Jesus Betrayed

Luke 22:1-23

Since before the fall 2 things have been true.

• Truth 1: There is Evil at work in the World.
• We see this back to the garden
• Through sin this evil spread throughout humanity.
• It’s simply not true…
• We see the sin that spreads through people
• We see its depth in our own hearts.
• I watch it spring up in children
• There is Evil at work in the World.
• Evil is embodied in the person of Satan and has corrupted humanity- to the point where it works in our own hearts and minds
• Today we will see the evil of: Betrayal. 
• There is evil in the world
• Truth 2: God is Sovereign in Accomplishing his Purposes.
• Sovereignty Possesses supreme, ultimate authority and power over all things.
• I think we struggle with the concept of these two realities coexisting.
• In this passage, watch how Jesus is fully aware of the events leading to his betrayal - God is fully in control sovereignly directing history.
• God will ultimately redeem this evil and through it accomplish salvation for all of his people.

Read Luke 22:1-23

Setting: Passover- 

• This was a celebratory meal of remembrance reflection on God rescuing the Israelites through the exodus.
• If you remember, the people were instructed to kill a lamb and place the blood on the door posts of their house.
• Whichever house has blood on the door would be passed over
• The people would be spared and the lamb would die in their place.
• Jesus too will be freeing his people… this time from sin.
• He is the passover lamb whose blood cleanses the sinner.
• Those trusting in Christ are covered beneath his blood on their behalf.
• Those trusting in Christ will be spared from judgment, for he took our place.

So we are going to highlight three key plot points in this passage

1. Sinister Forces (1-6).
2. The chief priests and Scribes were still wanting Jesus dead
3. Why did Judas betray Jesus?  
4. He was a disciple who had witnessed Jesus power and followed 
5. His Desires
6. Judas desired money — He was a thief.
7. John 12:5-7 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii[a] and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.
8. Then Satan… entered into Judas.
9. What unlikely sources for Satan to be at work in the murder of Jesus
10. The exchange was simple
11. This is the enemy at work- Later at this meal we will hear Jesus tell Peter that Satan would like to sift him like wheat.
12. Why do we talk about being watchful last week?
13. And if you doubt his existence today you are already falling prey to his lies.
14. Satan doesn’t want to hurt or damage you- he wants to destroy you.
15. Brothers and sisters do not be ignorant of his devices.
16. Follow the example of our Savior who through Scripture and prayer followed obediently the will of God.
17. Don’t give into Satan
18. Sovereign Control (7-13).
19. Luke has taken great pains to show us Jesus is still in control of the situation.
20. Let’s look at several ways Jesus demonstrates his control
21. Its Passover - Jesus will be the passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7)
22. His Betrayal - (Acts 2:22-23)
23. The Passover location and elements were predetermined (8-13).
24. He knew his suffering was coming (vs15).
25. He knew his death was coming (19-20).
26. He knew who his betrayer was (21-22).
27. Jesus was demonstrating his sovereignty;
28. People were choosing to sin against him.
29. In all of this Jesus was intentionally accomplishing his will.
30. Rather the truth of Scripture details that everything we encounter passes through the hands of a loving heavenly father.
31. God assures us that  everything we encounter will work together for good.
32. Through all of our circumstances, if we follow God, we will become more like Jesus.
33. Christ never promises ease- but he 
34. In fact, he promised suffering.
35. But he calls us to take heart for he has overcome this world and is making all things new.
36. I promise you: If we work through things coming from this perspective it still won’t be easy but you will walk deeper into understanding the heart of God and the truth of Scripture
37. It was in these terrible circumstances, the murder of Jesus, the operation of Satan, that God is still accomplishing his will- redemption for all christians.
38. A Supper to Remember (14-23).
39. Jesus reclining at the table- reflecting the posture of free people
40. Jesus earnest desire to celebrate passover.
41. One of Jesus' last actions in this world will be to reflect on and remember the Exodus by participating in a passover meal.
42. Suffering was coming- the enemy was working and Jesus desire to spend it with the disciples.
43. Are you ever struck by Jesus' desire for fellowship with us?
44. Furthermore, Jesus knew shortly after that they would be asleep in the garden when he asked him to pray.
45. Jesus is transitioning from his Earthly ministry to his time of accomplishing salvation for the world.
46. Jesus makes vows in VS 16 and 18 not to eat a meal like this or drink fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes and things are fulfilled
47. Jesus is indicating that things are changing.
48. Redemption is moving forward- they are moving from the ceremonial passover observance to the offering of the passover lamb.
49. Jesus gives us this expression, “Do this in remembrance of me”
50. The passage ends in an ominous spot as Jesus indicates his knowledge of who is betraying him
51. I think we often wonder where does God’s sovreignty end and mans responsibility begin
52. God knows who will do this (Judas)
53. He’s known of this from the beginning of time and from the moment Judas was born.
54. Satan has taken over Judas to lead him this way 
55. but notice the word of warning - Judas will be held accountable for his role in the murder of Jesus.

Conclusion: 

• The Last Supper is a somewhat ominous night for those who know what's about to take place.
• Many have said it was on this night 2,000+ years ago that the church of Jesus Christ was born.
• If you're in a place today wrestling with sin, grief, or doubt know that God is still on the throne.