36 And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!
38 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he ate it as they watched.
🔎 REGARD
The evidence that Jesus has risen from the dead comes in waves. First, the women discover His grave is empty (Luke 24:1–3). Next, Mary Magdalene bears witness to the empty tomb for Peter and John (John 20:1–2). Peter and John find the empty tomb (John 20:4–10). Mary and the other women meet Jesus (John 20:11–17; Matthew 28:9–10). The women tell the men (John 20:18; Luke 24:9–10). Two disciples meet Jesus while traveling to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–32). Peter meets Jesus (Luke 24:34). The three men bear witness to the others (Luke 24:35).🔎 READ - Luke 24:36–43 (NLT)
36 And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!
38 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he ate it as they watched.
🔎 REFLECT
Imagine what it would have been like to be at the scene described in today’s verses! What greater teacher could there be than the Lord Jesus, who had just risen from the dead? How much Scripture he covered in this one lesson!
How did his followers react when Jesus came and stood among them? They were convinced that he was truly alive again. They believed he was the anointed Savior, the Messiah that God had promised long ago. They received forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. And they were commissioned to be his witnesses to spread the good news of the salvation God had accomplished. The primary way God desires to use his Word is to bring people to know, trust, and follow Jesus Christ.
Many people read the Bible out of duty or look into it because they are curious, or search for help in a crisis, or perhaps want to complete a school assignment. But if they are just scanning words on a page, they can miss Jesus. He is both the messenger and the message from God that we need for a transformed life.
🔎 REASON
According to Luke 24:34, the people to whom Jesus appears in Luke 24:36 are already convinced that he “has risen indeed.” How, then, might we explain their reaction in Luke 24:37–38? (Hint: the first half of Luke 24:41 provides strong clues.)
How does Jesus persuade his followers (1) that he really is alive physically, and not just spiritually, and (2) that he is the same person they knew before?
Some people question the reality of Jesus’ resurrection by saying, “Jesus’ disciples were naive, prescientific people.” Others suggest, “Jesus’ disciples were so grief-stricken that they were willing to believe anything.” What details from these verses, or from Luke 24 as a whole, argue against such conclusions?
🔎 RESEARCH - KJV from (biblekinship.com - Powered by AI)
1 Corinthians 15 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Acts 13 30 But God raised him from the dead:
Matthew 27 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
Luke 20 27 Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,
Matthew 22 23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,
John 12 17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
Mark 9 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
Hebrews 11 19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
Study 36 - Jesus Prepares His People for Faith, Obedience, and Mission (Luke 24:44–53)
🔎 REGARD
Christ told the disciples of His death and resurrection several times (Luke 9:22, 44; 17:25; 18:31–33; 22:37). He introduced His ministry by quoting the Old Testament: Isaiah 61:1–2 (Luke 4:18–19). But He also fulfilled countless promises, descriptions, and comments from being the "seed" of Eve who will defeat the "serpent" of Satan (Genesis 3:14–15) to being the sun of righteousness of Malachi 4:2.
🔎 READ - Luke 24:44-53 (NLT)
44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.
49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
🔎 REGARD
Christ told the disciples of His death and resurrection several times (Luke 9:22, 44; 17:25; 18:31–33; 22:37). He introduced His ministry by quoting the Old Testament: Isaiah 61:1–2 (Luke 4:18–19). But He also fulfilled countless promises, descriptions, and comments from being the "seed" of Eve who will defeat the "serpent" of Satan (Genesis 3:14–15) to being the sun of righteousness of Malachi 4:2.
🔎 READ - Luke 24:44-53 (NLT)
44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.
49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
The Ascension
50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. 53 And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.
50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. 53 And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.
🔎 REFLECT
What is central in your life today? For some people, it’s a spouse, child, or other loved one. For others, it’s power, money, fame, or all of these. Maybe for still others, it’s world peace, feeding the hungry, or dismantling racism. For Christians, the central thing in our lives is Jesus. When it really comes down to what makes us get up each day, it’s that Jesus is central; he’s the heart of our worship.
In today’s verses, we encounter Jesus at the end of his earthly journey, ready to return to the Father. He reminds his disciples of what their mission will be when he is no longer with them. His message is simple: they are to be his witnesses. Then Jesus lifts up his hands and blesses them.
What an affirmation! Jesus entrusts his disciples to live and teach the gospel in spite of their faults and failures. The disciples, as they watch Jesus taken into heaven, are near bursting with joy and an unforgettable experience with the Master.
Luke writes, “Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” They knew the heart of worship was the ascended Christ as the center of their joy.
Ask yourself, is Jesus the one who gives you joy in all circumstances?
🔎 REASON
According to Luke 24:44–53, what kinds of things will we believe when Christ opens our minds to understand the Scriptures? What kinds of things will we do?
The task of the worldwide mission Jesus assigns his people in Luke 24:47 is staggering in its scope and importance. According to Luke 24:44–53, what does Jesus do for us or give to us that will sustain us in this task?
🔎 RESEARCH - KJV from (biblekinship.com - Powered by AI)
Micah 1 3 For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth.
Psalms 107 26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
Psalms 132 8 Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
Psalms 74 3 Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.
John 6 62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
Isaiah 41 5 The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.
John 8 1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
Joshua 8 20 And when the men of Ai looked behind them, they saw, and, behold, the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven, and they had no power to flee this way or that way: and the people that fled to the wilderness turned back upon the pursuers.
Revelation 11 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
1 Thessalonians 4 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Revelation 11 15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Comments
Post a Comment