The world mocks Jesus and wants to put Him to death so He can’t be Lord in your life. The world fights back through temptation, lack of provision, intimidation, mocking and unbelief in God’s power and authority. Obey God’s Word, participate in regular observance of the Lord’s table, serve others, resist temptation through prayer so your faith strengthens others, trust in God’s provision for ministry through natural means and in His sovereign plan, which allow you to make Him Lord of your life.
While Passover was approaching, religious leaders sought to put Jesus to death, fearing the people. Satan entered into Judas who discussed how he might betray Jesus to them (Lk. 22:1-6). Satan betrays and puts Jesus to death in your life.
Jesus instructed Peter and John to prepare the Passover by following a man carrying a water pitcher into a house with a furnished, upper room (Lk. 22:7-13). Obeying Jesus’ word allows you to experience life in Him.
As the apostles and Jesus sat together He said, regarding this Passover meal , “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Jesus took the cup, bread and gave thanks, which symbolized that His body and blood was poured out in the new covenant (Lk. 22:14-23). The bread and cup teach about Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross for your sins.
The apostles disputed who would be greatest among themselves. Jesus said Gentile kings lord it over others but the greatest of His disciples serve one another. Just as the Father granted Jesus a kingdom, He enabled His apostles to eat and drink at His table where they would sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel (Lk. 22:24-30). Jesus uses a teachable moment to explain that serving one another equals greatness.
When Satan demanded permission to sift Peter like wheat, Jesus prayed that his faith wouldn’t fail. After turning toward God, Jesus told him to strengthen his brothers. Jesus predicted that Peter’s self-confidence would lead to denying Him three times (Lk. 22:31-34). Resist temptation with prayer so your faith can strengthen others.
Though Jesus said to carry nothing with them in their mission to the Jews, He now instructed them to bring a purse and sell their robe to buy a sword. Jesus was numbered with the transgressors and said “it is enough” after they found two swords (Lk. 22:35-38). God uses natural means to support your kingdom mission.
Jesus told His disciples to pray so they may not enter into temptation. Jesus prayed that the Father would remove this cup not according to His own will, but that God’s will be done. An angel strengthened Christ in His agony of prayer. Christ prayed very fervently with sweat like drops of blood. When Jesus found His disciples sleeping from sorrow, He told them to rise and pray to not enter into temptation (Lk. 22:39-46). Wrestle in prayer to not enter into temptation.
When Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, Peter cut off a slave’s right ear, which Christ healed. He said that religious leaders came against Him with weapons when formerly they didn’t lay hands on Him because it wasn’t the power of darkness (Lk. 22:47-53). Trust in God’s sovereign plan for your life.
Peter followed at a distance after they arrested Jesus. Peter denied Him three times and when He remembered Jesus’ word, he wept bitterly (Lk. 22:54-62). Following Jesus at a distance causes you to deny His plan for your life.
While holding Jesus in custody, they mocked and beat Him. They said many things against Him, while blaspheming (Lk. 22:63-65). The world mocks and speaks against Jesus.
Jesus told the religious leaders that they wouldn’t believe or answer His questions. He also said that “the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They refused any additional testimony after Jesus said He was the Son of God (Lk. 22:66-71). Religious leaders disbelieve Christ’s authority and power while seated at the right hand of God.
The evil one seeks to deny God’s sovereign plan for your life by causing you to follow Christ at a distance, to mock & speak against Him and cause you to disbelieve Christ’s authority and power.
Counteract the evil one’s lies by making Christ Lord in the following ways:
1. Obey the Word of God
2. Practice regular observance of the Lord’s table with the bread and cup symbolizing Christ’s death for your sins
3. Resist temptation through prayer so your faith strengthens others
4. Trust in God’s provision of ministry through natural means
5. Trust in God’s sovereign plan for your life
