Luke 22 recounts the events leading up to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. The chapter begins with the Passover meal where Jesus tells His disciples that one of them will betray Him. This revelation shocks them, and they question among themselves who it could be. Jesus then institutes the sacrament of communion, symbolizing His body and blood.
The focus then shifts to the disciples’ dispute over who among them is the greatest. Jesus teaches them that true greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking positions of authority. He also foretells Peter’s denial, predicting that he will deny knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows.
Later, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays intensely, grappling with the immense weight of His impending crucifixion. He is betrayed by Judas Iscariot, who leads a crowd armed with swords and clubs to arrest Him. Jesus willingly surrenders, even healing one of the men who came to seize Him.
As the chapter concludes, Jesus is taken before the high priest and Jewish council, where false accusations are brought against Him. Peter, who had followed at a distance, denies knowing Jesus, just as Jesus had predicted. The chapter ends with Jesus being mocked, beaten, and mistreated by the guards.