45: Yet not my will but yours be done (Luke 22:24 – 46)

Though Jesus had explained the meaning of His death, they were debating about who is the greatest. Now, he taught them the nature of God’s kingdom and the way of Jesus. And He entrusted all to God on the Mount of Olives.

👉 Read Luke 22:24-46

Q1. As Jesus’ ministry seemed to near the end, they debated who would be (         ) in the His kingdom. Jesus taught them how His kingdom is different from the Gentile kingdom. Generally, those who eat at the table are greater than those who serve. However, his disciples should not do this because their (       ) is among them as  their (      ). However, here is Jesus’ promise. “Those who stay with (       ) in (      ) trials will eat and drink at (     ) table in (     ) kingdom.”

As Jesus’ ministry seemed to near the end, they debated who would be ( the greatest  ) in the His kingdom. Jesus taught them how His kingdom is different from the Gentile kingdom. Generally, those who eat at the table are greater than those who serve. However, his disciples should not do this because their ( Lord ) is among them as  their ( servant ). However, here is Jesus’ promise. “Those who stay with ( me   ) in ( my ) trials will eat and drink at ( my ) table in ( my ) kingdom.”

It was God’s will. As Jesus serves them even through trials according to God’s command, God will give Him the kingdom. Look here: the kingdom of God is not something we take hold of by ourselves; it will be given to us by God in Christ, unlike the Gentile kings, who take authority by their own power. (Note: it does not say “the worldly kingdom.” The Israelite nation was supposed to reflect the kingdom of God, but it became like one of the Gentile nations.)

Receiving the kingdom: elevation and glorification by God.

Debate among higher title in our church?

Such ministry of Jesus will disclose the lie of the Gentile kings calling themselves benefactors while oppressing others. 

The leader serves little ones, just like a father cares his children.

Q2. According to v32, what would be the reason for us to stand in faith? 

To strengthen our brothers.

In the textual context, strong faith means faithfully participating in the Lord’s trials without seeking to be the greatest or relying too confidently on oneself, as Peter did. Peter, having been restored from failure, could guide others not to fail and strengthen their faith.

Note, it is the Lord who takes hold of our faith.

Did Simon want to be the greatest as well? In connection with previous paragraph, Jesus points out, “Don’t seek to be the greatest, but stay alert not to fail in your faith.” Seeking greatest = shortcut to failure.

Q3. Jesus asked them to prepare moneybag and sword. Why? (37)

The Scripture concerning Jesus’ persecution must be fulfilled.

Jesus was about to face severe rejection and persecution, culminating in His crucifixion. Earlier, when He sent the disciples out, the kingdom was welcomed by many as they healed the sick. But now, the situation would change dramatically. Verse 37 is the key to understanding Jesus’ instruction: His followers should be prepared for hardship and hostility. Jesus said, “It is enough,” meaning that He was not instructing them to prepare one sword for each person. It does not mean they should resist or fight, but that they should be ready to endure such opposition. 

Here we can see two phases of ministry. At first, people may welcome us as we help them. But as we challenge them with the vision of God’s kingdom, many will turn away.

Q4. “(        ), if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not (          ), but (             ), be done.”

Father, my will, yours

The cross was Father’s will. Then, was it not Jesus’ will? This is not an appropriate question. “Will” and “providence” belong to God alone. It was the will of the Father and the obedience of the Son.

There is no will, no righteousness of mine. Only God's. 

Q5. What is the two factors that keep us from temptations? (40&46, 43)

Prayer, God’s help.

Note two verses (40,46) say the same message: pray that you may not enter into temptation. 

‘Enter into temptation’ emphasizes gradual entering into a situation of sin or of testing, rather than sudden “falling” into temptation as in James 1:2. Unless we are watchful in prayer, we may enter into a situation of temptation, and by the time we recognize it, it may be too late. Carelessness often comes from overconfidence in ourselves, as seen in Peter. If Peter had not been so confident that he could die for Jesus, he might not have entered the high priest’s courtyard and denied Him.

The same applies to personal sin. We should not assume that we can always stop ourselves before crossing the line into sin. Once we recognize where we are, we may already be on a downward slope that is difficult to stop.

Not praying -> fall into temptation. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” — Proverbs 16:18

Verses 43-44 is unique in Luke. Luke was a doctor and able to describe in detail how Jesus fervently prayed. When Jesus prayed so hard, they were sleeping. Luke records their sleeping only one time while Matthew and Mark three times.

 πειρασμός (reading pee-raas-moss) was translated ‘trial,’ ‘test,’ or ‘temptation.’ Jesus was in ‘my trial’(28). They needed to pray not to enter into ‘temptation’ (40,46). 

We are to pray all the more because our flesh is contaminated with sinful desire and easily tempted to achieve our desires. Jesus prayed to overcome the burden of the flesh—its pain and suffering—and to accomplish God’s will. Jesus prayed so fervently as if he was surrendering His life already in prayer.